Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Hawthorne
Trash Day
Trash is collected once per week by zone: Zone 1 on Tuesday, Zone 2 on Thursday, Zone 3 on Wednesday, and Zone 4 on Friday.
Recycling
Recycling is collected once per week by zone: Zone 1 on Wednesday, Zone 2 on Thursday, Zone 3 on Tuesday, and Zone 4 on Friday.
Yard Waste
Yard waste is collected weekly by zone: Zone 1 and Zone 3 on Tuesday; Zone 2 and Zone 4 on Wednesday (seasonal leaf collection runs November through December).
Set Out Time
By 7:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Residential trash, recycling, and yard waste collection services are municipal services funded through your local property taxes, while water utilities are billed separately.
Billing Cycle
Included in Property Taxes
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay, Mail, In Person, Drop Box
Pro Tip / Discount
Senior citizen and disabled resident property tax deductions are available through the state and Borough Tax Assessor; no separate trash discount is offered.
Resident's own standard container Bin (Trash)
All garbage must be placed in a standard trash can weighing no more than 50 pounds. Bins must be at the curb by 7:00 AM on your scheduled pickup day.
Accepted Items
- ✓Standard household solid waste
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Soiled paper products
Clearly marked recycling bin Bin (Recycling)
Recyclables are collected weekly and must be placed at the curb by 7:00 AM. Materials must be commingled loosely in the bin; never bag your recyclables.
Accepted Items
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
- ✓Numbered plastic bottles and jugs
- ✓Clean cardboard and mixed paper
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags and bubble wrap
- ✕Ceramics and flower pots
- ✕Light bulbs and window glass
- ✕Plastic toys and non-numbered plastics
Yard Waste Bin
Yard waste is collected from April through December. It must be placed in biodegradable paper bags or open, rigid containers. Brush must be tied and bundled, and cannot be mixed with grass or leaves.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Brush and small branches
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Monthly, strictly on your first scheduled garbage collection day of the month.
Placement
Place up to six accepted non-metal bulk items at the curb alongside your regular trash prior to 7:00 AM on the first collection day of the month.
Accepted
- ✓ Pieces of furniture
- ✓ Mattresses
- ✓ Interior doors
- ✓ Windows
- ✓ Toilets
Not Accepted
- ✕ Construction and demolition debris
- ✕ Metal items and white goods
- ✕ Electronic waste (TVs, computers)
- ✕ Recyclable materials
Bulk collection is included in municipal services. However, disposing of household construction debris at the Recycling Center on C&D Saturdays requires a permit and potentially an associated fee.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
When a major borough-observed holiday falls on a weekday, collections for that day and the remainder of the week are typically delayed by one day. Residents should consult the annual borough calendar for specific shift dates.
Yard Waste Exception
Vegetative yard waste routes are highly susceptible to suspension during holiday weeks or severe weather events, as crews prioritize standard household garbage.
Hawthorne utilizes the Recycle Coach app, which residents should download to receive automatic push notifications regarding unexpected holiday schedule changes.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Fall
November to DecemberThe borough conducts a specialized fall leaf collection program during November and December. Check the annual DPW calendar for exact zone dates, and ensure leaves are kept out of storm drains and free of branches or rocks.
Spring/Summer
April to OctoberStandard yard and vegetative waste collection runs throughout the spring and summer. Remember that landscapers operating in the borough must obtain an annual permit from the DPW and adhere to local disposal regulations.
Winter
January to MarchDuring heavy snowstorms, municipal plowing takes precedence. Trash and recycling collections may be temporarily delayed. Residents are advised to keep their bins slightly recessed into their driveways so they do not block snowplows.
Local Tips & Community Info
Got Scrap? Turn Your Recyclables into Cash in Hawthorne!
Thinking about getting rid of some old metal, cans, or even electronics? Instead of just tossing them, consider checking out local scrap yards. While Hawthorne itself might not have a dedicated buyback center, you're not too far from places that pay for recyclables. For instance, you might find options in nearby Paterson or even further out in Passaic County that accept items like aluminum cans, copper, and steel. These places can help you make a few bucks while keeping valuable materials out of the landfill. Don't forget about New Jersey's bottle deposit law – many beverage containers have a small refund value you can reclaim at participating stores!
Give Your Gently Used Stuff a Second Life in Hawthorne
Before you toss out furniture, clothing, or household items that are still in good shape, think about donating them. It's a fantastic way to help out neighbors and reduce waste. While there isn't a huge, dedicated donation center *right* in Hawthorne, you're close to several great options. Check out thrift stores in nearby towns like Ridgewood or Fair Lawn that often accept clothing, books, and household goods. Places like the Goodwill or Salvation Army have drop-off locations, and you might even find local churches or community organizations that run donation drives for specific needs. Giving your unwanted items a new purpose feels good and benefits others!
Keeping Hawthorne Clean: What to Do About Piles and Proper Disposal
We all want Hawthorne to look its best, right? If you happen to spot any illegal dumping or have questions about larger items not covered by the regular schedule, it's good to know who to call. The town's Public Works department is your go-to for reporting any unauthorized trash piles or concerns about waste in public areas. They can guide you on special collection days for items like electronics or hazardous materials, which are often held periodically throughout the year to help residents dispose of tricky items safely. Staying informed about these opportunities helps keep our streets and parks clean for everyone.
Drop-off Facilities
Hawthorne Recycling Center
289 Wagaraw Road (behind baseball/softball complex), Hawthorne, NJ 07506
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for garbage collection in Hawthorne, NJ?
As of April 2026, the Borough of Hawthorne contracts with Ricova (formerly Affordable Cartage LLC) to collect weekly household garbage, recycling, and seasonal yard waste. You can contact them directly for service issues at 973-732-9009 ext. 2.
When can I throw out a mattress or large piece of furniture?
Bulk waste is collected strictly on your first garbage collection day of the month. You are allowed to place up to six bulky items (such as a mattress, toilet, or couch) at the curb without needing to make an appointment.
How do I dispose of a refrigerator, TV, or scrap metal?
Metal items, appliances, and electronics (like televisions and computers) are not collected with standard monthly bulk waste. You must call the DPW office at 973-427-5330 to schedule a specific curbside pickup for these materials.
Where can I recycle plastic grocery bags and Amazon mailers?
Plastic bags and film are banned from your curbside recycling bin. However, Hawthorne offers a free Plastic Film Recycling Program at the Recycling Center on Wagaraw Road. Residents can drop off clean produce bags, Ziplocs, bubble wrap, and plastic e-commerce mailers.