Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Hillsborough Township
Trash Day
Hillsborough Township does not operate a municipal trash pickup service. Residents must contract individually with a private licensed waste hauler, who sets the weekly trash collection schedule.
Recycling
Curbside recycling is collected every other Tuesday throughout the township through the Somerset County Office of Recycling.
Yard Waste
The DPW conducts seasonal curbside loose leaf pickup in November and December. Residents can also bring leaves and grass clippings to the Auten Road drop-off site on scheduled Saturdays and the third Friday of each month.
Set Out Time
By 6:00 AM on collection day (or the night before)
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Trash collection is privately contracted directly by homeowners, while residential recycling is managed and funded county-wide through Somerset County.
Billing Cycle
Quarterly or Monthly (set by private hauler)
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay, Mail, Phone
Pro Tip / Discount
No specific municipal discounts listed; check directly with your private waste hauler for potential senior or promotional discounts.
Varies by private hauler Bin (Trash)
Trash collection is privately managed. Contact your chosen hauling company for their specific container requirements and weight limits.
Accepted Items
- ✓Household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable packaging
Yellow Lid (Commingled) / Green Lid (Paper) Bin (Recycling)
Cardboard must be placed loosely inside the green-lid tote. Ensure wheeled totes are placed with the metal grab bar facing the street and kept 2 feet apart from each other and parked cars.
Accepted Items
- ✓Clean and dry cardboard
- ✓Paper and magazines
- ✓Plastics #1 - #7
- ✓Aluminum, steel, and bi-metal cans
- ✓Glass bottles
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags and wrap
- ✕Wet cardboard
- ✕Plastic toys and flower pots
- ✕Lithium batteries
- ✕Styrofoam
Yard Waste Bin
Do not bag leaves for fall curbside vacuuming. Brush and grass clippings must be brought to the Auten Road Drop-Off site on designated program dates.
Accepted Items
- ✓Loose leaves (Fall vacuuming)
- ✓Brush and branches (Drop-off only)
- ✓Grass clippings (Drop-off only)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Monthly drop-off events (April - October) / Annual curbside for seniors
Placement
For the Senior Pickup Program, items must be at the curb by 7:00 am on the assigned Monday. All mattresses and box springs must be fully sealed in a plastic bag.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs (must be bagged)
- ✓ Large household items
- ✓ Brush and yard clean-up debris
Not Accepted
- ✕ Hazardous waste
- ✕ Lithium and rechargeable batteries
- ✕ Contractor or commercial construction debris
- ✕ Propane tanks
The Auten Road Drop-Off program is free for registered Hillsborough residents. Residents hiring private haulers or dumpsters for bulk removal must pay out-of-pocket.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Private trash haulers dictate their own holiday schedules, so residents should check directly with their provider. For county recycling, collections may shift or be delayed; consult the Somerset County Recycling schedule for exact dates.
Yard Waste Exception
Auten Road drop-off events run strictly on pre-scheduled dates and are not open daily, regardless of holidays.
Somerset County advises placing recycling bins out the night before your scheduled collection to avoid missed pick-ups during holiday weeks.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Fall
October - DecemberThe DPW leaf vacuum trucks hit the streets. Rake leaves to the curb line, but never bag them or mix in branches and grass clippings, which can cause severe mechanical damage to the vacuum trucks. Keep piles clear of storm drains.
Spring
AprilThe annual Senior Curbside Pickup Program runs in April. Seniors over the age of 65 must register in advance with the DPW to have up to 10 bulk household items picked up from their homes.
Summer
June - AugustThe Grass Drop-Off program operates on select Fridays from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Auten Road site. Grass must be bagged for transport in your vehicle, but the bags must be emptied into the site's containers and the empty bags taken back home with you.
Local Tips & Community Info
Turn Your Cans into Cash Right Here in Hillsborough!
Hey Hillsborough neighbors! While our regular recycling is super important, did you know you can actually get a few bucks back for certain items? New Jersey has a state-wide program for certain bottles and cans. While Hillsborough itself doesn't have a dedicated buyback center right in town, you'll want to look for redemption centers in the wider Somerset County area. Often, larger grocery stores or dedicated recycling centers will take back those specific beverage containers for their deposit value. It's a little extra incentive to make sure those bottles and cans get into the right stream!
Giving Your Gently Used Stuff a Second Life in Hillsborough
Before you toss out those items that are still perfectly good, think about giving them a new home! For clothing, housewares, and furniture, check out the Goodwill Store & Donation Center in nearby Manville. They happily accept donations that can help support their job training programs. Another great option is Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Bridgewater. They accept furniture, appliances, building materials, and home décor. Donating not only helps others but also keeps useful items out of the landfill – a win-win for Hillsborough!
Keeping Hillsborough Beautiful: Tackling Dumping and Joining Cleanups
It’s a bummer when folks dump trash illegally in our beautiful Hillsborough. If you ever see it, the best thing to do is report it to the Hillsborough Township Department of Public Works. They can investigate and get it cleaned up. Plus, keep an eye out for community clean-up events that pop up throughout the year! Often, local environmental groups or the township itself will organize these. It's a fantastic way to meet your neighbors, get some fresh air, and make a real difference in keeping our parks and streets looking great.
Drop-off Facilities
Auten Road Drop-Off Site
280 Auten Road (opposite Auten Road Intermediate School), Hillsborough, NJ 08844
Materials Accepted
Somerset County Recycling Center (First Saturday Drop-Off)
40 Polhemus Lane, Bridgewater, NJ 08807
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Hillsborough Township provide municipal trash collection?
No, Hillsborough Township does not provide residential garbage pickup. Homeowners must independently contract with a private solid waste hauling company, such as Republic Services or Dave’s Suburban Disposal, for weekly trash collection.
How do I dispose of bulk waste or large furniture in Hillsborough?
Residents can utilize the Annual Clean Up/Drop Off Program at the Auten Road site on designated Saturdays from April to October. You must register via Community Pass beforehand. Additionally, residents 65 and older can sign up for the Senior Curbside Pickup Program in April.
What is the rule for throwing away a mattress?
If you are utilizing the Senior Curbside Pickup or bringing a mattress to a county facility, the mattress and box spring MUST be enclosed in a sealed plastic bag. This prevents the spread of bedbugs and protects sanitation workers.
How does leaf collection work in Hillsborough?
During the fall, the DPW runs a leaf vacuuming program. Residents should rake leaves directly to the curb edge, taking care not to block traffic or storm drains. Leaves must never be bagged, and you should never mix sticks, pumpkins, or grass into the leaf pile, as it will break the vacuum equipment.