Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Jersey City
Trash Day
Trash is collected twice per week based on neighborhood zone (Zone A: Monday and Thursday; Zone B: Tuesday and Friday; Zone C: Wednesday and Saturday).
Recycling
Once per week on your neighborhood's designated collection day using a two-category dual-stream system (paper/cardboard separated from commingled bottles and cans).
Yard Waste
Curbside leaf collection takes place October through December; small tree branches (under 4 feet) are picked up on Wednesdays by appointment.
Set Out Time
Between 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM the night before your scheduled collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Residential solid waste collection is billed at a flat monthly rate per unit and is bundled directly onto your quarterly municipal water and sewer bill.
Billing Cycle
Quarterly
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay, Mail, Phone, In Person
Any standard tight-fitting trash container Bin (Trash)
Trash must be placed in secure heavy-duty bags or lidded manual containers and set at the curb strictly between 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM the evening before pickup.
Accepted Items
- ✓Standard household refuse
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Soiled or greasy paper
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
Any designated recycling container (Separate bins required for Category 1 and Category 2) Bin (Recycling)
Must use the dual-stream system. Category 1 (commingled glass/plastic/cans) and Category 2 (paper/cardboard) must be in separate unbagged containers.
Accepted Items
- ✓Plastics (bottles and jugs)
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
- ✓Newspapers, magazines, and mixed paper
- ✓Flattened corrugated cardboard
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic garbage bags
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Plastics marked 3, 4, 6, and 7
- ✕Aluminum foil
- ✕Coffee cups or milk cartons with plastic coatings
- ✕Electronic waste
Yard Waste Bin
Leaves must be placed in provided biodegradable brown bags. Tree branches under 4 feet require scheduling a Wednesday pickup with the Forestry Dept at 201-547-4449.
Accepted Items
- ✓Autumn leaves
- ✓Small tree parts (under 4 feet)
- ✓Untreated wood (at drop-off)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Up to twice a week on your regular scheduled garbage days
Placement
Place approved bulk items at the curb between 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM the night before your scheduled collection day, ensuring they don't block sidewalks.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture
- ✓ Mattresses (MUST be wrapped in plastic)
- ✓ Couches
- ✓ Tables and chairs
Not Accepted
- ✕ Tires (must be taken to the DPW drop-off)
- ✕ Electronics and E-waste (requires separate E-waste appointment)
- ✕ Hazardous waste (chemicals, wet paint)
- ✕ Large construction and demolition debris
Bulk collection of up to four items per day is a free service included in standard residential waste pickup. Tires taken to the drop-off center are free for the first four, followed by a small per-tire fee.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Unlike many municipalities, Jersey City generally maintains regular residential trash and recycling collections on ALL holidays unless a specific suspension is announced.
Yard Waste Exception
Specialized pickups, such as bulk electronics or forestry branch appointments, may not be available on major federal holidays.
Always double-check the official Recycle Coach app or contact the JCDPW to confirm if severe weather or a rare holiday suspension impacts your specific neighborhood's route.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Fall
October to DecemberThe city conducts an intensive autumn leaf collection program and provides free biodegradable brown paper bags to residents. Never rake leaves directly into the street or put them in plastic bags, as they will be left at the curb.
Winter
JanuaryPost-holiday Christmas tree collection takes place citywide every Thursday throughout January. Trees must be placed at the curb on Wednesday evenings between 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM, completely stripped of all lights, ornaments, and plastic wrapping.
Spring/Summer
April to SeptemberDuring busy spring cleaning and summer renovation months, remember that construction debris and large tree trunks over 4 feet cannot be left curbside. They must be self-hauled directly to the DPW drop-off center on Linden Avenue.
Local Tips & Community Info
Cash for Your Cans? Jersey City's Redeeming Treasures
Did you know some of your recyclables can actually put money back in your pocket right here in the Garden State? While Jersey City has great recycling programs, sometimes there are extra steps you can take. New Jersey has a state-wide 'Bottle Bill' that allows you to get a deposit back on certain beverage containers like soda and water bottles. You can often find redemption centers in and around the Jersey City area that will take these items off your hands for a small fee per container. It's a neat way to reduce waste and earn a little something back!
Give Your Gently Used Stuff a Second Life in Jersey City!
Before you toss that couch or those clothes, think about giving them a new home! Jersey City has some fantastic places where you can donate items that are still in good condition. Organizations like the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in nearby Kearny are always looking for furniture, building materials, and home goods. Also, check out local thrift stores and charities in Jersey City itself that accept clothing, housewares, and other usable items. It's a win-win: you declutter, and someone else gets a great deal while supporting local causes.
Keeping Our Neighborhoods Clean: Tackling Messy Spots in Jersey City
Nobody likes seeing trash dumped where it doesn't belong. If you notice illegal dumping happening in Jersey City, it's important to report it so the city can address it. You can typically reach out to the Department of Public Works or use a specific hotline if available. Jersey City also sometimes holds community clean-up events, which are great ways to get involved and make a real difference in your neighborhood. Keeping an eye out and participating in these efforts helps keep Jersey City beautiful for everyone.
Drop-off Facilities
Jersey City DPW Drop-off Center
13-15 Linden Avenue East, Jersey City, NJ 07305
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bulk items can I throw away in Jersey City?
Residents are permitted to dispose of up to four bulk items, such as a couch or table, on their regular garbage collection day. However, you must first call the JCDPW at 201-547-4400 to schedule the pickup, and any mattresses must be wrapped in plastic.
Does Jersey City pick up garbage on federal holidays?
Yes, Jersey City is highly unique in that the Department of Public Works generally collects recycling and trash on all holidays. Any rare exceptions or weather-related suspensions will be announced via the Recycle Coach app.
How does the dual-stream recycling system work?
Jersey City mandates that recyclables be separated into two distinct bins. Category 1 is for all plastics, glass, and cans. Category 2 is exclusively for paper items and cardboard, which must be bundled or placed in a separate container.
Where can I safely dispose of old TVs and electronics?
Electronics, also known as e-waste (like computers, TVs, and speakers), as well as white goods (refrigerators and AC units), require a special scheduled collection. You must call the DPW at 201-547-4400 between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM to arrange a dedicated pickup.