Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Kearny
Trash Day
Trash is collected twice weekly by zone: Zone 1 (Blue) on Tuesday and Friday, Zone 2 (Red) on Monday and Thursday, and Zone 3 (Green) on Wednesday and Saturday.
Recycling
Collected once weekly on the first garbage day of the week (Monday for Zone 2, Tuesday for Zone 1, Wednesday for Zone 3), alternating weekly between mixed paper and commingled bottles/cans.
Yard Waste
Routine grass and brush go in regular household trash; curbside leaf collection runs on designated zone days during the fall and early winter.
Set Out Time
After 5:00 PM the evening before collection or by 6:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Residential trash collection and recycling services are funded through town property taxes, meaning homeowners do not receive a separate monthly trash bill.
Billing Cycle
Included in Property Taxes
Accepted Methods
Online, Mail, In Person
Resident-provided Bin (Trash)
Use standard metal or plastic garbage receptacles with tight-fitting lids. Place bins at the curb the night before or early morning on your zone's designated collection days.
Accepted Items
- ✓Everyday household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Small amounts of home repair debris
Resident-provided (Reusable container) Bin (Recycling)
Commingled items must be in a reusable container. Mixed paper can be placed in a garbage can, a cardboard box, or tied neatly with string. Set out on the first garbage day of the week according to the alternating schedule.
Accepted Items
- ✓Plastics marked #1 through #7
- ✓Aluminum and metal food/beverage cans
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Mixed paper, magazines, and office paper
- ✓Corrugated cardboard and boxes
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Electronic waste
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Household batteries
- ✕Food-soiled paper (e.g., greasy pizza boxes)
Yard Waste Bin
Leaves must be placed strictly in biodegradable brown paper leaf bags. Do not use plastic bags.
Accepted Items
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Small brush
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Twice a week (on regular garbage collection days)
Placement
Place your two bulk items neatly at the curb alongside your standard household garbage.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture
- ✓ Wrapped mattresses and box springs
- ✓ Carpeting
- ✓ Small amounts of home repair debris
Not Accepted
- ✕ Major construction or renovation materials
- ✕ White goods/Appliances (requires appointment)
- ✕ Electronics/TVs (requires appointment or drop-off)
- ✕ Hazardous waste
Standard bulk collection is included in municipal taxes. However, the town's contractor is not obligated to collect large volumes of construction debris from major renovations, which requires a private dumpster.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Because Kearny collects garbage twice a week in residential zones, a holiday may result in a skipped pickup rather than a delayed one, resuming on your next scheduled day. Residents must check the DPW calendar or the Recycle Coach app for exact holiday route adjustments.
Yard Waste Exception
The DPW Recycling Center on Bergen Avenue is closed on all municipal holidays.
Download the Recycle Coach app to receive real-time push notifications regarding weather or holiday-related sanitation schedule changes directly to your smartphone.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Fall & Spring
October - December & March - MayDuring designated spring and fall leaf seasons, all leaves must be placed curbside in biodegradable brown paper bags. Leaves swept loose into the street or placed in plastic bags will not be collected.
Winter
December - MarchDuring heavy snowfall or blizzard conditions, sanitation trucks may experience delays. Keep garbage and recycling receptacles visible and clear of snowbanks to ensure collection.
Year-Round
MonthlyKearny schedules a specific 'Clean Out' day once a month. Residents should refer to the annual recycling calendar distributed by the DPW for these specific dates.
Local Tips & Community Info
Turning Your Cans and Bottles into Cash in Kearny?
Did you know New Jersey has a program that pays you for certain bottles and cans? You can get 10 cents back for those specific drinks you finish! While Kearny doesn't have a dedicated buyback center right in town, keep an eye out for redemption centers in nearby areas like Harrison or Newark. It's a great way to make a little extra cash while helping the environment. Just make sure to rinse them out before you take them!
Giving Your Gently Used Stuff a Second Life in Kearny
Instead of tossing perfectly good items, think about donating them! While I couldn't find a specific Kearny-based donation center listed, the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in nearby South Hackensack is a fantastic option. They accept furniture, appliances, and home improvement items. Your donation helps fund their mission to build homes for families in need. Also, check out local churches or community centers; they often have donation drives or know of other places that can use your contributions.
Keeping Kearny Spick and Span: What to Do About Bulky Stuff and Dumpers
The Kearny Recycling Center at 357 Bergen Ave is your go-to for dropping off recyclables during their operating hours (Mon-Thurs, 8 AM-4 PM, with a lunch break). For items that don't fit in your regular bins, especially if they're large, it's best to check with the Department of Public Works for specific instructions on bulky item pickup – they have their own procedures to keep things organized. If you happen to see any illegal dumping, which really spoils our neighborhoods, it's important to report it. You can usually contact the Kearny Police Department or the town hall to let them know. Keeping Kearny clean is a team effort!
Drop-off Facilities
Kearny DPW Recycling Center
357 Bergen Avenue, Kearny, NJ 07032
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bulk items can I throw away in Kearny?
Kearny residents are allowed to place up to two (2) bulk items, such as furniture or carpeting, at the curb during each of their scheduled garbage pickups. Since residential zones have collection twice a week, you have multiple opportunities to dispose of bulk waste.
How do I throw out a refrigerator or washing machine?
Large metal appliances, known as white goods, are not collected with regular bulk trash. You must call the Kearny Department of Public Works at 201-998-3700 to schedule a specialized Friday pickup, or you can bring the item directly to the Recycling Center on Bergen Avenue.
Does Kearny collect plastic and paper recycling in the same bin?
No. Kearny operates on an alternating weekly schedule for recycling. One week they collect commingled containers (plastics #1-#7, glass, aluminum), and the following week they collect mixed paper and cardboard. You must separate them and only put out the material scheduled for that specific week.
What is the rule for getting rid of a mattress?
To protect sanitation workers from health hazards and bedbugs, all mattresses and box springs must be completely wrapped and sealed in a plastic bag before being placed at the curb with your regular garbage.