Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Linden
Trash Day
Household garbage is collected twice weekly based on your assigned district (Districts 1, 2, 3, 9, and 10 or Districts 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8).
Recycling
Collected weekly or bi-weekly on assigned district days, alternating between commingled bottles and cans (blue cart) and paper/cardboard (brown cart).
Yard Waste
Grass clippings and leaves are collected curbside seasonally on scheduled days; large branches and yard debris are collected during designated quarterly bulk trash pickups.
Set Out Time
By 6:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Curbside trash and recycling services are operated by the Linden Department of Public Works and funded through municipal property taxes, so residents do not receive a separate trash utility bill.
Billing Cycle
Included in Property Taxes
Accepted Methods
Online, Mail, Drop Box, In Person
Pro Tip / Discount
Senior citizen and disabled resident property tax deduction programs (PTR and Stay NJ) are available for qualifying homeowners through the City Tax Collector.
Resident-provided Bin (Trash)
Use heavy-duty plastic bags for loose trash or standard garbage receptacles. Household garbage only (no bulk items) is collected twice weekly.
Accepted Items
- ✓Household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Styrofoam drink cups
- ✓Fast food containers
- ✓Hardened paint
Resident-provided Bin (Recycling)
Cardboard boxes must be emptied of trash and left for the homeowner to recycle on designated 'P day' (Paper day). Recyclables must be kept separate from household garbage.
Accepted Items
- ✓Glass bottles and jars (clean)
- ✓Aluminum and tin/steel cans
- ✓Plastics #1 and #2
- ✓Newspaper and magazines
- ✓Cardboard and office paper
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Pizza boxes
- ✕Drink cups
- ✕Fast food containers
Yard Waste Bin
Place in sturdy containers labeled 'GRASS' or in biodegradable paper bags. Do not mix bushes, rocks, or dirt with grass clippings. Plastic bags are strictly prohibited.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Bagged leaves
- ✓Small branches
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
4 times per year per district (referred to as 'Trash Day')
Placement
Place at the curb. Separate metals, air conditioners, and refrigerators from regular bulk items, as they are collected by specialized trucks.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture and carpeting
- ✓ BBQ grills (propane detached)
- ✓ Appliances and white goods
- ✓ Toys and games
- ✓ Wood and building materials (cut to 4 ft, no nails)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Whole pallets
- ✕ Truck tires
- ✕ Wet paint and liquids
- ✕ Concrete, asphalt, and cinder blocks
- ✕ Commercial contractor waste
Standard quarterly curbside collection is free. If you are moving, you can call the DPW for a special confirmed trash pickup, which may carry an additional fee.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
DPW schedules will change only on weeks in which holidays fall. Residents should use the Recycle Coach app to receive instant push notifications regarding holiday or severe weather-related delays.
Yard Waste Exception
The DPW drop-off sites at 700 Lower Road and 1 Donaldson Place are closed on all municipal holidays.
During a severe snowstorm or hurricane, regular sanitation services may be delayed or completely canceled for safety reasons.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Spring/Summer
April - SeptemberGrass clippings are generated heavily during mowing season. Always use a dedicated container labeled 'GRASS' or biodegradable bags, and ensure all fuels and oils are completely drained from old mowers and blowers prior to disposal.
Fall
October - DecemberBagged leaf collection requires sturdy containers or biodegradable paper bags. Do not mix yard waste like branches or bushes in with your bagged leaves, as they require separate processing.
Winter
JanuaryChristmas trees are collected post-holiday. All stands, lights, and decorations must be completely removed before placing the tree at the curb for disposal. Never wrap or place trees in plastic bags.
Local Tips & Community Info
Turning Your Scrap into Cold, Hard Cash Around Linden!
Hey Linden neighbors, ever wonder if those old aluminum cans or scrap metal pieces could actually earn you some cash? While Linden's official DPW handles regular recycling, for those bigger metal hauls or even just a lot of cans, hitting up a local scrap yard can be a smart move. Check out places like Newark Scrap Metal in nearby Newark; they often pay by weight for a variety of metals. It's a great way to clear out the garage and pocket some extra bucks while keeping valuable materials out of the landfill.
Giving Your Gently Used Goods a Second Life in Linden
Before you toss those clothes that don't fit anymore or that perfectly good lamp, think about donating! There are often local organizations in and around Linden that would be thrilled to take your usable items. Keep an eye out for opportunities with the Salvation Army or local community centers that might be collecting for families in need. Sometimes, even local churches or small thrift shops are looking for donations to support their programs. It's a fantastic way to help out your community and reduce waste.
Keeping Linden Beautiful: Tackling Dumping and Joining Cleanups
Let's be honest, nobody likes seeing trash dumped illegally on our streets or in our parks. If you ever spot illegal dumping happening in Linden, you can usually report it to the Linden Division of Public Works or the city's non-emergency line. Staying proactive also means joining community cleanup events! Linden often has neighborhood cleanups organized by local groups or the city itself. Keep an eye on community bulletin boards or the city's official website for announcements. Participating is a win-win: a cleaner Linden for everyone and a chance to connect with your neighbors.
Drop-off Facilities
Linden DPW Drop-Off Site (Lower Road)
700 Lower Road, Linden, NJ 07036
Materials Accepted
Linden Recycling Center (Donaldson Place)
1 Donaldson Place, Linden, NJ 07036
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does Linden collect bulk trash?
In Linden, bulk trash collection is uniquely referred to as 'Trash Day.' This heavy-duty collection for furniture, appliances, and large items occurs exactly four times a year in each district. Regular household garbage is not collected on this specific day.
Can I put my grass clippings in a plastic garbage bag?
No. The City of Linden strictly prohibits the use of plastic bags for yard waste. Grass clippings and leaves must be placed in a sturdy container clearly labeled 'GRASS' or in biodegradable paper lawn bags.
Where can I drop off extra trash if I miss my collection?
Residents can drop off limited amounts of bulk trash and recyclables at the DPW sites located at 700 Lower Road and 1 Donaldson Place. You are allowed to dump one day per week and must provide proof of residency, such as a driver's license or tax bill.
What should I do with old cans of wet paint?
The DPW cannot collect wet paint, liquid waxes, or driveway sealers at the curb. You must remove the lids and let the cans dry out and harden in the sun. You can speed up this process by mixing in cat litter or shredded newspaper before throwing the hardened cans in the regular garbage.