Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Linden
In New Jersey, municipal refuse and recycling routes operate weekly. Your exact collection days are determined by your local borough or township.
State Mandate
The NJ Mandatory Source Separation and Recycling Act requires all residents to separate designated recyclables.
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
!Contamination Tips
Styrofoam Belongs in the Garbage
Unlike some municipalities, Linden specifically prohibits Styrofoam drink cups and fast food containers in the recycling bin. These items must be discarded in your regular household garbage.
Prepare Wood and Building Materials
If you are throwing out wood or building materials during a bulk collection, they must be cut to 4-foot lengths. All nails must be completely removed or bent back flat to protect sanitation workers from puncture injuries.
Dry Out Wet Paint
The Linden DPW will not collect wet paint, driveway sealers, spackles, putty, or liquid waxes. You must remove the lids and allow the product to harden in the sun. Adding cat litter or shredded newspaper can significantly speed up the drying process.
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.
About Linden Waste Management
Linden's Unique 'Trash Day' Terminology
In Linden, the term 'Trash Day' actually refers to the specialized quarterly bulk waste collection, not your everyday garbage pickup. Standard household garbage is collected twice weekly, while the heavy-duty 'Trash Day' occurs just four times a year in each district to handle old furniture, attic contents, and appliances. Be aware that typical household garbage will not be collected on these designated bulk 'Trash Days.'
Grass and Leaf Collection Rules
The City of Linden requires strict adherence to its yard waste policies to keep storm drains clear and organic materials compostable. Grass clippings and leaves must be placed in a sturdy container labeled 'GRASS' or in biodegradable paper bags. The DPW actively enforces a ban on plastic bags for yard waste, and grass can never be piled loosely in the curb line.
P-Day for Paper and Cardboard
To streamline the recycling process, Linden residents separate their recyclables. Cardboard boxes must be emptied of any garbage and flattened for collection on designated 'P days' (Paper days). By keeping paper products separate from commingled bottles and cans, the city maximizes the value of its recovered materials and minimizes processing contamination.
Accessing the Residential Drop-Off Sites
For items that can't wait for the quarterly bulk pickup, residents can utilize the city's drop-off sites located at 700 Lower Road and 1 Donaldson Place. Residents are permitted to dump limited bulk trash one day per week, with a strict requirement to show proof of residency like a driver's license or tax bill. Commercial and building contractor dumping is strictly prohibited.
Specialized Appliance and Metal Trucks
When setting out items for the quarterly bulk 'Trash Day,' remember that metals, air conditioners, and refrigerators are collected by entirely separate trucks. Residents must also ensure that all propane cylinders are completely detached from BBQ grills before placing them at the curb to protect sanitation workers from potential hazards.
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.