Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Little Egg Harbor
Trash Day
Trash is collected once per week, Monday through Friday, depending on your neighborhood route.
Recycling
Recycling is collected curbside on designated route days, Monday through Friday.
Yard Waste
Brush and metal are collected once per month by zone (Zones 1–4 corresponding to the 1st through 4th full week of the month). Township-wide leaf pickup occurs in April (spring) and October through December (fall).
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 funded through municipal property taxes, so residents do not receive an individual monthly waste collection bill. Property taxes are payable quarterly on February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1.
Billing Cycle
Included in Property Taxes
Accepted Methods
Online (E-Check, Credit/Debit Card), Mail, In-Person, Drop Box
Pro Tip / Discount
Senior citizens (65+), permanently disabled residents, surviving spouses, and veterans may qualify for a $250 annual property tax deduction through the Township Tax Assessor's Office.
Township-provided automated trash container Bin (Trash)
All trash must fit inside the Township-provided automated trash container with the cover fully closed. Trash must not be placed near mailboxes or vehicles.
Accepted Items
- ✓Standard household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Bagged shredded paper
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Minor building materials (if they fit in the bin)
Township-provided automated recycling container Bin (Recycling)
Recyclables must be commingled loosely inside the container. Never bag recyclables in plastic. Cardboard must be flattened.
Accepted Items
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
- ✓Plastic bottles and jugs (#1, #2, #5)
- ✓Flattened cardboard
- ✓Mixed paper and magazines
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Pizza boxes
- ✕Televisions and electronics
- ✕Wood fencing
- ✕Hazardous waste
Yard Waste Bin
Brush and leaves must be separated from bulk trash and placed at the curb by 6:00 AM on the Monday of your scheduled monthly zone collection week.
Accepted Items
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Brush
- ✓Branches
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Once a month based on your designated residential zone.
Placement
Place bulk items at the curb by 6:00 AM Monday of your zone's week. Do not place bulk waste near mailboxes, fire hydrants, or parked vehicles.
Accepted
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs
- ✓ Appliances (freon removed)
- ✓ Furniture
- ✓ Large plastic toys
Not Accepted
- ✕ Kitchen and bathroom cabinets
- ✕ Boats (cut up or whole)
- ✕ Concrete, rock, soil, or brick
- ✕ Construction debris
- ✕ Propane tanks
- ✕ Wood fencing
- ✕ Hot tubs
Curbside bulk pickup is free for accepted items. Unacceptable construction materials (Major Building Materials) are the private responsibility of the homeowner or contractor to dispose of at the Ocean County landfill.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If there is a holiday during the week, trash and recycling pickups will be delayed by one day for the remainder of that week. Since regular collections are Monday through Thursday, Friday is used as the makeup collection day.
Yard Waste Exception
Monthly zone pickups for bulk and brush still require items to be placed out by 6:00 AM on Monday, but the actual collection day may shift if a holiday occurs.
Always check the Township website or DPW calendar for exact holiday closures, as the Recycling Center also closes on observed holidays.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Winter
December to MarchDuring winter snowstorms, ensure your automated carts are kept clear of snowbanks and are visible to the DPW trucks. Because normal trash runs Monday through Thursday, weather delays will typically shift pickups to Friday.
Spring
April to JuneSpring is the perfect time for boating preparation. If you shrink-wrap your boat, remember that the Little Egg Harbor Recycling Center on Route 539 accepts boat shrink wrap for recycling, keeping this bulky plastic out of the landfill.
Summer
June to SeptemberDuring the busy summer months, ensure that all household trash fits within your automated cart with the lid completely closed to prevent rainwater accumulation. Rainwater adds excessive weight, which wastes tax dollars on higher disposal costs.
Local Tips & Community Info
Pocket Some Change with These Local Recycling Spots!
Hey neighbor! Did you know you might be able to turn those empty bottles and cans into cash right here in our area? While Little Egg Harbor itself might not have specific buyback centers listed for instant redemption, don't fret! The state of New Jersey has a robust bottle redemption program for many beverages. So, keep those containers separate and check with your local grocery stores – many offer redemption services. For larger items like scrap metal, a quick drive to a nearby scrap yard in Ocean County could be worth your while. Just give them a call before you haul to confirm what they accept and their current prices. It's a great way to clear out clutter and earn a little extra!
Give Your Gently Used Stuff a New Home in Little Egg Harbor
Before you toss those items that are still in good shape, think about donating them! It's a fantastic way to help others in our community and reduce waste. While I couldn't find a specific large donation center *directly* in Little Egg Harbor, nearby towns often have great options. Check out organizations like the Salvation Army or Goodwill in neighboring communities; they're usually thrilled to receive clothing, household goods, and furniture. Sometimes, local churches or community centers also host donation drives. Even if it's a short trip, giving your pre-loved items a second life feels good and benefits everyone!
Keeping Little Egg Harbor Clean: Tackling Dumping & Cleanup Days
Let's all do our part to keep Little Egg Harbor beautiful! If you ever notice illegal dumping happening, the best thing to do is report it. Usually, the township's Public Works department or Code Enforcement office is the right place to call. They have procedures to handle these situations. Keep an eye out for community cleanup events too! Often, local volunteer groups or environmental organizations organize these. Participating in a town-wide cleanup day is a super rewarding way to give back and directly improve our shared spaces. It’s a real testament to our community spirit!
Drop-off Facilities
Little Egg Harbor Recycling & Compost Center
1363 Route 539, Little Egg Harbor, NJ 08087
Materials Accepted
Southern Ocean County Recycling Center
379 Haywood Road, Manahawkin, NJ 08050
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to call the DPW to schedule a bulk or brush pickup in Little Egg Harbor?
No, you do not need to call to schedule. All bulk, metal, and brush collections are done once a month by zone. You simply need to physically separate the materials and place them curbside by 6:00 AM on the Monday of your designated week.
What should I do with my old television?
Televisions and other electronic waste are not collected at the curb. You must bring them to the Little Egg Harbor Recycling & Compost Center located at 1363 Route 539 during their normal operating hours.
How does the trash schedule change if there is a holiday?
If a holiday falls during the week, trash and recycling pickups will be delayed by one day for the remainder of that week. Since the Township typically does not collect on Fridays, Friday serves as the makeup collection day.
Can I throw away remodeling debris like cabinets or tile?
No. The Township does not collect 'Major Building Materials' such as kitchen or bathroom cabinets, concrete, tile, sheetrock, or wood fencing. You or your contractor must take these materials privately to the Ocean County Landfill for disposal.