Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Lower Township
Trash Day
Trash collection runs Monday through Friday, assigned by neighborhood zone across the township.
Recycling
Single-stream recycling is collected curbside on the same designated weekday as your regular trash pickup.
Yard Waste
Grass and garden clippings are collected the day after your regular trash day from May 1 to September 30, alongside scheduled spring and fall leaf and branch pickups.
Set Out Time
By 6:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Curbside residential trash and recycling pickup is managed by the Public Works Department and funded through municipal property taxes, with no separate monthly trash bill.
Billing Cycle
Included in Property Taxes
Accepted Methods
Online, ACH Direct Debit, Mail, In-Person Drop Box, Cash, Check
Pro Tip / Discount
New Jersey state property tax relief programs, including Senior Freeze and the ANCHOR benefit, are available for eligible seniors and lower-income residents.
Resident's own covered receptacle Bin (Trash)
Trash must be placed at the curb in secure, covered containers. Due to coastal winds and seagulls, lids are highly recommended to prevent scattered debris.
Accepted Items
- ✓Standard household solid waste
- ✓Food debris
- ✓Plastic caps and lids (removed from recyclables)
- ✓Styrofoam and non-recyclable wrappers
Resident's own clearly marked recycling bin Bin (Recycling)
Recyclables must be loose inside the bin. Never bag materials. Containers must be rinsed clean of food, and caps/lids must be removed. Cardboard must be flattened.
Accepted Items
- ✓Clean glass bottles and jars
- ✓Aluminum, tin, and steel cans
- ✓Plastic bottles and jugs (clean)
- ✓Dry paper and flattened cardboard
- ✓Clean pizza boxes (no grease)
Do NOT Include
- ✕All caps and lids (must go in trash)
- ✕Plastic bags (including clear bags)
- ✕Shredded paper
- ✕Bulky rigid plastics (coolers, toys)
- ✕Waxed cups and polystyrene foam
Yard Waste Bin
From May 1 to Sept 30, grass and clippings are picked up the day after your trash day. They must be placed loose in a designated can with no plastic bags and no mixed branches.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Garden trimmings
- ✓Leaves and branches (during designated spring/fall dates)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Two items per calendar year by appointment.
Placement
You must call 609-884-0898 ext. 10 to schedule an appointment for bulk or metal items. Metal items are collected strictly on designated 'Metal Days' shown on the township calendar.
Accepted
- ✓ Sofas and couches
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs
- ✓ Bureaus and dressers
- ✓ Refrigerators and stoves (on Metal Days only)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Construction and remodeling debris (doors, windows, flooring)
- ✕ Hazardous waste
- ✕ Electronics
- ✕ Excessive household cleanouts
Construction and demolition debris must be privately hauled to the CMCMUA facility and will incur a tipping fee based on weight.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
When a holiday interrupts the schedule, trash will typically be collected on the next business day. However, recycling is pushed to the following week on your regular trash day (skipping a week), rather than the next day.
Yard Waste Exception
Special holiday weeks often feature unique exceptions (e.g., Thanksgiving and Christmas delays). Check the annual DPW calendar for exact rollover dates.
Because recycling is delayed an entire week for most holidays, residents should break down cardboard to save space in their bins.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Summer
May to SeptemberDuring the busy summer months, DPW implements a special grass and garden clipping schedule. Yard vegetative waste is strictly collected the day after your regular trash day. Do not bag these clippings.
Fall
October to NovemberThe Township transitions from summer grass pickup to scheduled leaf and branch collections. Residents should consult the annual DPW calendar for their specific neighborhood's fall vacuum leaf collection dates.
Winter
December to MarchSevere coastal nor'easters can impact collection safety. When winter storms occur, secure your empty bins immediately to prevent them from blowing into the street or neighboring wetlands.
Local Tips & Community Info
Got Scrap? Get Some Cash Back in the Cape May Area!
While Lower Township focuses on keeping our regular trash and recycling flowing, did you know there are places to turn those metal cans and other recyclables into actual cash? The Cape May County MUA operates a recycling center at 771 Seashore Road in Cape May, which is super handy for folks in Lower Township. They take a variety of recyclables, and it's always worth checking their specific accepted items list. Sometimes, those aluminum cans and other metals can really add up! It's a great way to earn a little extra while doing good for the environment.
Giving Your Gently Used Stuff a Second Life in Lower Township
Before tossing perfectly good items, think about giving them a new home! While there isn't a specific large donation center right within Lower Township mentioned, the broader Cape May County area has options. Consider checking out thrift stores in neighboring towns like Rio Grande or Cape May itself. Sometimes, local churches or community organizations hold donation drives. Organizations like Habitat for Humanity ReStores, though often a bit of a drive away, are fantastic for furniture, building materials, and home goods that are still in good shape.
Keeping Lower Township Beautiful: Tackling Dumps & Finding Help
We all want Lower Township to stay looking its best, right? If you ever spot illegal dumping, which is basically someone leaving trash where they shouldn't, it's important to report it. The best bet is usually to contact the Lower Township Public Works department or your local municipal office. They have systems in place to address these issues. Keep an eye out for any community clean-up events too – they're a fantastic way to meet neighbors and make a real difference right here in our town.
Drop-off Facilities
Lower Township Public Works Recycling Center
771 Seashore Road, Cape May, NJ 08204
Materials Accepted
Cape May County MUA Transfer Station
650 Sunset Blvd, Cape May, NJ 08204 (Nearest CMCMUA location)
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I throw away a mattress or couch in Lower Township?
Lower Township provides a 'Courtesy Bulk' service where residents can dispose of up to two large furniture items per calendar year [2.3.1]. You must call the DPW at 609-884-0898 ext. 10 to schedule a pickup appointment.
Does the town collect grass clippings?
Yes, from May 1st to September 30th, the DPW picks up grass and garden clippings on the day immediately following your scheduled trash day. The clippings must be loose in a can, without plastic bags or branches.
What should I do with my recycling if my pickup day is on a holiday?
According to the DPW calendar, if a holiday falls on your collection day, your trash is picked up the next business day, but your recycling is generally skipped and collected the following week on your regular trash day.
Where can I dispose of construction debris like old flooring or windows?
Lower Township DPW does not collect construction or remodeling materials. You are responsible for transporting items like doors, windows, and flooring directly to the Cape May County MUA. You can call them at 609-465-9026 for instructions.