Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Monroe
Trash Day
Residential household trash collection is arranged privately by homeowners or through local HOA community contracts. The Township provides free curbside bulk trash collection by appointment on Wednesdays and Thursdays between April 1 and November 1.
Recycling
Bi-weekly collection on designated weekdays based on your neighborhood zone (Zones 1 through 5) managed by the Middlesex County Improvement Authority (MCIA).
Yard Waste
Curbside collection runs from April through December for leaves and grass clippings placed in brown biodegradable bags, along with bundled brush.
Set Out Time
By 6:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Curbside recycling, yard waste pickup, and bulk collection are funded through your municipal property taxes, while regular household trash is arranged privately or through your HOA.
Billing Cycle
Quarterly
Accepted Methods
Online, ACH Direct Debit, Mail, Drop Box
Pro Tip / Discount
Property tax deductions of $250 are available for qualified senior citizens aged 65 and older, surviving spouses, and permanently disabled individuals meeting state income guidelines.
Standard Cart / Varies by HOA or Private Hauler Bin (Trash)
Must be placed curbside securely. Do not place at the curb before 5:00 PM on the day prior to scheduled collection.
Accepted Items
- ✓Regular household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable wrappers and plastics
Blue Cart or Standard Recycling Bin Bin (Recycling)
Do not bag recyclables. Items must be co-mingled. Rejection stickers will be applied for heavily contaminated bins.
Accepted Items
- ✓Corrugated cardboard (flattened)
- ✓Mixed paper and newspaper (tied)
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Aluminum, steel, and tin cans
- ✓Plastic containers (PETE 1 and HDPE 2)
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Pizza boxes with food residue
- ✕Packing-type foam blocks or peanuts
- ✕Hazardous waste or chemicals
- ✕Electronics and batteries
Yard Waste Bin
Leaves and grass must be in brown paper recycling bags. Brush must be cut to lengths no longer than 4 feet and tied with string or cord.
Accepted Items
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Brush and tree parts (up to 5 inches in diameter)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
By appointment only (April 1 - November 1)
Placement
Bulk items should be placed curbside no sooner than one day before your scheduled collection date.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture
- ✓ Appliances
- ✓ Barbeque-type propane tanks (20 lb. only)
- ✓ Mattresses and large residential items
Not Accepted
- ✕ Hazardous chemicals and paint
- ✕ Tires
- ✕ Construction materials and drywall
- ✕ Concrete, dirt, stones, and asphalt
- ✕ Tree stumps and railroad ties
- ✕ Computers and TVs
Proof of residency is required. Commercial vehicles and contractor waste are strictly prohibited.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If your recycling collection day falls on one of the six major observed holidays, your pickup will be rescheduled to the following Saturday.
Yard Waste Exception
The DPW yard and Monroe Recycling Drop-off Center are closed on all state and township holidays, including Sundays.
Missed recycling pickups due to weather or unforeseen delays should be left at the curb for recovery within 24 hours.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Spring through Fall
April 1 - November 1This is the exclusive window for curbside bulk pickup appointments. Schedule your Wednesday or Thursday collection by contacting the DPW ahead of time.
Late Fall
October - DecemberCurbside leaf and grass collection ends on December 7th. Remember that no loose leaves are permitted at the curb—everything must be bagged in brown paper bags.
Winter
December - MarchCurbside yard waste collection is suspended. During winter weather emergencies, check www.mciauth.com for any route changes or snow-related recycling delays.
Local Tips & Community Info
Turning Your Cans & Bottles into Cash Right Here in Monroe?
While Monroe Township doesn't have a dedicated buyback center within its direct limits, keep an eye out for special events! Sometimes, local community groups or schools host temporary collection drives for redemption. For a guaranteed return, though, you might need to take a short drive to a nearby town. Check out places like the Redemption Center of Glassboro on Main Street. They often take aluminum cans and plastic bottles. It's a great way to get a few extra bucks while doing good for the environment. Always call ahead to confirm what they accept and their hours of operation, as these can change.
Giving Your Gently Used Stuff a Second Life in the Monroe Area
Before you toss that sofa or those clothes, think about donating! Monroe Township has a few fantastic options. The Habitat for Humanity ReStore in nearby Sicklerville is a popular spot for furniture, appliances, and building materials. For clothing, household goods, and other items, check out the St. Vincent de Paul Society Thrift Store in Glassboro. They support local charities and are always looking for donations. Donating is a wonderful way to help others and keep perfectly good items out of the landfill. Make sure your items are clean and in good working condition before you drop them off.
Keeping Monroe's Streets Looking Sharp: What to Know About Dumping & Cleanups
Monroe Township takes pride in its clean look, and there are ways to help! If you notice any illegal dumping, don't hesitate to report it. You can usually contact the Monroe Township Public Works Department directly at (856) 728-9800 to let them know the location. They also have a convenient yard for residents to drop off certain items like yard waste and bulk items on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Keep an eye on the township's official website or community newsletters for any upcoming community cleanup events. Working together helps keep our neighborhoods beautiful and free of litter.
Drop-off Facilities
Monroe Township Recycling Drop-Off Center
76 Gravel Hill-Spotswood Road, Monroe Twp, NJ 08831
Materials Accepted
East Brunswick Reclamation Center
357 Dunhams Corner Road, East Brunswick, NJ
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I dispose of lawn clippings and leaves in Monroe Township?
Between April 2 and December 7, you can place leaves and grass curbside, but they must be secured in brown paper recycling bags. Loose leaves and plastic bags are strictly prohibited. You can pick up free brown bags at the Recycling Drop-off Center.
When can I schedule a bulk trash pickup at my home?
Curbside bulk pickups are only available by appointment from April 1st through November 1st. They are collected on Wednesdays and Thursdays. You can book an appointment via the township website or by calling 732-656-4575.
What happens if a holiday falls on my regular recycling day?
The MCIA observes six major holidays (New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas). If your pickup falls on one of these days, collection is shifted to the following Saturday.
Where can I recycle leftover household paint in Monroe?
Monroe Township residents can drop off paint at the Recycling Center at 76 Gravel Hill-Spotswood Road during regular business hours. For non-residents within Middlesex County, the facility accepts paint specifically on the third Saturday of each month from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM.