Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Montclair
Trash Day
Twice weekly: Section 1 is collected on Mondays and Thursdays; Section 2 is collected on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Recycling
Once weekly (Monday through Thursday) on your designated zone's collection day (Areas A, B, C, or D).
Yard Waste
Collected on your regular recycling day during seasonal collections (leaves in April and mid-October through December 1; grass trimmings and brush May through October).
Set Out Time
Between 6:00 PM the evening before and 6:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Curbside trash and recycling services are provided by the township and funded through your municipal property taxes, while water and sewer charges are billed separately.
Billing Cycle
Included in Property Taxes
Accepted Methods
Online, Mail, Drop Box, In Person
Resident-provided Bin (Trash)
Use rigid containers up to 35 gallons in volume, weighing no more than 50 pounds. Households are limited to a maximum of 3 cans per collection.
Accepted Items
- ✓Household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Styrofoam (cups and packaging)
- ✓Standard non-recyclable refuse
- ✓Alkaline batteries
Resident-provided (Rigid plastic or metal) Bin (Recycling)
Commingled items must be placed loosely in a rigid container (no larger than 35 gallons) with handles. Keep commingled bottles and cans separate from mixed paper. Do not bag recyclables.
Accepted Items
- ✓Plastics #1, #2, and #5
- ✓Glass bottles and jars (clear, brown, green)
- ✓Tin and aluminum cans
- ✓Poly-laminated beverage cartons (milk & juice)
- ✓Mixed paper, cardboard, and magazines
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Pizza boxes
- ✕Plastic takeout containers and party trays
- ✕Electronic waste
Yard Waste Bin
Use only biodegradable paper yard bags (max 50 lbs) for leaves and grass. Branches must be tied in bundles under 36 inches long and 25 lbs (limit 2 bundles per collection).
Accepted Items
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Small branches and twigs
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Once a month (based on designated bulky waste section)
Placement
Place at the curb between 6:00 p.m. the day prior and 6:00 a.m. on your scheduled bulk day.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture
- ✓ Wrapped mattresses and box springs
- ✓ Carpeting
- ✓ Small non-metal household items
Not Accepted
- ✕ Cardboard, Styrofoam, and plastic bags
- ✕ Electronics and computers
- ✕ Appliances containing CFCs (without pre-payment and appointment)
- ✕ Construction debris
Standard bulk item collection is free. However, appliances containing CFCs (such as refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners) require a $10 fee payable in advance at the Public Works Center.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Refuse and recycling collections are suspended on major public holidays. The township utilizes the Recycle Coach app to provide real-time schedule adjustments and delay notifications.
Yard Waste Exception
The Saturday Recycling and E-Waste Drop-Off center at the Public Works Yard is closed on holiday weekends.
Residents are highly encouraged to download the Recycle Coach app for instant push notifications regarding holiday delays or weather-related collection cancellations.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Spring/Summer
May - Mid-OctoberGrass clippings are collected in paper yard waste bags (max 50 lbs) on your regularly scheduled recycling day. Remember that loose piles of branches or grass will not be collected.
Fall
Mid-October - DecemberLeaf collection season generally runs from mid-October through the end of December. Leaves must be enclosed in paper bags and placed at the curb, and can never be piled loosely into the street.
Winter
JanuaryChristmas trees are collected weekly throughout the entire month of January. All stands, tinsel, lights, and plastic tree bags must be completely removed so the trees can be successfully chipped into compost.
Local Tips & Community Info
Cash in Your Cans: Where Montclair Residents Can Turn Recyclables into Bucks
While Montclair has a great recycling program, did you know you can sometimes get a little cash back for certain items? New Jersey has a state-wide program for beverage containers (like cans and plastic bottles) that you can redeem at participating redemption centers. For other scrap metal or electronics, it's worth checking out local scrap yards in the wider Essex County area. While Montclair itself might not have a dedicated buy-back center for general recyclables, exploring options in neighboring towns could mean turning your unwanted metals or electronics into a few extra dollars. Always call ahead to confirm what they accept and their operating hours before you go!
Giving Your Gently Used Stuff a Second Life in Montclair
Before you toss items that are still in good shape, think about donating them! Montclair residents have a few fantastic local options. The **Goodwill Store & Donation Center** in nearby Clifton (275 US-46) is always looking for clothing, household goods, and books. For furniture and home decor, the **Habitat for Humanity ReStore** in Kearny (172 Passaic Ave) is an excellent choice, and your donation helps build homes in the community. Even smaller local thrift shops can be wonderful places to drop off usable items, giving them a new home and supporting local organizations.
Keeping Montclair Clean: Tackling Illegal Dumping and Joining Community Efforts
We all want Montclair to look its best, and that means keeping an eye out for illegal dumping. If you see someone dumping trash where they shouldn't, or notice an area with dumped waste, the best course of action is to report it to the Montclair Township. You can usually do this by calling the Public Works Department at 973-509-5711. They're the ones who can coordinate clean-ups and address these issues. Keep an eye on local community boards or the township website for announcements about upcoming community clean-up events; these are great ways to pitch in and make a real difference right here in our neighborhood.
Drop-off Facilities
Montclair Public Works Recycling Drop-Off Center
219 North Fullerton Avenue, Montclair, NJ 07042
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the trash can limits in Montclair?
Montclair allows a maximum of three (3) trash cans per household [1.1.3]. Each receptacle must be 35 gallons or smaller and weigh no more than 50 pounds when filled.
How do I throw away a refrigerator or air conditioner?
Appliances, especially those containing CFC refrigerants, require a special appointment. You must call the Department of Community Services at 973-509-5711 and pay a $10 fee in advance at 219 North Fullerton Avenue before placing the item at the curb.
Can I put my yard waste in plastic bags?
Absolutely not. Montclair strictly prohibits plastic bags for yard waste. All leaves, grass clippings, and vegetative waste must be placed in biodegradable paper yard bags weighing no more than 50 pounds.
Does Montclair recycle Styrofoam?
No. Montclair's Styrofoam recycling program has been permanently suspended due to the closure of the regional processing plant. All Styrofoam packaging, blocks, and cups must be thrown away with your regular household garbage.