Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for New Brunswick
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.
Standard City Carts or Resident-Owned Cans Bin (Trash)
Cans cannot be larger than 32 gallons or heavier than 50 pounds. Placed at the curb after 5:00 PM the night before, or before 6:00 AM on collection day. Max 3 bags/cans per pickup.
Accepted Items
- ✓Everyday household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable wrappers and packaging
Standard Blue Recycling Bin Bin (Recycling)
Do not bag recyclables. Remove plastic caps from bottles and throw them in the trash. Rinse all containers. Must be curbside by 6:00 AM on collection day.
Accepted Items
- ✓Mixed paper, newspaper, and flattened cardboard
- ✓Clear, brown, and green glass bottles/jars
- ✓Aluminum, steel, and tin cans
- ✓Plastic beverage/laundry containers (#1 PETE & #2 HDPE only)
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic grocery bags
- ✕Waxy or glossy cardboard (pizza boxes)
- ✕Styrofoam and bubble wrap
- ✕Light bulbs and window glass
- ✕Electronics and batteries
Yard Waste Bin
Brush must be tied in bundles no longer than 4 feet and under 50 pounds, or placed in rigid open containers. NO plastic bags allowed for yard waste.
Accepted Items
- ✓Branches, twigs, and woody plants (under 5 inches diameter)
- ✓Leaves (during seasonal pickup in brown bags)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
By Appointment Only
Placement
Place reserved items at the curb after 5:00 PM the night before your scheduled date. Ensure items do not block the sidewalk or street.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture (sofas, tables, chairs)
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs (must be plastic wrapped)
- ✓ Rugs and carpeting
- ✓ Tied bundles of brush
- ✓ Extra trash bags/cans (count toward the 6-item limit)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Tree stumps
- ✕ Loose leaves or grass clippings
- ✕ Hazardous waste or liquid chemicals
- ✕ Construction and demolition debris
- ✕ Electronics and computers (E-waste)
The standard reservation for up to 6 bulk items per unit is included in city services, but specialized cleanouts or landlord clear-outs may incur restrictions.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Trash will not be collected on observed holidays. Residents should hold their waste until their next regularly scheduled twice-weekly pickup day.
Yard Waste Exception
Drop-off facilities, including the DPW yard and Colgate Paper Stock, are closed on all major holidays.
For major weather emergencies after DPW hours, residents should contact the New Brunswick Police Department.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Keep Plastic Bags Out of Recycling
The most common reason for a rejected recycling bin in New Brunswick is the presence of plastic shopping bags. These bags jam the MCIA sorting equipment. Always place your recyclables loose in the bin.
Remove Caps and Rinse Bottles
Before tossing plastic or glass bottles into your recycling bin, you must remove the plastic caps (which go in the regular trash) and give the containers a quick rinse to remove sticky food or beverage residue.
Wrap Your Mattresses
If you schedule a bulk pickup for a mattress or box spring, municipal health regulations mandate that it must be completely encased in a plastic mattress bag. Unwrapped mattresses will be left at the curb.
Seasonal Information
Winter
JanuaryBare Christmas trees are collected for recycling curbside every Wednesday in January. Place them at the curb on Tuesday night. Do not put trees in plastic bags, and ensure all lights and ornaments are removed.
Spring & Fall
March-April & October-NovemberThe city distributes specialized brown leaf bags at the DPW yard during specific dates in the spring and fall. Leaves must be placed in these brown bags for pickup, not in plastic garbage bags.
Winter
December - MarchDuring severe snowstorm events, trash and recycling schedules may be suspended to prioritize road clearing. Residents should call the New Brunswick snow hotline at 877-4NB-SNOW for direct updates.
About New Brunswick Waste Management
Twice-Weekly Refuse Collection Operations
The City of New Brunswick operates a comprehensive twice-a-week trash collection schedule, dividing the city into distinct collection zones. Residents generally receive service on either a Monday/Thursday or Tuesday/Friday schedule. You are permitted up to three 32-gallon trash cans or tied bags per collection day, provided they do not exceed 50 pounds each.
Navigating the Single-Stream Recycling Zones
Coordinated through the Middlesex County Improvement Authority (MCIA), recycling in New Brunswick occurs every other week. The city utilizes a single-stream system, meaning your glass, plastics (#1 and #2), aluminum, and mixed paper all go into the same bin. It is strictly prohibited to place recyclables in plastic bags; they must be left loose in the container.
Securing an Appointment for Bulky Waste
Unlike municipalities that offer open neighborhood bulk sweeps, New Brunswick requires a confirmed reservation for all bulk item pickups. You can reserve a collection date through the city's Cit-e-Net portal or by calling the DPW directly. You are allowed up to six bulk items per unit per collection, including wrapped mattresses, furniture, and bundled brush.
Special Handling for CFC Appliances and Scrap Metal
If you need to dispose of white goods like refrigerators, air conditioners, or large scrap metal (bikes, stoves, microwaves), they cannot be mixed with standard bulk trash. The city requires a specialized, separate appointment to ensure all chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are safely evacuated by authorized personnel prior to disposal.
Accessing Local Drop-Off Centers
New Brunswick offers specific drop-off locations for specialized items. Residents can bring excess cardboard, mixed paper, and bottles to the Colgate Paper Stock facility on Industrial Drive. For items like used motor oil and wet paint (stains, lacquers, latex, and aerosol), the DPW yard on Jersey Avenue hosts drop-off events specifically on the second Saturday of each month.
Drop-off Facilities
New Brunswick Department of Public Works (DPW Yard)
400 Jersey Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ
Materials Accepted
Colgate Paper Stock
12 Industrial Drive, New Brunswick, NJ
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I schedule a pickup for an old refrigerator in New Brunswick?
You must schedule a specific 'CFC - Appliance' appointment through the DPW at 732-745-5105 or via the city's online portal. The city must carefully evacuate the freon/refrigerant before it is processed.
What is the weight limit for my regular trash cans?
Whether you are using a standard 32-gallon trash can or a large trash bag, each individual container cannot weigh more than 50 pounds. You are permitted up to three containers per collection day.
Can I put my branches out with my regular trash?
No. Branches (up to 5 inches in diameter) must be tied with string into bundles no longer than 4 feet and weighing under 50 pounds. You must then schedule a bulk pickup appointment to have the brush collected.
Where can I safely dispose of my old computer and television?
As per state law, TVs and computers cannot be thrown in the regular garbage. You must recycle them at a designated Middlesex County E-waste drop-off center. Call the DPW at 732-745-5059 for the current list of accepted locations.