Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for North Bergen
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 resident-provided bin Bin (Trash)
Place securely bagged household trash in a sturdy refuse container at the curb.
Accepted Items
- ✓Household garbage
- ✓Food wrappers
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Ceramic cups or plates
- ✓Plastic toys
- ✓Window glass
Any reusable plastic container (for bottles/cans) Bin (Recycling)
Bottles and cans must go in a reusable plastic bin. Paper and cardboard must be separated and tied in bundles, put in tied brown bags, or placed in tied cardboard boxes.
Accepted Items
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
- ✓Plastic containers
- ✓Newspaper and mixed paper
- ✓Cardboard
Do NOT Include
- ✕Ceramic items
- ✕Plastic toys
- ✕Window glass
- ✕Motor oil containers
- ✕Antifreeze
Yard Waste Bin
Leaves are collected exclusively by the North Bergen DPW from October through December. Residents should call (201) 392-2128 for instructions.
Accepted Items
- ✓Leaves
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
By Appointment Only
Placement
Do not place items at the curb until you have a confirmed appointment day from the Department of Public Works.
Accepted
- ✓ Sofas and wooden furniture
- ✓ Mattresses
- ✓ Televisions
- ✓ Refrigerators and stoves
- ✓ Air conditioners and washers/dryers
Not Accepted
- ✕ Construction debris
- ✕ Hazardous chemicals
- ✕ Paint
- ✕ Motor oil
- ✕ Tires
Bulk pickup is a municipal service provided to residents, but scheduling is strictly enforced to prevent illegal dumping.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Collection services may be suspended on major holidays or during severe snowstorms. Residents are instructed to hold their materials until the next scheduled pickup date if a cancellation is announced.
Yard Waste Exception
Leaf collection is seasonal and heavily dependent on weather; early snow in December can abruptly end the collection season.
Always check the North Bergen Township website (northbergen.org) for emergency suspension notices regarding solid waste and street sweeping.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Ceramics and Glassware Are Not Recyclable
Do not throw broken drinking glasses, window glass, or ceramic plates into your recycling bin. These items melt at different temperatures than standard glass bottles and will contaminate the entire batch. Throw them in the regular garbage.
Keep Plastic Toys Out
While many plastic containers are recyclable, plastic toys are made from complex, non-recyclable plastic resins. Never put plastic toys in your co-mingled bottle and can bin.
Tie Your Cardboard
Do not leave loose, flattened cardboard boxes blowing in the wind. The NBMUA mandates that all cardboard must be broken down, placed into a single box or stack, and physically tied with cord.
Seasonal Information
Autumn
October to DecemberLeaf collection is actively managed by the North Bergen DPW during the fall months. Residents must contact the DPW at (201) 392-2128 for leaf pickup scheduling and guidelines.
Spring & Fall
April and OctoberThe Hudson County Improvement Authority (HCIA) hosts its Household Hazardous Waste drop-off events in April and October. This is your only chance to safely dispose of paint, aerosols, and lawn chemicals.
Winter
December to MarchDuring severe winter weather or heavy snow accumulation, regular garbage and recycling collections, as well as street sweeping, may be temporarily suspended. Sign up for NB Connect alerts or check the township website for real-time delays.
About North Bergen Waste Management
A Dual-Agency Approach to Solid Waste
In North Bergen, keeping the streets clean is a collaborative effort. The North Bergen Municipal Utilities Authority (NBMUA) handles the primary collection and transport of household garbage and standard recyclables. However, when it comes to specialty items like seasonal leaves, large furniture, and heavy household appliances, the Township's Department of Public Works (DPW) steps in to manage the heavy lifting. This split system ensures resources are allocated efficiently across the densely populated township.
Strict Rules for Tying Paper Recycling
Unlike many neighboring municipalities that use a single-stream cart system, North Bergen requires residents to prepare their paper recycling manually. Co-mingled paper and cardboard cannot simply be tossed loosely into a bin. According to NBMUA regulations, you must either place paper in brown paper bags tied securely with a cord, bundle it into 12-inch high stacks tied with string, or pack it neatly into a cardboard box that is also tied off. This prevents loose paper from becoming windblown litter along Tonnelle Avenue and Bergenline Avenue.
Mandatory Appointments for Bulk and Appliances
You cannot simply drag an old couch or refrigerator to the curb on your regular trash day. North Bergen enforces a strict appointment-only policy for bulky items. For standard bulk items like sofas, mattresses, wood, and even televisions, residents must call the DPW at (201) 392-2128 to arrange a pickup. The same phone number is required to schedule the removal of 'white goods' such as stoves, washers, dryers, and air conditioners, which are collected on specific, pre-determined days.
Navigating Automotive and Hazardous Waste
If you change your own oil or need to dispose of old car tires (without rims), you cannot leave them at the curb, even though they are recyclable. These items, along with antifreeze, must be transported directly to the municipal Recycling Center. For more dangerous materials—like wet paint, pesticides, pool chemicals, and propane tanks—residents must wait for the bi-annual Household Hazardous Waste collection days hosted by the Hudson County Improvement Authority (HCIA) every April and October.
Drop-off Facilities
North Bergen Municipal Utilities Authority (NBMUA)
6200 Tonnelle Ave, North Bergen, NJ 07047
Materials Accepted
Hudson County Improvement Authority (HCIA) Events
Various locations across Hudson County
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I schedule a bulk pickup in North Bergen?
Bulk items like sofas, mattresses, televisions, and large appliances cannot be left on the curb. You must call the North Bergen DPW at (201) 392-2128 to schedule an appointment for pickup.
What are the rules for recycling paper and cardboard?
The NBMUA requires all co-mingled paper and cardboard to be secured. You must either place it in brown paper bags tied with cord, tie it into 12-inch bundles, or pack it into cardboard boxes tied with cord.
Where can I throw away old paint or pool chemicals?
Household Hazardous Waste is not collected curbside. You must bring items like paint, motor oil, antifreeze, and pesticides to the HCIA drop-off events held locally every April and October.
Does North Bergen recycle glass and plastics?
Yes, glass bottles, aluminum cans, and plastic containers are collected as co-mingled recyclables. They should be placed in a reusable plastic refuse container. However, window glass, ceramics, and plastic toys are strictly prohibited and must go in the regular garbage.