Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for North Bergen
Trash Day
Curbside trash collection runs Monday through Friday and is determined by neighborhood zone. Residents can check their specific collection days by entering their address into the NBMUA portal.
Recycling
Recycling is collected once per week according to your designated neighborhood section schedule.
Yard Waste
Curbside leaf collection is provided seasonally by the Department of Public Works from October through December.
Set Out Time
By 6:00 AM on collection day (may be placed out after 6:00 PM the evening before)
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Trash and recycling collections are managed locally through the township and NBMUA, while separate quarterly utility charges apply for sewer services. You will need the PIN from your billing statement to access the online payment system.
Billing Cycle
Quarterly
Accepted Methods
Online, Mail, In-Person
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
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.
Local Tips & Community Info
Get a Little Green Back for Your Bottles in North Bergen!
While North Bergen focuses on regular recycling, did you know New Jersey has a statewide program to get cash back for certain beverage containers? Look for the 'NJ Returnable' symbol on aluminum cans and plastic bottles. You can usually redeem these at many grocery stores and local redemption centers. A quick search for 'New Jersey bottle redemption centers' can point you to the closest spots where you can turn those empties into cash. It’s a great way to chip away at the cost of your next recycling run!
Giving Your Pre-Loved Stuff a Second Life in North Bergen
Got items that are still perfectly good but you just don't need anymore? Instead of tossing them, consider donating! The Epilepsy Foundation of New Jersey has a donation pick-up service that often covers Bergen County, which includes North Bergen. You can schedule a pickup online for clothing, household goods, and even small electronics. Also, check out St. Jude's Thrift Store in nearby Union City; they often accept a wide range of items and your donation supports a great cause. It’s a win-win for decluttering and helping others!
Keeping North Bergen Clean: Tackling Junk and Illegal Dumping
North Bergen takes keeping our town tidy seriously. While bulky item pickups have specific rules, if you see something that shouldn't be there, like furniture left on the curb outside of designated times or an illegal dump site, it's best to report it. You can often call the North Bergen Public Works Department directly to report these issues. They work to address these problems promptly. For any large, unwanted items that aren't typical trash or recycling, check the town's official website for specific instructions on how to arrange special pickups to avoid any fines and keep our streets clean.
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.