Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for North Brunswick
Trash Day
Weekly automated collection scheduled Monday through Friday based on your neighborhood zone.
Recycling
Every other week on your designated collection day (coordinated with the Middlesex County Improvement Authority).
Yard Waste
Seasonal curbside collection for leaves and brush, plus year-round drop-off options at the DPW yard.
Set Out Time
By 6:00 AM on collection day (or after 6:00 PM the evening before)
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Water and sewer utilities are billed on a quarterly cycle, and payments can be made online via the township's web portal or by phone.
Billing Cycle
Quarterly
Accepted Methods
Online, AutoPay, Phone, Mail, In-Person / Drop Box
Pro Tip / Discount
Senior Citizen Utility Credit of $250 per year is available for qualifying senior residents aged 67 and older.
Standard black or gray container / heavy-duty bags Bin (Trash)
Must be securely tied in bags or placed inside standard residential cans under 50 lbs to prevent litter and animal scavenging.
Accepted Items
- ✓Household garbage
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Food-contaminated wrappers
- ✓Sanitary products
- ✓Broken non-metal household items
95-gallon wheeled cart with lid (MCIA Automated Side Load) Bin (Recycling)
Items must be loose and clean inside the 95-gallon cart. No plastic bags allowed inside the recycling cart.
Accepted Items
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Plastic bottles, jugs, jars, and tubs (1 gallon or less)
- ✓Aluminum, steel, and tin cans
- ✓Flattened cardboard
- ✓Mixed paper, newspapers, and junk mail
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags or film
- ✕Food waste and liquids
- ✕Electronics and batteries
- ✕Construction debris
- ✕Styrofoam and window glass
Yard Waste Bin
Must be placed in designated biodegradable paper bags or securely tied bundles under 4 feet in length during designated collection periods.
Accepted Items
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Twigs and small branches
- ✓Plant trimmings
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Scheduled / By appointment or specific collection windows
Placement
Place bulk items curbside no earlier than the evening before collection, maintaining clearance away from regular carts.
Accepted
- ✓ Mattresses (must be completely wrapped in plastic)
- ✓ Upholstered furniture (sofas, armchairs)
- ✓ Wooden tables and chairs
- ✓ Large non-freon household items
Not Accepted
- ✕ Automotive engines or car parts
- ✕ Hazardous chemicals
- ✕ Commercial construction debris
- ✕ Unwrapped mattresses
Standard household bulk items are collected under municipal provisions, but large amounts of clean-out or renovation debris require private dumpster rentals.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If your scheduled collection day falls on or after an observed holiday during the week, collection may be delayed by one day for the remainder of that week.
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste collections scheduled on holidays are typically rescheduled to the next available business day or Saturday depending on DPW directives.
Always check the North Brunswick Township or MCIA portal for real-time schedule adjustments during holiday weeks.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Spring
March - MaySpring cleaning brings increased yard work and branch clearing. Watch for special town-wide clean-up announcements and ensure yard waste is neatly prepared in biodegradable bags.
Autumn
October - DecemberLeaf collection season requires strict adherence to local street placement schedules. Do not rake leaves directly into the street or block storm drains to prevent localized flooding during heavy rain.
Winter
January - FebruaryWinter snowstorms can impact collection schedules. Keep carts shoveled out and place them behind the snow line (not on top of snow banks) so mechanical arms can reach them safely.
Local Tips & Community Info
Turn Your Recyclables into Cash in North Brunswick?
While North Brunswick doesn't have its own dedicated recycling buyback center, the good news is that New Jersey has a state-wide bottle and can redemption program! Just look for the NJ deposit symbol on most beverage containers like soda, water, and beer. You can redeem these for 5 cents each at most grocery stores that sell them. For larger items like scrap metal, you might need to look a bit further afield. Consider checking out local scrap yards in neighboring communities like New Brunswick or East Brunswick. A quick web search for "scrap metal recycling near North Brunswick NJ" should point you in the right direction to find places that pay for your unwanted metal.
Giving Your Old Stuff a Second Life in the 'Ville
Instead of tossing perfectly good items, why not let your neighbors in North Brunswick give them a new home? The Salvation Army Family Store & Donation Center in nearby East Brunswick (2133 RT-18, East Brunswick, NJ 08816) is a great spot to drop off clothing, household goods, and furniture. Another option is the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in South Plainfield (200 West 5th Street, South Plainfield, NJ 07080), which accepts furniture, appliances, and building materials. These places help support local causes and keep useful items out of the landfill. Always call ahead to confirm what they accept!
Keeping North Brunswick Looking Sharp: Clean-Up & Dumping Info
Nobody likes seeing trash dumped illegally in our beautiful North Brunswick. If you ever spot illegal dumping, the best thing to do is report it to the North Brunswick Public Works Department at 732-297-9616. They can investigate and address the situation. While specific community clean-up events aren't always on a set schedule, keep an eye on the official North Brunswick town website or local community social media pages. Often, volunteer groups organize clean-ups in local parks and public spaces, especially in the spring and fall. It's a great way to meet neighbors and make a real difference!
Drop-off Facilities
Middlesex County Household Hazardous Waste & Recycling Drop-Off Sites
Various designated county locations across Middlesex County, NJ
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a replacement or additional recycling cart in North Brunswick?
Recycling carts are managed in partnership with the Middlesex County Improvement Authority (MCIA). If your cart is damaged or missing, you can contact the North Brunswick Public Works Department or the MCIA recycling hotline for assistance.
What should I do if my trash or recycling collection is missed?
Leave your cart at the curb and report the missed collection to the North Brunswick Department of Public Works or check the municipal website for weather-related or holiday delays.
Are mattresses allowed curbside in North Brunswick?
Yes, but state regulations and local ordinances require that all mattresses and box springs must be completely wrapped in plastic before being placed curbside for bulk pickup.
Can I put cardboard boxes in my regular trash bin?
Clean, flattened cardboard should be placed directly into your 95-gallon single-stream recycling cart. Large quantities of corrugated cardboard should be flattened and bundled according to local guidelines.