Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for North Plainfield
Trash Day
Trash collection is not provided by the Borough; residents contract independently with private licensed haulers and follow their hauler's pickup schedule.
Recycling
Recycling is collected curbside every two weeks by Somerset County on designated schedule dates.
Yard Waste
Curbside yard waste, leaves, and brush are collected seasonally by the Borough Department of Public Works across five neighborhood sections during designated spring and fall collection weeks.
Set Out Time
By 7:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Trash service is billed separately by your chosen private waste contractor, whereas sewer usage and property taxes are billed directly by the Borough's Finance & Tax Collector office.
Billing Cycle
Quarterly (Taxes) / Annual (Sewer)
Accepted Methods
Online, Mail, In-Person
Pro Tip / Discount
Property tax deductions for senior citizens and disabled residents ($250), Property Tax Freeze (PTR), and State LIHWAP assistance for sewer/water arrears.
Determined by private hauler Bin (Trash)
Since trash is collected by privately hired companies, bin size and weight limits vary by contract. All garbage must be securely contained to prevent property nuisance violations.
Accepted Items
- ✓Standard household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable packaging
Yellow/Green County Bins Bin (Recycling)
Items must be clean, dry, and placed loosely in the bin. Do not bag recyclables in plastic. Must be at the curb early on your designated Somerset County collection day.
Accepted Items
- ✓Plastics #1-#7 (bottles and containers)
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Aluminum and steel cans
- ✓Cardboard and mixed paper
Yard Waste Bin
Must be strictly containerized in rigid open-top receptacles. Loose piles in the street are prohibited to protect storm drains.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Small brush and twigs
- ✓Garden debris
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Annually in the Spring (Municipal) or On-Demand (Private)
Placement
For the Spring event, place items at the curb no earlier than the weekend before your scheduled collection week.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture
- ✓ Mattresses
- ✓ Scrap metal
- ✓ Rugs and carpets
Not Accepted
- ✕ Electronic waste (TVs, computers)
- ✕ Hazardous chemicals
- ✕ Freon appliances
- ✕ Construction and demolition debris
The Spring municipal collection is tax-funded. Year-round disposal relies on fees paid directly to your private garbage hauler.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Somerset County recycling schedules shift one day forward for all collections that fall on or after a major holiday. Your private garbage hauler will dictate their own specific holiday delays.
Yard Waste Exception
DPW yard waste and bulk collections are suspended on all municipal holidays.
Download the Recycle Coach app for automatic push notifications regarding Somerset County recycling holiday shifts.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Spring
March to MayThe DPW conducts its highly anticipated annual Spring Bulk and Metal Collection. Check the borough calendar for your exact week to place old furniture and scrap metal at the curb.
Fall
October to DecemberAs leaves begin to fall, ensure you are strictly following the containerized yard waste rules. Raking leaves loosely into the street is illegal and clogs the borough's stormwater infrastructure.
Winter
December to MarchIf heavy snow hits North Plainfield, keep your privately-serviced garbage cans and county recycling bins clear of snowbanks. Obstructed bins will likely be skipped to protect sanitation workers.
Local Tips & Community Info
Cash In Your Cans & Bottles Right Here in the 07060!
Did you know you can get a few bucks back for your empty cans and bottles? While North Plainfield doesn't have a local buyback center right in town, you're close to a few spots in the wider Union County area. Keep an eye out for places that take back plastic bottles, glass bottles, and aluminum cans for that nickel deposit. It's a great way to make a little extra cash while doing good for the planet. Check out stores like Bottle King or other local beverage distributors; they often participate in New Jersey's recycling redemption program.
Giving Your Gently Used Stuff a Second Life Near North Plainfield
Instead of tossing perfectly good items, think about donating them! For furniture, clothing, and household goods, the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Elizabeth is a fantastic option. They accept a wide range of items that can help fund their mission. Also, explore local thrift stores like the Plainfield Community Thrift Shop if you're looking to give clothes and smaller decor a new home. It's a win-win for your clutter and for supporting local organizations.
Keeping North Plainfield Spick and Span: Tackling Nasty Dumping
Let's keep North Plainfield beautiful! If you spot any illegally dumped trash, don't just walk by. The Borough of North Plainfield has a process for reporting this. You can often contact the Public Works Department or use a town hotline number to let them know the location. They work to get it cleaned up and can sometimes track down those responsible. Look out for upcoming community clean-up days too; they're a fun way to meet neighbors and make a real difference in our parks and streets.
Drop-off Facilities
North County Public Works Facility (Somerset County)
411 Chimney Rock Road - Building B, Bridgewater, NJ 08807
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Does North Plainfield provide town-wide garbage collection?
No. The Borough of North Plainfield operates on a private garbage collection system. Homeowners must independently hire a licensed private hauler to collect their household trash.
Who picks up my recycling in North Plainfield?
While trash is private, recycling is handled governmentally by the Somerset County Recycling Division. They provide bi-weekly, single-stream curbside collection for all residents.
How do I get rid of an old couch or mattress?
You can either wait for the DPW's annual Spring Bulk Collection event, or you must contact your private garbage hauler to arrange and pay for a specialized year-round bulk pickup.
Can I rake my fall leaves into the street?
No. North Plainfield strictly requires containerized yard waste. All leaves, grass clippings, and brush must be placed in rigid containers to prevent local storm drain flooding.