Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Old Bridge
Trash Day
Trash collection in Old Bridge is not provided municipally; residents contract individually with private haulers (such as Waste Management, Republic Services, or Interstate Waste), so pickup days vary by private hauler. Curbside recycling is picked up bi-weekly according to your voting ward (Ward 1 on Mondays, Ward 2 on Tuesdays, Ward 3 on Wednesdays, and Ward 4 on Thursdays).
Recycling
Bi-weekly collection Monday through Thursday (based on voting ward)
Yard Waste
Bi-weekly brush collection by appointment from April through October; seasonal leaf pickup occurs in spring and fall.
Set Out Time
By 6:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Old Bridge operates an open-market system for household solid waste, so you will receive trash bills directly from your chosen private hauler. Township curbside recycling is funded locally and provided bi-weekly in partnership with Middlesex County.
Billing Cycle
Varies by private hauler (typically monthly or quarterly)
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay, Mail, Phone
Pro Tip / Discount
Senior citizen and disabled discount programs (20% rate reduction) are available through the Old Bridge Municipal Utilities Authority (OBMUA) for water and sewer; discounts for trash collection depend on your private waste hauler.
Depends on private hauler Bin (Trash)
Trash is managed by private subscription. Residents must follow the specific container guidelines, weight limits, and schedule provided by their contracted waste management company (e.g., Republic Services, WM).
Accepted Items
- ✓Standard household waste
- ✓Food wrappers
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
Township-issued 95-gallon cart Bin (Recycling)
Old Bridge utilizes a single-stream ASL recycling process. Keep recyclables loose inside the 95-gallon cart. If your collection is skipped, leave the cart at the curb and report it to [email protected] or call 800-488-6242.
Accepted Items
- ✓Plastics #1 and #2
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
- ✓Newspaper and mixed paper
- ✓Flattened cardboard
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Food waste
- ✕Construction debris
- ✕Electronics
Yard Waste Bin
Brush must be bundled (max 4 ft, 40 lbs) and requires an online appointment. Leaves are only picked up in Fall (Oct-Dec) and Spring (Apr-May) and MUST be in paper bags. Plastic bags are strictly prohibited.
Accepted Items
- ✓Leaves (during designated seasons)
- ✓Bundled brush and branches
- ✓Small twigs (in a bucket)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Dependent on private hauler / Drop-off available weekly
Placement
If using the Recycling Drop-Off Center at 1 Old Bridge Plaza, you must arrive during operating hours (Tue/Thu 7AM-3PM, Sat 8AM-12PM).
Accepted
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs (at Drop-Off Center)
- ✓ Furniture and carpeting (at Drop-Off Center)
- ✓ Concrete, brick, and pavers (at Drop-Off Center)
- ✓ Televisions and computers (at Drop-Off Center)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Hazardous chemicals
- ✕ Explosives
- ✕ Propane tanks that are not empty
Dropping off bulk items and electronics at the municipal Recycling Center is typically free for Old Bridge residents, though private haulers will charge their own rates for curbside bulk pickups.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Because trash is collected by private haulers, residents must consult their individual provider for specific garbage holiday delays. Recycling holidays are set by the Middlesex County Improvement Authority and typically delay service by one day.
Yard Waste Exception
Storm emergencies (especially snow and ice) take absolute priority over the scheduled collection of brush and leaves. Appointments will be delayed until roads are cleared.
Old Bridge highly recommends downloading the free Recycle Coach app to receive real-time, address-specific notifications about ASL recycling schedules and municipal holiday closures.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Fall & Spring
October - December & April - MayDedicated curbside leaf collections only occur during these specific seasonal windows. Leaves must be placed in paper compost bags. During other months, there is no residential drop-off or curbside pickup for leaves.
Winter
JanuaryThe DPW collects natural Christmas trees throughout the month of January. The yearly schedule is posted by late December on the township website. Be sure to strip the tree of all decorations.
Year-Round
Second Saturday of each monthWhile the Recycling Drop-Off Center is open three days a week, hazardous household items like old paint and fluorescent light bulbs are ONLY accepted on the 2nd Saturday of every month.
Local Tips & Community Info
Cash for Your Cans and Bottles Right Here in Old Bridge?
While Old Bridge doesn't have a specific city-run bottle buyback program, New Jersey has a statewide "J&P Recycling" program for beverage containers. You can often find local redemption centers that participate. Look for places that specifically advertise bottle and can redemption; some convenience stores or dedicated recycling facilities in nearby areas might take them. It's always a good idea to call ahead to confirm what they accept and if there's a minimum quantity required. For larger metal items like old appliances or scrap metal, consider checking out local scrap yards in the broader Middlesex County area. They usually pay by weight for materials like aluminum, steel, and copper. Search online for 'scrap metal recyclers Middlesex County NJ' to find options close to home.
Give Your Gently Used Stuff a Second Life in Old Bridge!
Before you toss perfectly good items, think about donating them! Old Bridge has some great local options. The Middlesex County Improvement Authority often has programs or connects residents to donation sites. Also, keep an eye out for places like the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in nearby areas like Matawan or Woodbridge. They are always looking for furniture, appliances, and building materials that are still in good shape. Even smaller items like clothing, books, and household goods can often be taken to local thrift stores. A quick search for 'charities accepting donations Old Bridge NJ' or 'thrift stores Old Bridge' will give you some excellent local spots to drop off your contributions.
Keeping Old Bridge Clean: Tackling Trash Troubles and Team-Ups
We all want to see our town looking its best, right? If you ever notice illegal dumping, the best course of action is to report it directly to the Old Bridge Township Public Works Department. They are equipped to handle these situations and clean up affected areas. You can usually find their contact information on the official Old Bridge Township website. Sometimes, local community groups or environmental organizations in Middlesex County organize neighborhood clean-up events. Keeping an eye on community bulletin boards or local social media groups can help you find out about these opportunities to pitch in and make a real difference right here in Old Bridge.
Drop-off Facilities
Old Bridge Recycling Drop-Off Center
1 Old Bridge Plaza (Behind the Animal Shelter), Old Bridge, NJ 08857
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Who provides garbage pickup in Old Bridge, NJ?
Old Bridge Township does not provide municipal garbage collection. Homeowners must independently hire a private waste management company, such as Republic Services, Waste Management, or Horizon Disposal, for their weekly household trash removal.
How do I get rid of an old couch or mattress?
Since you use a private hauler for trash, you can either call them to schedule a curbside bulk pickup (which may incur a fee), or you can drop off the furniture and mattresses yourself at the Old Bridge Recycling Drop-Off Center located at 1 Old Bridge Plaza.
How do I dispose of a refrigerator or large appliance?
The Old Bridge Department of Public Works collects large metal appliances bi-weekly by appointment. You must visit the township website to fill out a Service Request Form. Once scheduled, remove all doors from the appliance and place it at the curb the night before.
What are the rules for autumn leaf collection?
From October through December, the DPW collects leaves curbside, provided they are placed in biodegradable paper bags. Do not rake loose leaves into the street, and never use plastic bags, as they will be rejected by the collection crews.