Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Palisades Park
Trash Day
Garbage is collected twice per week: Tuesdays and Fridays for the North Side, and Mondays and Thursdays for the South Side (divided by Central Boulevard).
Recycling
Recycling is collected on designated weekdays by zone, alternating between commingled containers and paper/cardboard.
Yard Waste
Grass pickup runs every Monday from March 15 through November 15, with seasonal curbside leaf collection in the fall.
Set Out Time
By 6:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Residential trash, recycling, and yard waste services are provided by the Borough and funded through municipal property taxes, with no separate monthly utility bill.
Billing Cycle
Included in Property Taxes
Accepted Methods
Online, Mail, In-Person
Pro Tip / Discount
State of New Jersey property tax relief programs (such as the Senior Freeze and ANCHOR programs) provide tax relief for eligible senior, disabled, and low-income homeowners.
Standard dark-colored resident-owned container Bin (Trash)
All trash must be placed in a proper container. Small, loose bags are strictly prohibited at the curb. Receptacles must not be placed out before 5:30 PM on the night prior to collection.
Accepted Items
- ✓Standard household solid waste
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics and wrappers
Clearly marked recycling pail (resident-owned) Bin (Recycling)
Recyclables must be rinsed clean and placed loosely in the recycling pail. Cardboard must be flattened. No plastic bags or wrapping are permitted under any circumstances.
Accepted Items
- ✓Glass bottles and jars (rinsed)
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
- ✓Plastic bottles and containers
- ✓Newspapers and magazines
- ✓Condensed cardboard
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic garbage bags
- ✕Plastic wrapping or film
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Window glass or mirrors
Yard Waste Bin
Branches must be tied and placed at the curb on Bulk Trash Day or by calling the DPW. Logs and stumps are not permitted. Leaves have specific seasonal rules based on the street location.
Accepted Items
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Tied branches (3 feet or less, max 2 inches in diameter)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Designated Bulk Trash Days (check annual DPW calendar) or by appointment for specific items.
Placement
Items must be placed at the curb after 5:30 PM the night before the scheduled Bulk Trash Day. For white goods, refrigerator doors must be completely removed prior to placement.
Accepted
- ✓ Standard household furniture
- ✓ Tied branches (max 3 feet long, 2 inches diameter)
- ✓ White goods and electronics (by appointment only)
- ✓ Metal items (by appointment only)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Construction materials (bathtubs, sinks, toilets)
- ✕ Logs and tree stumps
- ✕ Hazardous waste
- ✕ Tires
Bulk collection is generally included in municipal services, but items like water heaters require obtaining a valid proof of permit from the Building Department before the DPW will collect them.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Collections are typically suspended on major holidays. Residents should refer to the annual Borough Garbage/Recycling calendar for specific makeup dates when a holiday interrupts the standard Monday/Thursday or Tuesday/Friday schedules.
Yard Waste Exception
The Borough explicitly suspends all curbside leaf collection operations during the entire week of Thanksgiving.
Always ensure bins are brought back in promptly if a collection is delayed due to a holiday or severe weather event.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Fall
October to DecemberCurbside leaf collection runs from mid-October to mid-December on your alternate side parking day. Place loose leaves in the street, away from storm drains, no more than 2 days prior to sweeping. Note that there is absolutely no leaf collection during the week of Thanksgiving.
Winter
December to MarchDuring snowstorms, do not shovel or plow snow into the roadway. All walkways must be shoveled within 12 hours after the snow ends. Corner properties are mandated to shovel a clear pathway to the street.
Spring/Summer
April to SeptemberAs vegetation grows rapidly, homeowners must trim any shrubs and trees that interfere with sidewalks or traffic. Tree branches must be kept at a clearance height of 8 feet above sidewalks and 13 feet above the roadway.
Local Tips & Community Info
Turning Your Cans into Cash: What to Know About Bottle & Can Returns Near Palisades Park
Hey neighbors! Beyond just tossing your bottles and cans in the blue bin, did you know New Jersey has a state-wide program where you can actually get money back for certain beverage containers? While Palisades Park itself might not have a specific redemption center right within its borders, keeping an eye out for places in nearby Bergen County that participate in the "bottle bill" is a smart move. Look for centers that accept deposit-bearing bottles and cans – it’s a little extra cash for doing good for the environment. A quick search for "NJ bottle redemption centers Bergen County" should point you in the right direction for drop-off locations. Every bit helps, right?
Give Your Gently Used Stuff a New Life: Donation Spots for Palisades Park Residents
Before you toss that couch or those clothes that are still in decent shape, think about giving them a second chance! Palisades Park residents have some great options to donate usable items. While a quick search shows no massive thrift chains directly in Palisades Park, you're very close to larger towns in Bergen County. Organizations like the Salvation Army and Goodwill often have donation centers a short drive away, and they’re always looking for clothing, household goods, and furniture. Also, check out local churches or community centers; they sometimes have donation drives or know of smaller, local charities that could use what you're offering. It feels good to help out a neighbor!
Keeping Our Streets Clean: Reporting Dumping & Finding Clean-Up Events Around Palisades Park
We all want Palisades Park to look its best, right? If you ever see someone dumping trash illegally, don't just ignore it. The best thing to do is report it to the Palisades Park Borough Hall or the local public works department. They have specific procedures to handle these situations and keep our neighborhoods clean. Keep an eye on the official borough website or local community bulletin boards for announcements about any upcoming community clean-up days. Participating in these events is a fantastic way to meet your neighbors and make a real difference in the appearance of our town. It shows real community pride!
Drop-off Facilities
Bergen County Utilities Authority (BCUA) Hazardous Waste Events
Various locations across Bergen County (Check bcua.org)
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
What time should I put my garbage out in Palisades Park?
All trash and recycling must be placed at the curb after 5:30 PM on the evening prior to your scheduled collection day. Ensure all waste is inside proper containers; small, loose bags are not permitted on the curb.
How do I dispose of an old refrigerator or television?
White goods, appliances, televisions, and electronics are picked up by the DPW by appointment only. You must call 201-585-4133 between 7:00 AM and 2:00 PM, Monday through Friday, to schedule a pickup. Remember that all refrigerator doors must be removed before placing the unit outside.
Will the borough pick up yard waste left by my landscaper?
No. According to Borough regulations, if you utilize a commercial landscaper, they are legally required to remove all leaves and hard yard debris from your property. The DPW will not collect debris generated by commercial contractors.
Are there special rules for leaf collection on specific streets?
Yes. While most of the borough places loose leaves in the street on alternate side parking days, residents on specific streets (such as Pembroke Way, Bergen Blvd, Broad Ave, and others listed in the DPW calendar) MUST bag their leaves in brown paper bags and contact the DPW to schedule a pickup.