Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Passaic
Trash Day
Trash is collected twice weekly according to zone: Zone A is Monday and Thursday, Zone B is Tuesday and Friday, Zone C is Wednesday and Saturday, and the Business District is Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
Recycling
Residential recycling is collected weekly based on your neighborhood zone schedule (viewable via the Recycle Coach app), while business districts and schools are collected on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Yard Waste
Branches and brush are collected on Fridays by appointment (call Public Works at 973-365-5654); leaves and grass clippings are collected curbside in biodegradable paper bags.
Set Out Time
By 6:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Residential trash and recycling collection services are provided by the City of Passaic and funded through municipal property taxes, so there is no separate utility bill for curbside service.
Billing Cycle
Included in Property Taxes
Accepted Methods
Online, Mail, In-Person
Standard resident-provided bin Bin (Trash)
Use tightly sealed standard garbage receptacles or sturdy bags. Trash is collected by Cali Carting Inc. Ensure your waste is at the curb prior to the morning of your scheduled route to avoid missed pickups.
Accepted Items
- ✓Everyday household garbage
- ✓Food wrappers
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
Labeled recycling bin Bin (Recycling)
Recycling is collected by Gaeta Recycling. Keep materials loose; do not bag them. Do not mix electronics in with your standard paper, plastics, or glass.
Accepted Items
- ✓Glass bottles
- ✓Plastic containers
- ✓Cardboard
- ✓Paper containers
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Electronic waste
- ✕Construction debris
- ✕Yard waste
Yard Waste Bin
Leaves and grass must go in biodegradable paper bags and are picked up on your assigned recycling day. Branches must be tied, bundled, and scheduled via phone for a Friday pickup.
Accepted Items
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Bundled branches (under 4 feet)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Weekly on your regular trash day
Placement
Place up to two allowed items at the curb on your regular scheduled garbage day. For White Goods (appliances) and tires, you MUST call 973-365-5654 to schedule a separate pickup.
Accepted
- ✓ Mattresses (must be wrapped in plastic)
- ✓ Box springs (must be wrapped in plastic)
- ✓ Home furniture (cloth items must be wrapped)
- ✓ Dressers
Not Accepted
- ✕ Construction and demolition debris (bricks, sheetrock, wood)
- ✕ Hazardous waste
- ✕ Automotive parts (except up to 4 rimless tires by appointment)
The first 4 tires per year are free; additional tires cost $3 each, payable at the Public Works Office before collection.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
The City of Passaic frequently maintains regular collection schedules even on minor holidays (such as Lincoln's Birthday, President's Day, and Good Friday).
Yard Waste Exception
Because branch pickups are specifically scheduled for Fridays, a Friday holiday may require shifting your appointment to the following week.
Because collection continues on many municipal holidays, Passaic strongly encourages all residents to download the free Recycle Coach app to receive exact, address-specific calendar reminders.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Spring & Summer
March - AugustAs yard work increases, residents are reminded that they can dispose of up to four (4) rimless tires per household per year for free by calling the DPW. Any tires beyond four incur a $3 fee.
Fall
October - DecemberDuring peak leaf-fall season, leaves must still be strictly bagged in biodegradable paper bags and put out on regular recycling days. Raking loose leaves directly into the street blocks sweepers and clogs storm drains.
Winter
December - FebruaryDuring major winter storms, trash and recycling schedules may be temporarily paused. The city advises all residents to utilize the Recycle Coach app for real-time snow delays and route adjustments.
Local Tips & Community Info
Cash for Your Cans? Passaic's Recycling Riches!
Did you know some recyclables can actually put money back in your pocket right here in Passaic? While the city collects for general recycling, for things like specific bottles and cans, keep an eye out for New Jersey's Bottle Deposit Law. Many local convenience stores and supermarkets are part of this program where you can redeem those 5-cent deposits. For larger quantities of scrap metal, you might want to explore local scrap yards in the wider Passaic County area. A quick online search for 'scrap metal recycling Passaic County' can point you to places that will pay by weight for items like old appliances or scrap iron. It's a great way to clear out clutter and earn a little extra cash!
Giving Your Gently Used Stuff a Second Life in Passaic
Before tossing perfectly good items, think about donating them to folks in Passaic who could use them. The Salvation Army Family Stores have a presence in nearby Paterson, where they gratefully accept donations of clothing, furniture, and household goods. If you've got larger items like furniture or building materials, Habitat for Humanity ReStores in the region, like the one in Fairfield, are fantastic options for donating. They help fund their home-building projects, so your donation makes a real difference locally. Always give them a quick call to confirm what they accept and their drop-off hours.
Keeping Passaic Sparkling: Tackling Dumped Stuff and Community Cleanups
Nobody likes seeing trash dumped illegally around Passaic. If you ever spot illegal dumping, your best bet is to report it directly to the City of Passaic's Solid Waste Management Department. They're equipped to handle these situations. To get involved in keeping our neighborhoods beautiful, look for announcements about community clean-up events. These are often organized by local community groups or the city itself. Following Passaic's official social media pages or checking the city's website for event notices is a great way to stay in the loop and lend a hand.
Drop-off Facilities
Passaic County Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Events
Various locations across Passaic County
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I throw away a mattress or couch in Passaic?
You can throw away a mattress or couch on your regular garbage day. However, you are limited to two bulk items per pickup, and state health rules mandate that all mattresses, box springs, and cloth-covered furniture be completely wrapped and sealed in plastic. Unwrapped items will not be collected.
Who do I call if my trash or recycling isn't picked up?
For regular garbage, contact Cali Carting Inc. at 201-991-5400. For recycling issues, contact Gaeta Recycling at 973-278-6625. For general inquiries or to schedule yard waste and appliance pickups, call the Passaic DPW at 973-365-5654.
What is the rule for getting rid of branches and leaves?
Leaves and grass clippings must go in biodegradable paper bags (no plastic) and are collected on your standard recycling day. Tree branches and brush must be tied in bundles no longer than four feet, and you must call the DPW to schedule a Friday pickup.
Can I throw away bricks, tiles, or wood from a home remodel?
No. The City of Passaic prohibits the curbside collection of construction debris. This includes bricks, cement blocks, floor and ceiling tiles, sheetrock, studs, and wood flooring. You must dispose of these items yourself by hiring a private hauler or bringing them to a transfer station.