Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Paterson
Trash Day
Trash is collected twice per week, Monday through Saturday, depending on your neighborhood zone.
Recycling
Recycling is collected once per week on your designated zone pickup day.
Yard Waste
Leaves and vegetative yard waste are collected seasonally on your scheduled recycling day.
Set Out Time
By 6:00 AM on collection day (set out no earlier than 6:00 PM the evening before)
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Residential trash and recycling collection is a municipal service funded through local property taxes, so there is no separate utility trash bill.
Billing Cycle
Included in Property Taxes
Accepted Methods
Online, Mail, In Person
Pro Tip / Discount
Eligible seniors and disabled homeowners may qualify for New Jersey property tax relief deductions.
Standard heavy-duty trash cans or thick bags Bin (Trash)
Trash must be placed curbside no earlier than 5:00 PM and no later than 7:00 PM the night before your scheduled collection days.
Accepted Items
- ✓Everyday household refuse
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Soiled paper and greasy cardboard (like pizza boxes)
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
Any reusable recycling bin (no plastic bags) Bin (Recycling)
Recyclables must be at the curb by 6:00 AM. Commingled glass/plastic/metal must be loose in a bin. Cardboard and paper must be bundled or placed in brown paper bags.
Accepted Items
- ✓Plastics (Codes 1, 2, and 5)
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
- ✓Newspapers, magazines, and mixed paper
- ✓Flattened and bundled corrugated cardboard
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic grocery bags
- ✕Styrofoam (meat trays, cups)
- ✕Waxed cardboard containers
- ✕Window glass or mirrors
- ✕Plastic hangers
Yard Waste Bin
Yard waste is collected seasonally from April through early December. Leaves must be in biodegradable paper bags or reusable bins. Brush must be bundled and tied. Absolutely no plastic bags.
Accepted Items
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Brush
- ✓Branches (max 4-foot length, 2-inch diameter)
- ✓Vegetative waste
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
By scheduled appointment only
Placement
Place items curbside only after your pickup is officially scheduled. Items must be able to be safely handled by two people.
Accepted
- ✓ Sofas and wooden furniture
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs (must be wrapped in plastic)
- ✓ Rolled carpets and linoleum
- ✓ Lawnmowers (free of gas and oil)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Construction materials and drywall
- ✕ Hazardous waste (paint, oil)
- ✕ Car parts and engines
- ✕ Regular household trash
The first curbside bulk pickup is free. Subsequent pickups cost $50 each. Alternatively, residents can drop bulk items off at the City Yard for free with a valid Paterson ID.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
There is no recycling collection on major holidays. If a holiday falls on your recycling day, your pickup will simply occur on your NEXT scheduled day for that area (not the following day or week).
Yard Waste Exception
Holiday scheduling primarily impacts the DPW recycling routes. For regular trash (handled by FILCO), residents should check the Recycle Coach app for specific holiday shift announcements.
Always tune into Cablevision Channel 73 or check the Recycle Coach app for real-time announcements regarding holiday schedule shifts.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Spring/Summer
April to NovemberCurbside collection of yard waste and leaves strictly begins in early April. Do not place yard waste out during the winter months, as the DPW trucks will not be running these specialized routes.
Fall
October to DecemberAutumn leaf collection concludes in early December. Ensure all leaves are packed in brown paper bags, as leaves mixed with stones, dirt, or regular trash will be rejected by collection crews.
Winter
December to MarchDuring heavy snowstorms, avoid placing trash cans or bulk items directly in the street where they can obstruct snowplows. Use the Paterson Alerts system to monitor any weather-related collection delays.
Local Tips & Community Info
Turn Your Cans into Cash Right Here in Paterson!
Did you know you can get a little cash back for those empty bottles and cans? New Jersey has a state program for redeeming beverage containers. While Paterson itself doesn't have a specific 'buyback center' listed right in the city for this, keep an eye out for redemption centers in surrounding Passaic County towns or even further afield. Sometimes, local scrap metal yards will also take aluminum cans, though it's usually for larger quantities. Don't forget to check with places like Paterson Auto Parts or other local auto recyclers if you have larger amounts of scrap metal; they might offer a small payout for certain items.
Giving Old Stuff a New Home in Paterson
Before tossing out items that are still in decent shape, think about donating them! For clothing, furniture, and household goods, the Good Samaritan Rescue Mission on Main Street in Paterson often accepts donations. They help folks in need right here in our community. Also, check out nearby thrift stores in Passaic County; many are always looking for gently used items to resell and support their own local causes. Donating is a fantastic way to reduce waste and help your neighbors!
Keeping Paterson Clean: Tackling Tossed Trash Together
If you ever spot trash dumped where it shouldn't be, it's not just an eyesore, it's a problem for everyone. Paterson has a Solid Waste Management Department that residents can contact to report illegal dumping. You can reach them at 973-321-1600 or send an email to [email protected]. The city also organizes community clean-up events from time to time. Keep an eye on local announcements or community boards for when these happen – pitching in is a great way to show pride in Paterson!
Drop-off Facilities
Paterson City Yard (DPW Drop-Off Center)
402 East 16th Street, Paterson, NJ 07514
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I schedule a bulk waste pickup in Paterson?
You can schedule a bulk waste pickup using the Recycle Coach app or by visiting PatersonNJ.gov/BulkPickup. Your first curbside pickup is free, but any subsequent pickups will cost $50. You can also drop items off for free at the City Yard on East 16th Street.
Does Paterson collect recycling on holidays?
No. If a major holiday falls on your designated recycling day, your recycling will not be picked up. Instead, you must wait until your next regularly scheduled recycling day for your specific area (it does not simply push back by one day).
Are there special rules for throwing away a mattress?
Yes. Any mattress or box spring placed at the curb for a scheduled bulk pickup, or dropped off at the City Yard, must be completely wrapped and sealed in a plastic bag. This is a mandatory health and safety requirement.
Who do I call if my regular garbage isn't picked up?
Regular household garbage in Paterson is collected by a private partner, FILCO. If you experience a missed trash pickup, you should contact FILCO directly at 1-(833)-GO-FILCO (1-833-463-4526).