Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Perth Amboy
Trash Day
Trash is collected twice a week based on the Conrail train tracks dividing line: North Side is collected on Mondays and Thursdays; South Side is collected on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Recycling
Every Wednesday citywide.
Yard Waste
Curbside leaf collection runs seasonally from mid-October through January in official biodegradable brown bags; brush and small tied branches can also be dropped off year-round at the DPW Recycling Center.
Set Out Time
Place bins out the evening prior or by 6:00 AM on collection day.
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Curbside residential trash and recycling collection is covered by your municipal property taxes, while separate water and sewer utility bills can be managed online or paid directly at City Hall.
Billing Cycle
Included in Property Taxes
Accepted Methods
Online, Mail, In Person, Drop Box
Pro Tip / Discount
Eligible senior citizens (65+) and disabled homeowners can apply for New Jersey property tax relief (Senior Freeze / ANCHOR) as well as state DCA utility assistance programs.
Standard Carts / Resident-Provided Bin (Trash)
Trash must be securely bagged inside your bin. Do not use garbage cans to reserve shoveled parking spaces on public roads during winter weather.
Accepted Items
- ✓Everyday household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics and wrappers
Standard Blue Bin Bin (Recycling)
Do not bag your recyclables. All items must be placed loose in the recycling container to prevent jamming the sorting facility's equipment.
Accepted Items
- ✓Clean office paper and newspaper
- ✓Corrugated cardboard
- ✓Plastic bottles and jugs
- ✓Glass jars and bottles
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic grocery bags
- ✕Styrofoam packing materials
- ✕Packing peanuts
- ✕Food-soiled cardboard
- ✕Electronic waste
Yard Waste Bin
Leaf bags are for leaves only—no dirt, grass, or garbage mixed in. Leaves raked into the street will result in a municipal summons.
Accepted Items
- ✓Leaves (in biodegradable bags only)
- ✓Branches and twigs (bundled)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
By Appointment Only ($30 Fee)
Placement
Place items curbside only after securing and paying for your appointment. Do not block sidewalks or the street.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture
- ✓ Large household goods
- ✓ Metal appliances (requires a separate, free appointment)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Construction and demolition materials (drywall, tiles, wood fences)
- ✕ Dirt in bags
- ✕ Grass clippings
- ✕ Asphalt and concrete
- ✕ Roofing shingles
A $30 fee applies per bulk appointment. Payments can be made online via credit/debit or e-check, or in person via check/money order. Cash is not accepted.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Trash and recycling collections are suspended on major holidays. Schedules typically shift forward by one day for the remainder of the holiday week.
Yard Waste Exception
The DPW Garage residential dumping facility on Fayette Street is closed on all observed city holidays, as well as on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Always monitor the Perth Amboy municipal website or city alerts for specific weather-related collection cancellations, especially during severe winter storms.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Autumn
October - NovemberWeekly leaf collection begins in late October. Residents must rake leaves up to the curb edge, but never directly into the street. Blocking storm drains with leaves will result in a city summons.
Winter
December - MarchDuring snow events, it is strictly illegal to use your trash cans or chairs to reserve shoveled parking spaces on public roads. Always shovel snow onto your lawn, not into the street.
Spring/Summer
April - SeptemberWith active landscaping season underway, remember that grass clippings and dirt in bags are strictly not accepted at the DPW Garage drop-off. You must practice cut-and-leave mulching or hire a private landscaper.
Local Tips & Community Info
Get Paid for Your Cans in Perth Amboy!
Did you know you can actually get a few bucks back for certain recyclables right here in the Garden State? While Perth Amboy doesn't have a specific buyback center within the city limits, New Jersey has a statewide program for beverage containers. So, when you're finishing up those soda or water bottles, don't toss them! Keep an eye out for the New Jersey bottle deposit symbol (usually 5 cents) and take them to any store that sells them. For other metals like aluminum cans or scrap, you might need to travel a bit. Places like Scrap-It Inc. in South Plainfield or similar yards further out can often give you cash for bulk metal items. It's a great way to turn your junk into some extra spending money!
Give Your Good Stuff a Second Life in Perth Amboy
Before you send perfectly good items to the curb, think about giving them a new home through donation. While there isn't a major Habitat for Humanity ReStore directly in Perth Amboy, you can check out places like the ReStore in Edison (about a 20-minute drive) for furniture, appliances, and building materials. For clothing and smaller household items, organizations like the Salvation Army or Goodwill often have donation drop-off points not too far away. Even local churches or community centers might have donation drives for specific needs. It's a win-win: you clear out clutter and help someone else!
Keeping Perth Amboy Spick and Span: Tackling Tossed Trash
Seeing trash dumped where it shouldn't be is a bummer for everyone. If you notice any illegal dumping happening in Perth Amboy, don't just walk by! The city takes this seriously. Your best bet is to report it directly to the Perth Amboy Department of Public Works. They have the authority to investigate and clean up these messes. Keep an eye out for community clean-up events too; these are fantastic opportunities to pitch in, meet your neighbors, and make Perth Amboy an even nicer place to live. Participating in these events helps keep our shared spaces beautiful.
Drop-off Facilities
Perth Amboy DPW Garage
599 Fayette Street, Perth Amboy, NJ 08861
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I pay for a bulk trash pickup in Perth Amboy?
Curbside bulk pickup appointments cost $30. You can pay online using a credit/debit card or free e-check. Alternatively, you can pay in person at the DPW office on Fayette Street using a check or money order. Cash is strictly not accepted.
Can I drop off my old bathroom tiles or drywall at the DPW Garage?
No. The Perth Amboy DPW Garage strictly prohibits all construction and remodeling materials, including tiles, drywall (sheetrock), flooring, roofing shingles, dirt in bags, and concrete. You must hire a private dumper or take these to a county facility.
What are the rules for residential dumping at the DPW Garage?
Residents are allowed to use the dumping facility at 599 Fayette Street one day per week, with a maximum of two trips on that single day. The same vehicle or address cannot be shared among multiple individuals for dumping, and all bagged items will be inspected.
Are residents of Harbortown or Green Village eligible for city bulk waste pickup?
No. Privately managed residential communities in Perth Amboy, including Harbortown, Harbor Terrace, Hidden Village, and Green Village, do not receive municipal bulk pickup services. Residents must coordinate bulk disposal directly with their property management.