Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Piscataway
Trash Day
Household trash collection is not provided by municipal crews; residents must subscribe to a private waste hauler (such as Grand Sanitation, Republic Services, RGB Disposal, Total Trash Removal, or Waste Management), which determines your pickup days.
Recycling
Curbside single-stream recycling is managed by the Middlesex County Improvement Authority (MCIA) on an alternating bi-weekly schedule based on neighborhood zone.
Yard Waste
Curbside bagged leaf collection runs seasonally from mid-October through late December. Residents can also schedule one annual curbside branch pickup by appointment or drop off yard waste at the Township Mini-Dump.
Set Out Time
By 6:00 AM on collection day (or the night before)
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Curbside recycling and bulk services are coordinated through the county and township, but standard weekly garbage collection must be arranged and paid for directly through an independent hauler.
Billing Cycle
Monthly or Quarterly (Private Hauler Direct Billing)
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay, Credit/Debit Card, Mail, Phone
Pro Tip / Discount
Discounts (such as annual advance payment savings) vary depending on your chosen private hauler.
Determined by private hauler Bin (Trash)
Trash collection is completely privatized. You must contact your specific subscription hauler for their exact bin size limitations and placement guidelines.
Accepted Items
- ✓Household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
Township-issued 95-gallon ASL cart Bin (Recycling)
All recyclables must fit entirely inside the 95-gallon ASL cart. Nothing placed outside or on top of the cart will be collected by MCIA trucks.
Accepted Items
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
- ✓Plastic bottles and containers
- ✓Mixed paper and cardboard
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Food waste
- ✕Tanglers (cords, hoses)
Yard Waste Bin
Leaves must be in biodegradable paper bags (available at DPW). Grass is not collected curbside and requires purchased coupons for drop-off at the Mini-Dump. Branches require an annual appointment.
Accepted Items
- ✓Leaves (in biodegradable bags)
- ✓Branches (by appointment)
- ✓Grass clippings (Mini-Dump only)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Twice (2) a year per household
Placement
Place items at the curb no sooner than the night before and no later than 7:00 a.m. on your scheduled appointment day (6:00 a.m. on summer Fridays).
Accepted
- ✓ Appliances (refrigerator/freezer doors removed)
- ✓ Furniture
- ✓ Carpeting
Not Accepted
- ✕ Tires of any kind
- ✕ Home improvement or contractor debris
- ✕ Dirt and rocks
- ✕ Hazardous waste
The two annual bulk pickups are free, but you must possess a valid Piscataway Township Service Card to schedule an appointment.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Because standard household trash is collected by private companies, any holiday delays are entirely dependent on your individual hauler. Always check directly with your service provider.
Yard Waste Exception
The Piscataway Mini-Dump is automatically closed on any municipal holidays that happen to fall on its standard operating days (Tuesdays or Thursdays).
County-run MCIA recycling typically shifts collection by one day following major national holidays. Verify via the MCIA schedule.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Autumn
October to DecemberCurbside leaf bag collection runs strictly from October 16th to December 30th. Residents can claim two free bundles of biodegradable bags at DPW Yard Door #11 starting in mid-October.
Summer
July and AugustDue to high heat, DPW operates on early summer hours. If you schedule a bulk trash pickup on a Friday during July or August, all items must be at the curb by 6:00 a.m. instead of the usual 7:00 a.m. deadline.
Winter
October to DecemberThe Township suspends all curbside bulk trash appointments from the second week of October through the end of December so DPW crews can focus on leaf collection and winter snow removal preparations.
Local Tips & Community Info
Got Cans? Make Cash Back in Piscataway!
While Piscataway has a great recycling program, sometimes you might have a stash of cans and bottles that aren't part of the regular curbside pickup but are still worth something. New Jersey has a state-wide program where you can get money back for certain beverage containers. Look for redemption centers in the wider Middlesex County area. You can often find places that will take your aluminum cans and plastic bottles for cash. It's a nice way to get a little extra pocket money while still doing good for the environment. A quick search for "NJ bottle redemption centers" should point you in the right direction for locations near Piscataway.
Give Your Goods a Second Life in Piscataway!
Before you toss that gently used furniture or those clothes you no longer need, think about giving them a new home right here in Piscataway. There are some fantastic local organizations that would love your donations. Consider checking out places like the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in nearby Edison. They accept a wide range of items, from furniture and appliances to building materials, and the proceeds help build homes for families. Also, look for local churches or community centers that might be collecting items for those in need. It's a rewarding way to declutter and help out your neighbors.
Keeping Piscataway Beautiful: Say No to Dumping!
Nobody likes seeing trash dumped where it doesn't belong, and Piscataway is no different. The town works hard to keep our streets and natural areas clean. If you ever spot illegal dumping, it's super important to report it. You can usually call the Piscataway Department of Public Works or Public Safety to let them know. They have ways to handle these situations and often organize community clean-up events. Keeping an eye out and reporting suspicious activity really helps maintain the beauty of our town for everyone to enjoy. Sometimes, you might even find official hazardous waste collection days advertised by the town or county for things you can't just put in your regular bin.
Drop-off Facilities
Piscataway Mini-Dump (Recycling & Trash Center)
505 Sidney Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Piscataway Township pick up my regular household garbage?
No, Piscataway Township does not provide municipal garbage collection. Homeowners are required to set up a private subscription with a licensed trash hauler, such as Republic Services, Grand Sanitation, or Waste Management, to collect regular household refuse.
What is the Piscataway Township Service Card?
The Service Card is an official proof of residency required for homeowners to access municipal waste services. You must present this card to enter the Mini-Dump, claim free biodegradable leaf bags in the fall, and schedule your annual bulk or branch pickup appointments.
How do I schedule a bulk trash pickup in Piscataway?
Residents with a valid Service Card can schedule up to two bulk trash pickups per year between January and early October. Call the Division of Recycling and Solid Waste at (732) 562-2390 to book an appointment. Items cannot exceed 5 cubic yards in total volume.
How do I dispose of grass clippings in Piscataway?
Grass clippings are not collected at the curb. You must dispose of them at the Mini-Dump on Sidney Road. However, you must first purchase grass coupon credits at the DPW office for one dollar ($1.00) per 30-gallon bag before dropping them off.