Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Rahway
In New Jersey, municipal refuse and recycling routes operate weekly. Your exact collection days are determined by your local borough or township.
State Mandate
The NJ Mandatory Source Separation and Recycling Act requires all residents to separate designated recyclables.
Resident-provided standard bin Bin (Trash)
Containers must be up to 44 gallons in size, have two solid handles with detachable lids, and weigh less than 50 pounds.
Accepted Items
- ✓Household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Solidified latex paint (lids off)
Standard recycling bin Bin (Recycling)
Clean and dry all recyclables. Consult the Rahway Recycle Coach app for your specific neighborhood's collection schedule.
Accepted Items
- ✓Paper
- ✓Cardboard
- ✓Plastic bottles
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
Do NOT Include
- ✕Electronics
- ✕Liquid paint
- ✕Motor oil
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Yard waste
Yard Waste Bin
Place in reusable containers (32 gallons or less) or biodegradable paper bags. Branches must be tied and bundled in 4-foot lengths weighing under 50 lbs.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Small brush
- ✓Twigs
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Weekly on your second scheduled collection day
Placement
Place items at the curb the night before your second garbage collection day of the week.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture
- ✓ Carpeting
- ✓ Lumber (bundled under 4 ft)
- ✓ Sheetrock
Not Accepted
- ✕ White goods (requires appointment)
- ✕ Scrap metal
- ✕ Electronics
- ✕ Hazardous waste
Standard bulky waste is collected at no additional charge as part of municipal services, provided size and weight limits (under 50 lbs per bundle) are met.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
There is no collection on these designated holidays. Garbage collection skips the holiday and shifts to your next scheduled collection day for the week.
Yard Waste Exception
If a holiday falls on your first collection day (like Memorial Day or Labor Day), yard waste will not be collected that day and will shift to the next designated pickup.
Use the Recycle Coach app for real-time notifications on holiday delays.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Solidify Your Latex Paint
Liquid paint will leak and ruin city streets. Rahway DPW requires all latex paint to be completely dried and solidified before placing it curbside, with the lids removed, on your second garbage collection day.
Keep Plastic Bags Out of Yard Waste
Never use plastic bags for grass clippings or leaves. The city strictly mandates the use of biodegradable paper bags or reusable 32-gallon containers for all organics sent to the composting facility.
Electronics Require an Appointment
Do not throw TVs, computers, keyboards, or printers into your standard trash or bulk pile. You must call the Rahway Solid Waste Division to schedule a specific e-waste pickup.
Seasonal Information
Spring & Summer
April to NovemberRoutine yard waste collection runs from early April through November. Material is picked up exclusively on the first garbage collection day of your week.
Autumn
November to DecemberThe dedicated leaf collection program runs late fall. Leaves must be in paper bags or raked near the curb (kept clear of catch basins). A Leaf Collection Hotline (732-827-2063) is active with daily area updates.
Winter
JanuaryChristmas trees are collected curbside throughout January. Ensure all decorations are removed and do not place the trees in plastic disposal bags.
About Rahway Waste Management
Efficient Solid Waste Management in Rahway, NJ
The City of Rahway provides robust municipal waste services designed to keep neighborhoods clean while prioritizing environmental sustainability. Managed directly by the Rahway Department of Public Works (DPW), residents benefit from reliable bi-weekly garbage collection, specialized bulk waste protocols, and seasonal leaf pickups. Adhering to local bin size limits and scheduling rules ensures smooth operations and prevents missed collections.
Navigating the Bi-Weekly Garbage Schedule
Unlike many municipalities that collect trash once a week, Rahway offers twice-weekly garbage collection year-round. It is crucial for homeowners to use proper receptacles; the DPW mandates containers up to 44 gallons in size with solid handles and detachable lids. Any container exceeding 50 pounds or lacking a lid may be left at the curb to protect sanitation workers and prevent urban litter.
Proper Disposal of Bulky Items and White Goods
Disposing of large items in Rahway is exceptionally convenient. Residents can place standard bulky waste, such as old furniture and carpeting, on the curb for pickup during their second collection day of the week (typically Thursday or Friday). However, appliances, scrap metal, and 'white goods' cannot simply be left out. These require a specialized curbside appointment arranged by calling the Solid Waste Division directly.
Rahway's Dedicated Yard Waste and Composting Initiatives
Rahway strongly encourages green practices through its 'Cut It & Leave It' program and comprehensive yard waste collection running from April through November. Grass clippings and small brush must be placed in biodegradable paper bags or small, reusable containers. By sending these organics to a composting facility instead of a landfill, the city manages to save tax dollars while drastically reducing its environmental footprint.
Stay Updated with the Rahway Recycle Coach App
To eliminate the guesswork of proper disposal, Rahway has integrated the Recycle Coach platform. This digital tool gives residents real-time updates on holiday schedule shifts, specialized e-waste collection days, and a comprehensive database for determining which household items belong in the recycling bin versus the trash can.
Drop-off Facilities
Main Street Fire Department (Motor Oil Drop-off)
1300 Main St, Rahway, NJ 07065
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I dispose of a broken refrigerator or washing machine in Rahway?
White goods and scrap metal cannot be put out with regular bulk trash. You must call the Rahway DPW at 732-827-2159 to arrange a special curbside appointment.
What size trash cans are allowed by the Rahway DPW?
Trash cans must be no larger than 44 gallons, possess two solid handles with detachable lids, and weigh no more than 50 pounds when fully loaded.
When should I put out bulky waste like old furniture?
Standard bulky waste should be placed at the curb the night before your second scheduled garbage collection day of the week, which falls on either Thursday or Friday depending on your neighborhood zone.
Where can I recycle used motor oil in Rahway?
Residents cannot place used motor oil in regular trash or recycling bins. It is accepted as a drop-off at the Main Street Fire Department on Saturdays between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM.