Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Raritan
Trash Day
Trash is collected weekly on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday depending on your neighborhood zone.
Recycling
Curbside recycling is collected every other Monday by Somerset County Recycling.
Yard Waste
Curbside leaf collection runs from November through December; grass clippings can be dropped off at the DPW Yard (1 Busky Lane) from April through October.
Set Out Time
No earlier than 4:00 PM the evening before collection and by 6:00 AM on collection day.
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Residential trash collection is provided by the Raritan Borough Department of Public Works and covered by your municipal property taxes.
Billing Cycle
Included in Property Taxes
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay, Mail, In-Person
Pro Tip / Discount
Eligible seniors and disabled residents can receive New Jersey property tax relief (Senior Freeze/PTR) and free borough pickup assistance for e-waste.
Resident-provided standard bins Bin (Trash)
Use securely covered containers. Place at the curb by 6:00 AM on collection day, but not before 5:00 PM the day prior.
Accepted Items
- ✓Standard household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Empty/dry latex paint cans (lids off)
Yellow (Paper) & Green (Commingled) Totes/Buckets Bin (Recycling)
Raritan utilizes a dual-stream system. Do not mix paper/cardboard with plastics/glass. Do not bag recyclables.
Accepted Items
- ✓Newspapers, magazines, and flattened cardboard (Yellow)
- ✓Glass bottles and jars (Green)
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans (Green)
- ✓Plastic bottles and containers #1 and #2 (Green)
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic shopping bags
- ✕Pizza boxes
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Lightbulbs
- ✕Batteries
Yard Waste Bin
Leaves must be kept out of storm drains. Brush must be tied and bundled in lengths no greater than 4 feet.
Accepted Items
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Small brush and twigs
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Periodically scheduled or by private arrangement
Placement
Bulk items should not be placed at the curb indefinitely. Only place items out on designated clean-up days or when a confirmed pickup is scheduled.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture
- ✓ Mattresses
- ✓ Carpeting (cut and rolled)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Construction debris
- ✕ Concrete and brick
- ✕ Hazardous waste
- ✕ Tires
- ✕ Freon appliances
Fees may apply for Freon extraction from appliances or for private bulk hauling services.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
When a major holiday falls on a weekday, trash and recycling collections are typically delayed by one day for the remainder of the week.
Yard Waste Exception
DPW yard waste collections and drop-off facilities are suspended on all observed borough and county holidays.
Always consult the Somerset County Recycling schedule directly, as their holiday schedule may occasionally differ slightly from the Borough's municipal office closures.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Fall
October - DecemberThe Raritan DPW operates a specialized leaf vacuuming program. Rake leaves to the curb line, ensuring they are free of rocks, twigs, and other debris that could damage the vacuum equipment.
Winter
JanuaryFollowing the holidays, the borough typically offers curbside Christmas tree collection. Trees must be completely bare—remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel, and stands before placing them at the curb.
Spring
April - MaySpring cleanup operations include scheduled brush and branch pick-ups. Ensure branches are bundled securely and placed at the curb according to the DPW's seasonal calendar.
Local Tips & Community Info
Pocket Some Change: Raritan Residents, Turn Those Bottles and Cans into Cash!
Hey Raritan neighbors! While our town has some great recycling programs already, did you know you can sometimes get a little cash back for certain items? New Jersey has a state program where you can redeem deposit bottles and cans. Look for the NJ Bottle Deposit symbol on them. You can usually take these to larger grocery stores or dedicated redemption centers. While Raritan itself might not have a specific buyback center listed, keeping an eye out for these redeemable items can put a few extra bucks in your pocket before they even hit the trash or recycling bin!
Give Your Gently Used Stuff a Second Life in the Raritan Area
Got items that are still in good shape but you don't need anymore? Instead of tossing them, think about donating them to help out folks right here in our community! While there isn't a specific Goodwill directly in Raritan, check out places like the Salvation Army in nearby Somerville. They're always looking for clothes, household goods, and furniture. You could also explore local Facebook groups for 'Buy Nothing' or 'Freecycle' where people give away items for free. It's a fantastic way to reduce waste and help a neighbor in need!
Keeping Raritan Beautiful: Beyond the Bin and Dealing with the Unexpected
We all want Raritan to look its best, right? While regular trash and recycling are key, sometimes life throws us a curveball with things like old paint, electronics, or yard waste that don't fit the usual schedule. For hazardous waste, keep an eye out for special collection days organized by Somerset County, as these are the best bet for responsible disposal of tricky items. And if you ever spot illegal dumping, don't just walk by! Reporting it helps keep our town clean. You can usually report this to the Raritan Borough Hall or the Public Works department. Let's work together to keep Raritan looking great!
Drop-off Facilities
Somerset County Recycling Center
40 Polhemus Lane, Bridgewater, NJ 08807
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Raritan use single-stream or dual-stream recycling?
Raritan Borough utilizes Somerset County's dual-stream recycling program. Residents must separate paper and cardboard (yellow tote) from glass, plastics, and cans (green tote).
How do I dispose of old televisions or computers in Raritan?
Electronic waste is prohibited in curbside trash in New Jersey. You must bring your old TVs and computers to the Somerset County Recycling Center in Bridgewater during designated e-waste drop-off events.
Can I put branches in my regular trash bin?
No. Yard waste like branches and brush must be handled separately. The Borough provides specific seasonal brush collections where branches must be cut, tied, and bundled, or residents can compost them.
What happens if my trash or recycling pick-up falls on a snow day?
During severe winter weather, pick-ups may be delayed to allow plows to clear the roads. Somerset County and the Raritan DPW will post updates on their official websites regarding adjusted collection dates.