Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Rockaway
Trash Day
Trash is collected once a week on either Thursday (Route A) or Friday (Route B), depending on your neighborhood route.
Recycling
Single-stream recycling is collected every other week on Tuesday.
Yard Waste
Curbside vegetative waste (grass, leaves, and brush) is collected every other Wednesday from April through December.
Set Out Time
By 6:00 AM on collection day (or placed at the curb the evening prior)
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Water, sewer, and property tax utilities are billed quarterly and can be managed directly through the Borough's website or at Town Hall.
Billing Cycle
Quarterly
Accepted Methods
Online, Mail, In-Person, Night Deposit Box
Resident-provided standard bin Bin (Trash)
Maximum of three (3) 32-gallon containers per week. Containers must have handles, lids, and cannot exceed 50 pounds each.
Accepted Items
- ✓Everyday household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓General refuse
Resident-provided standard bin Bin (Recycling)
Single-stream recycling collected every other Tuesday. Containers must have handles and weigh under 50 pounds. Do not use 64- or 95-gallon wheeled carts.
Accepted Items
- ✓Cardboard (flattened)
- ✓Paper and aseptic cartons
- ✓Aluminum and steel (tin) cans
- ✓Glass bottles and jars (caps removed)
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Shredded paper
- ✕Electronics
- ✕Hazardous waste
Yard Waste Bin
Place in biodegradable brown paper bags or open 32-gallon containers with handles. Branches must be tied in bundles under 4 feet long and 18 inches wide.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Brush
- ✓Tree branches
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Weekly on your scheduled garbage collection day
Placement
Place items at the curb the night before your Route A (Thursday) or Route B (Friday) collection.
Accepted
- ✓ Couches
- ✓ Chairs
- ✓ Tables
- ✓ Rolled carpet (4-foot lengths)
- ✓ Mattresses
Not Accepted
- ✕ Scrap metal
- ✕ White goods and appliances
- ✕ Electronics
- ✕ Hazardous household waste
- ✕ Construction debris
Bulk pickup is free and included with regular weekly garbage collection. Scrap metal requires a free scheduled appointment.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
When garbage collection falls on one of these major holidays, pickup is typically delayed to the following day.
Yard Waste Exception
Vegetative and recycling collections that fall on or after a holiday during the week may also be subject to a one-day shift.
Residents are highly encouraged to check the Borough website or the free Recycle Coach app for exact holiday makeup dates.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Spring, Summer & Fall
April to DecemberCurbside vegetative waste collection runs every other Wednesday. Keep your brush bundled separately from your grass and leaves to ensure swift collection by the crews.
Winter
December to MarchDuring snowstorms and icy conditions, ensure your 32-gallon bins are clearly visible at the curb. Always use a tight-fitting lid to keep snow and rain out of your recyclables, as wet paper cannot be processed.
Holidays
Year-RoundWhen major holidays occur on a collection day, expect a one-day delay. Always use the Recycle Coach app to get real-time notifications about shifting routes during holiday weeks.
Local Tips & Community Info
Turning Your Scrap into Rockaway Greenbacks!
Did you know you can get a little cash back for your recyclables right here in our neck of the woods? While Rockaway doesn't have a dedicated buyback center within the town limits, Morris County does have options. For items like aluminum cans and plastic bottles, keep an eye out for community events or consider checking out local scrap yards in nearby areas that might accept them. It's a smart way to make a few bucks while helping keep our community clean.
Giving Your Good Stuff a Second Life in Rockaway
Got items that are still perfectly usable but you don't need anymore? Instead of tossing them, think about donating! The Salvation Army Family Stores & Donation Centers have a location in nearby Dover that's always looking for clothes, household goods, and furniture. It's a fantastic way to help others and keep perfectly good items out of the landfill. Every little bit makes a difference for our neighbors.
Keeping Rockaway Tidy: Clean-Up Events and Tackling Dumping
Rockaway is a beautiful place to live, and we all play a part in keeping it that way. While there aren't ongoing special hazardous waste collection days advertised for Rockaway specifically right now, Morris County often holds these events. It's worth checking the Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority (MCMUA) website periodically for updates on when and where you can drop off things like old electronics, paint, or chemicals. If you ever spot illegal dumping, the best thing to do is report it to the Rockaway Borough or Township officials so they can address it promptly.
Drop-off Facilities
Rockaway Borough Recycling Depot
DPW Garage, 21-25 Union St, Rockaway, NJ 07866
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get rid of an old couch or rolled carpet in Rockaway Borough?
You can place up to three bulky items, such as a couch or rolled carpet (cut and tied into 4-foot lengths), at the curb on your regular Thursday or Friday garbage day each week without scheduling ahead.
Can I use a large 96-gallon recycling cart with wheels?
No. The Borough explicitly prohibits the use of large 64- and 95-gallon carts. These bins quickly exceed the strict 50-pound weight limit, which poses an injury risk to the collection crews. Please use 32-gallon cans with handles.
How do I dispose of scrap metal like an old folding chair or appliance?
Scrap metal cannot go out with your regular bulk waste. You must schedule an appointment by calling Blue Diamond Disposal at 973-598-9800 for a special pickup on the last Wednesday of the month, or drop it off at the Recycling Depot on Union Street.
When are leaves, grass clippings, and branches collected?
Vegetative waste is picked up every other Wednesday from April through December. You must use 32-gallon containers with handles or biodegradable brown paper bags. Branches must be tied in bundles no longer than 4 feet.