Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Stafford
Trash Day
Trash is collected once per week from Monday through Thursday depending on your zone: Zone 1 on Monday, Zone 2 on Tuesday, Zone 3 on Wednesday, and Zone 4 on Thursday.
Recycling
Single-stream recycling is collected weekly by zone: Zone 1 on Tuesday, Zone 2 on Wednesday, Zone 3 on Thursday, and Zone 4 on Friday.
Yard Waste
Brush and leaves are collected curbside once a month during your designated zone week starting on the 1st (Zone 1), 2nd (Zone 2), 3rd (Zone 3), or 4th (Zone 4) Monday of the month.
Set Out Time
By 6:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Curbside trash and recycling services are provided by the township Public Works department, while municipal water and sewer utilities are billed separately every quarter (due January, April, July, and October).
Billing Cycle
Quarterly
Accepted Methods
Online, Mail, Drop Box, Phone
Varies (Township-issued automated container) Bin (Trash)
Use only the township-assigned automated container. Place wheels toward the curb by 6:00 a.m. Keep the container 4 feet away from other objects. Do not use for recycling.
Accepted Items
- ✓Regular household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Bagged grass clippings and garden debris
- ✓Styrofoam packing peanuts (must be bagged)
Varies (Township-issued automated container) Bin (Recycling)
All recycling must be rinsed clean and placed loosely into the Single Stream Recycling container. Commingle all items. Place 4 feet from any object.
Accepted Items
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
- ✓Plastic bottles and containers (milk, water, detergent)
- ✓Glass bottles and jars (clear, brown, green)
- ✓Corrugated cardboard
- ✓Junk mail and newspaper
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags of any kind
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Ceramics and flower pots
- ✕Blue glass, window glass, and mirrors
- ✕Bottle caps and jar lids
Yard Waste Bin
Grass and hay must be bagged and placed in normal trash. Curbside brush piles must not exceed 10ft wide x 4ft high x 8ft long on assigned week. Leaves are collected loose only during designated months.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings (must be bagged in regular trash)
- ✓Leaves (seasonal curbside rows)
- ✓Brush and tree limbs (max 4 inches diameter, 4 feet length)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Once a month (Based on designated Zones 1-4)
Placement
Separate bulk trash from metal, brush, and regular recycling. Do not block storm drains or the roadway.
Accepted
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs
- ✓ Furniture
- ✓ Plastic toys
- ✓ Large household items
Not Accepted
- ✕ Carpeting and padding
- ✕ Kitchen cabinets
- ✕ Construction debris (rock, concrete, tile, soil)
- ✕ Boats
- ✕ Electronics and propane tanks
Included in municipal services. Alternatively, residents can take items to the Bulk Trash Drop-off Center at 320 Haywood Road for free with proof of residency.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Holiday schedules typically result in a one-day delay for collection services for the remainder of the holiday week. Specific date changes are updated continuously via the Recycle Coach app.
Yard Waste Exception
Zone-based bulk, brush, and metal collections may be pushed back if a major holiday falls on a Monday, delaying the start of your zone week.
Because public works crews manage both sanitation and emergency road operations, holiday and weather delays are best tracked directly through the township's website or notification system.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Spring & Fall
April, May, June, October, November, DecemberThe township runs its loose leaf collection program exclusively during these six months based on your zone week. Leaves must be raked into a neat row by the curb line and kept free of brush or debris.
Summer
July - SeptemberCurbside loose leaf collection is entirely suspended. Any yard waste, such as grass clippings, hay, or garden debris generated during these months must be bagged and placed inside your regular trash container.
Winter
January - MarchSnow events will alter standard collection routes. The same Public Works drivers who collect trash are responsible for salting and plowing municipal roadways, so expect delays and rely on the Recycle Coach app for real-time updates.
Local Tips & Community Info
Turning Your Recyclables into Cold Hard Cash Around Stafford?
Did you know some of those cans and bottles can actually earn you a little dough? While Stafford itself doesn't have a dedicated buyback center right in town, our neighborly folks in New Jersey have a state-wide program for beverage containers. You know, those soda and water bottles you toss? Many places in the general Ocean County area accept them for a deposit refund. You might need to travel a bit to find a specific redemption center, but keeping an eye out for local convenience stores or grocery stores that advertise bottle returns could be a smart way to recoup some cash. It's always worth a look to see if you can get a few dollars back for what would otherwise be trash!
Giving Your Gently Used Stuff a Second Life Near Stafford
Got items that are still good but you just don't need anymore? Instead of tossing them, consider giving them a new home! In the Stafford area, you've got some great options. The Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Egg Harbor Township is a fantastic place to donate furniture, appliances, and building materials. They also have a thrift store that helps fund their mission. Another excellent choice is the local chapter of the Salvation Army or Goodwill. Dropping off usable clothing, household goods, and electronics means someone else can benefit from your decluttering. It's a win-win for everyone!
Keeping Stafford Beautiful: Tackling Junk & Pitching In
Nobody likes seeing trash where it shouldn't be! While Stafford has its regular collection, if you ever spot illegal dumping or have questions about disposing of larger items beyond the usual bulky pickup, it’s good to know who to contact. For general information on waste disposal and recycling programs in Ocean County, the county’s Solid Waste Management division is your go-to resource. They often have details on special collection events or how to report any suspicious activity. Also, keep an ear out for community clean-up days – joining in is a fantastic way to meet your neighbors and make Stafford an even nicer place to live!
Drop-off Facilities
Stafford Township Bulk Trash Drop-off Center
320 Haywood Road, Manahawkin, NJ 08050
Materials Accepted
Southern Ocean County Recycling Center
379 Haywood Road, Manahawkin, NJ 08050
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do with my grass clippings in Stafford Township?
Grass clippings, hay, and garden debris are not collected as separate yard waste. You must bag these items and place them directly into your automated trash container for normal household trash collection.
How do I schedule a bulk trash pickup?
You do not need to call to schedule a pickup. Stafford operates on a zone-based monthly schedule. Simply place your bulk items at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on the Monday of your assigned zone week.
Why didn't the truck empty my recycling can?
The automated trucks will reject recycling cans that contain plastic bags, regular garbage, Styrofoam, or un-rinsed containers. Additionally, make sure your can is placed at least four feet away from any obstacles so the mechanical arm can safely reach it.
Can I drop off old carpeting or construction debris at the Public Works yard?
No. The Bulk Trash Drop-off Center on Haywood Road strictly prohibits all construction debris, including carpeting, padding, kitchen cabinets, concrete, tile, and soil. These materials must be disposed of privately.