Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Summit
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.
Any standard receptacle Bin (Trash)
Do NOT bring to the curb. Leave up driveway or in rear/side yard with a clear path. Have it ready by 6:00 AM.
Accepted Items
- ✓Household garbage
- ✓Bagged trash
Any covered, water-tight container Bin (Recycling)
Must be placed curbside by 6:00 AM or the night before. No plastic bags allowed.
Accepted Items
- ✓Paper
- ✓Cardboard
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Plastic containers
- ✓Metal cans
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Food waste
- ✕Hazardous materials
Yard Waste Bin
Use biodegradable paper bags only. Do not mix in twigs, branches, or general yard debris.
Accepted Items
- ✓Leaves only (during designated collection weeks)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
By appointment only (Dial-A-Truck program)
Placement
Place items at curbside after 6:00 PM the evening prior to your scheduled pickup, but no earlier than 24 hours before.
Accepted
- ✓ Large pieces of furniture
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs (sealed in plastic)
- ✓ Dishwashers
- ✓ Heavy appliances (doors removed)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Construction or demolition materials
- ✕ Propane tanks
- ✕ Business trash
- ✕ Fencing over 6 feet
- ✕ Hazardous items
- ✕ Car parts
- ✕ Furnaces or heating boilers
Free for residents. Landlords, businesses, and clean-out projects are not eligible.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Trash is collected on all holidays without interruption. However, recycling collection pushes forward one day if an observed holiday falls on or before your regular pickup day.
Yard Waste Exception
Leaf collection dates falling on trash days will proceed as normal during holidays unless postponed by a major weather event.
The outside recycling contractor modifies their schedule for major holidays, but Public Works garbage crews run their standard routes year-round.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Fall
October to DecemberCurbside leaf collection kicks off the first full week of October and runs until early December or the first major snowfall. Ensure you are using proper biodegradable paper bags.
Spring
AprilA brief spring leaf collection occurs for three weeks starting the first full week in April. Pickups happen concurrently with your regular household trash day via a separate truck.
Winter
December to MarchDuring severe snow or ice events, garbage pickups may be slightly delayed. Keep driveways and walkways well-shoveled and salted to ensure sanitation workers can safely reach your trash bins.
Local Tips & Community Info
Score Some Cash for Your Cans and Bottles Right Here in Summit!
While Summit's curbside program is fantastic for everyday recycling, did you know you can actually make a few bucks back on certain items? New Jersey has a "Bottle Bill" that lets you get a deposit back on many beverage containers. You can often find redemption centers not too far away. For metals like aluminum cans and scrap, check out local scrap yards in the wider Union County area. They're always looking for materials and might offer you a bit of cash for your efforts to clear out extra metal items. It's a win-win: declutter your garage and get paid!
Give Your Unwanted Stuff a Second Life in Summit!
Before you toss perfectly good items, think about donating them! Summit and its surrounding towns have some wonderful places where your pre-loved goods can make a real difference. Check out the Goodwill store in nearby Springfield, or see if organizations like the Salvation Army have a local drop-off. For furniture and home goods, keep an eye out for Habitat for Humanity ReStores in the general vicinity; they often take gently used items and the proceeds help build homes for families in need. It's a great way to support the community and keep useful things out of the landfill.
Keeping Our Summit Neighborhoods Clean: What to Do About Dumping and Special Collections
Nobody likes seeing trash dumped where it shouldn't be, and Summit is no different. If you ever spot illegal dumping, the best bet is to report it directly to the City of Summit Public Works department. They're the ones who handle cleanup and enforcement. While regular hazardous waste collection isn't a weekly thing, Union County often holds special collection events throughout the year for things like electronics, paint, and chemicals. Keep an eye on the county's environmental services website or the city's announcements for dates and locations – it’s a smart way to dispose of tricky items safely.
Drop-off Facilities
City of Summit Transfer Station
40 New Providence Avenue, Summit, NJ 07901
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to bring my trash cans to the curb in Summit?
No. The City of Summit provides rear-yard/driveway trash collection. You just need to ensure the bins are accessible and ready by 6:00 AM. Only your recycling and leaf bags should go to the curb.
How do I schedule a pickup for a large couch or refrigerator?
You can schedule a free Dial-A-Truck bulky waste pickup through the Report-A-Concern page on the city's website. Keep in mind that refrigerator doors must be completely removed before placing them curbside.
Will my garbage be picked up on Thanksgiving or Memorial Day?
Yes. Summit collects household trash on all holidays. However, your curbside recycling pickup will be delayed by one day if your scheduled day falls on or after a major holiday.
Can I use the Summit Transfer Station to drop off extra garbage?
Yes, the Municipal Disposal Area on New Providence Avenue is free for all Summit residents to drop off household garbage, recyclables, and bulky items. Just ensure your vehicle's license plate is registered with Parking Services first.