Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Teaneck
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.
Varies by contracted private hauler Bin (Trash)
Trash rules, including bin size, weight limits, and placement times, are dictated entirely by the terms of your contract with your chosen private garbage hauler.
Accepted Items
- ✓Everyday household garbage
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Standard household refuse
Yellow Township-issued can or labeled 32-gallon container Bin (Recycling)
Containers must be lightweight metal or plastic, have handles, be no larger than 32 gallons, weigh under 50 lbs, and cannot be wider at the bottom than the top.
Accepted Items
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
- ✓Glass bottles and jars (clear, brown, green)
- ✓Plastics #1, #2, and #5
- ✓Tied newspapers and mixed paper
- ✓Flattened and tied corrugated cardboard
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Electronics and batteries
- ✕Pizza boxes with grease
- ✕Household hazardous waste
Yard Waste Bin
Must be placed in a standard 32-gallon container (under 50 lbs) or securely tied in manageable bundles. Never sweep yard waste into streets or storm drains.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Small twigs and branches
- ✓Garden debris
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Varies by private hauler agreement
Placement
Follow the specific instructions provided by your private hauling company regarding when and where to place bulk items.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture
- ✓ Mattresses
- ✓ Large household items (subject to hauler approval)
Not Accepted
- ✕ White goods and appliances (Handled by DPW)
- ✕ Hazardous waste
- ✕ Electronics
- ✕ Construction debris
Bulk trash fees are set by your private hauler. However, the Township DPW will collect 'white goods' (appliances) curbside for free by appointment, except for Freon-containing items which incur a $20 fee.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
For municipal recycling and yard waste, collections falling on a holiday are rescheduled according to the DPW's annual calendar. For regular trash, you must consult your private hauler's specific holiday policy.
Yard Waste Exception
Garden debris pickups may be suspended during major holidays or severe weather events to prioritize municipal street clearing.
Because garbage collection is privatized, holiday delay schedules will vary from neighbor to neighbor depending on which hauling company they employ.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Avoid the Pickle Barrel Penalty
Teaneck DPW explicitly bans the use of 'pickle barrel' style containers (wide at the bottom, narrow at the top) for recycling and yard waste. These trap items at the bottom and pose an ergonomic hazard for collection crews.
String and Twine are Mandatory for Paper
Do not leave mixed paper, newspapers, or cardboard loose in a bin or a cardboard box. Teaneck requires all paper products to be tied with string, twine, or cord in bundles no taller than 12 inches.
E-Waste Belongs at the Depot, Not the Curb
Never place computers, TVs, or microwaves at the curb. New Jersey state law mandates electronic recycling, and Teaneck residents must bring these items directly to the Recycling Depot on River Road.
Seasonal Information
Autumn
October - DecemberDuring peak leaf season, adhere strictly to the Township's garden debris schedules. Raking leaves into the street violates municipal stormwater regulations and can block critical drainage infrastructure.
Winter
January - MarchDuring snow events, ensure both your privately serviced trash cans and municipally serviced recycling bins are kept clear of snow plows. Do not place them in the street where they interfere with DPW salting operations.
Spring
April - JuneAs garden cleanups begin, remember that soil, dirt, and rocks are not accepted in garden debris collections. Ensure all trimmings are either containerized or bundled according to the 50-pound weight limit.
About Teaneck Waste Management
Understanding Teaneck's Dual Waste Management System
Unlike many municipalities, the Township of Teaneck operates a split-service waste management system. The Teaneck Department of Public Works (DPW) exclusively manages curbside recycling, garden debris, and appliance pickups. For standard household garbage and bulk solid waste, residents are required to independently contract with a company from the Township's list of approved private garbage haulers.
Strict Container Rules for Curbside Recycling
When placing comingled recyclables at the curb, Teaneck enforces highly specific container guidelines to ensure the safety of DPW workers. Residents may use the official yellow Township-issued cans or provide their own. However, personal containers must not exceed 32 gallons or weigh more than 50 pounds. Crucially, the town prohibits the use of containers with wide bottoms and narrow tops, commonly referred to as 'pickle barrels,' as they are notoriously difficult to empty.
Cardboard and Paper Bundling Requirements
In Teaneck, you cannot simply toss loose paper and cardboard into a bin. All newspapers and mixed paper designated for curbside collection must be tightly tied into bundles that are no higher than 12 inches, secured with string, twine, or cord. Similarly, corrugated cardboard boxes must be completely flattened and tied before being placed at the curb for your zone's designated pickup day.
Appliance Pick-Up and The Recycling Depot
While standard bulk trash requires coordination with your private hauler, the Teaneck DPW steps in to handle 'white goods' like washing machines and dryers via a Friday appointment system. For hazardous materials like used motor oil, vehicle batteries, and electronic waste, residents must utilize the Teaneck Recycling Depot at 1600 River Road, which operates exclusively on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Protecting Storm Drains During Garden Debris Collection
Teaneck is proactive about protecting its local waterways. When preparing garden debris and seasonal yard waste, it must be placed in compliant 32-gallon containers or tied in small bundles. The Township explicitly warns against sweeping leaves, grass clippings, or any yard waste directly into the streets or storm drains, as this leads to severe localized flooding and environmental damage.
Drop-off Facilities
Teaneck Recycling Depot
1600 River Road, Teaneck, NJ 07666
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the town provide garbage collection in Teaneck?
No. The Township of Teaneck only provides curbside recycling and garden debris collection. For standard household garbage, homeowners must hire and pay a company from the Township's list of approved private garbage haulers.
How do I get rid of an old refrigerator or washing machine in Teaneck?
The Teaneck Department of Public Works offers 'white goods' pick-up curbside on Fridays. You must make an appointment by calling 201-837-1600 ext. 1727. Note that items containing Freon, such as refrigerators and air conditioners, require a $20 fee.
Where can I throw away an old television or laptop?
Electronic waste is not collected at the curb. You must bring computers, laptops, monitors, and TVs to the Teaneck Recycling Depot at 1600 River Road. The depot is open Friday through Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
What containers are allowed for curbside recycling?
You can use yellow Township-issued cans or personal containers. Personal containers must be lightweight metal or plastic, no larger than 32 gallons, weigh under 50 lbs, have handles, and cannot be wider at the bottom than the top (no pickle barrels).