Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Union
Trash Day
Twice weekly on designated routes (typically Monday/Thursday or Tuesday/Friday depending on your street)
Recycling
Every other Wednesday (commingled containers and mixed paper/cardboard alternate according to the township recycling calendar)
Yard Waste
Weekly on your designated collection day during the seasonal pickup period (April through November)
Set Out Time
After 5:00 PM the night before and by 5:30 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Curbside refuse and recycling collection is managed by the Department of Public Works and funded through local property taxes. Municipal sewer utilities and property taxes are billed through the Township Tax Collector's Office.
Billing Cycle
Included in Property Taxes
Accepted Methods
Online, Mail, 24/7 Drop Box, In Person
Pro Tip / Discount
Eligible senior citizens (age 65+), permanently disabled residents, and surviving spouses who meet income guidelines may qualify for a $250 annual property tax deduction.
Resident-provided sturdy container Bin (Trash)
Garbage should be placed at the curb in sturdy covered garbage containers. Place out between 5:00 PM the night before and 5:30 AM on collection day.
Accepted Items
- ✓Household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Cooking fats and grease (sealed in containers)
Resident-provided open container Bin (Recycling)
Commingled bottles and cans must be rinsed and placed in a sturdy open container. Paper and cardboard must be kept separate and bundled properly.
Accepted Items
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
- ✓Plastic bottles
- ✓Mixed paper (bundled or in brown bags)
- ✓Flattened cardboard (tied in 12-inch bundles)
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Telephone books
- ✕Cereal boxes
- ✕Food-contaminated materials
Yard Waste Bin
Must be placed in biodegradable bags or garbage cans no larger than 32 gallons. No plastic bags or heavy tree logs are accepted.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Brush and twigs (tied and bundled)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Weekly on your first trash day (Mon or Tue)
Placement
Place at the curb by 5:30 AM on your scheduled bulk day (Monday for West Zone, Tuesday for East Zone). Do not place bulk waste in cardboard boxes.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture and wood (bundled)
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs (MUST be in plastic disposal bags)
- ✓ Play equipment
- ✓ Microwaves
Not Accepted
- ✕ Concrete, asphalt, and rock
- ✕ Dirt and tree logs
- ✕ Construction and renovation materials
- ✕ Hazardous waste
Standard bulk is included for residents. Appliances and white goods require a free scheduled appointment by calling (908) 686-1922.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Garbage, recycling, and yard waste schedules are frequently altered during weeks containing major township-observed holidays. Check the official DPW color-coded calendar for specific zone makeup days.
Yard Waste Exception
If a holiday disrupts standard pickups, yard waste and brush collections are often suspended for the week to prioritize regular household trash routes.
Always ensure your bins are out by 5:30 AM on your rescheduled holiday pickup day, as DPW routes often start earlier than usual to complete the altered schedule.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Winter
December to MarchDuring snow events, DPW plows clear the center of the road first for emergency vehicles, then return later for a 'curb to curb' pass. Wait to shovel your driveway apron until plows have finished both passes.
Summer
Spring to Early AutumnDuring the official Grass Collection Season, bundled brush and twigs are collected alongside grass on your second collection day of the week (Thursday for West Zone, Friday for East Zone).
Autumn
Late Autumn to WinterOnce the designated Grass Collection Season ends, brush and twigs shift schedules. They will no longer be picked up on your yard waste day, and must instead be placed out on your designated bulk pickup day.
Local Tips & Community Info
Turning Your Scrap Into Some Union Bucks?
Hey Union neighbors! Got old metal kicking around? Instead of letting it gather dust, consider a local scrap yard. While Union itself might not have a massive scrap operation right in town, neighboring areas do. Check out places like Elizabeth or Newark; they often have yards that will buy your aluminum cans, copper, steel, and other metals. It's a great way to clear out the clutter and make a little cash. Always call ahead to see what they're buying and what their current prices are. It's a win-win for your wallet and the environment!
Giving Your Goods a Second Life in Union
Before you toss those perfectly good clothes, furniture, or household items, think about donating them! Union has some fantastic options right nearby. For clothing and home goods, consider the local Goodwill store or the Salvation Army. If you've got larger furniture or building materials you're parting with, Habitat for Humanity ReStores are always looking for donations, and there are locations accessible from Union. These places help out folks in need and keep useful items out of the landfill. It's a generous way to declutter.
Keeping Union Beautiful: Tackling Dumped Trash Together
Let's be honest, nobody likes seeing trash dumped where it doesn't belong. If you spot illegal dumping in Union, it's super important to report it so we can keep our community clean. You can usually call the Union Department of Public Works or even the non-emergency police line to report it. They'll handle the cleanup and investigate. Plus, keep an eye out for community clean-up days organized by local groups or the township – joining in is a fantastic way to show pride in our town and meet fellow residents!
Drop-off Facilities
Township of Union DPW Convenience Center
Contact DPW at 908-686-1922 for exact routing/facility access details
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the garbage collection schedule in Union Township, NJ?
Garbage is collected twice a week based on your zone. The West Zone (Stuyvesant Ave to the Springfield border) has trash pickup on Mondays and Thursdays. The East Zone (Stuyvesant Ave to the Elizabeth border) is serviced on Tuesdays and Fridays.
How do I dispose of a mattress or box spring in Union?
You can place mattresses and box springs out on your designated weekly bulk collection day (Monday or Tuesday). However, they MUST be fully enclosed in a plastic mattress disposal bag. If they are not bagged, they will not be collected by the DPW.
Can I throw away my old TV at the curb in Union?
Standard electronic waste is not collected curbside. You must bring items like computers, printers, and standard televisions to the DPW Convenience Center. For extremely large TVs (over 50 inches), you must call the DPW at (908) 686-1922 to schedule a special appointment.
How should I prepare my cardboard for recycling?
The township requires all corrugated cardboard to be flattened and tied with twine into bundles. Bundles cannot be taller than 12 inches or weigh more than 25 pounds. Cardboard is collected every other week according to the town's recycling calendar.