Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Vernon
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 private hauler (often black or dark green) Bin (Trash)
Trash should be bagged and placed in bear-resistant containers. Cans should ideally be placed at the curb on the morning of collection rather than the night before to prevent wildlife issues.
Accepted Items
- ✓Standard household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Soiled paper
Varies by private hauler (often blue or yellow lids) Bin (Recycling)
Recyclables must be clean and free of food residue. Do not bag recyclables in plastic bags; place them loose in the designated container provided or approved by your hauler.
Accepted Items
- ✓Corrugated cardboard (flattened)
- ✓Plastic bottles and jugs (typically #1 and #2)
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
- ✓Newspaper and mixed paper
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic shopping bags
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Greasy pizza boxes
- ✕Electronics
- ✕Rigid plastics like toys or lawn chairs
Yard Waste Bin
Yard waste is typically not collected with standard garbage. Residents must either arrange special seasonal pickups with their hauler, compost on their property, or transport yard debris to the SCMUA facility.
Accepted Items
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Small brush
- ✓Grass clippings
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
By appointment only (varies by private hauler).
Placement
Once scheduled, place bulk items at the curb no earlier than the evening before the designated pickup date, ensuring they do not block traffic on Vernon's narrow residential roads.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture (couches, dressers)
- ✓ Mattresses (must usually be wrapped in plastic)
- ✓ Carpeting (cut, rolled, and tied)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Hazardous chemicals
- ✕ Wet paint
- ✕ Tires
- ✕ Televisions and computers (E-waste)
Most private haulers charge a per-item fee for bulk pickups. Alternatively, residents can pay a tipping fee based on weight at the SCMUA facility.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Most private haulers in Vernon follow a 'slide' schedule for major holidays. If a holiday falls on a weekday, collections for the remainder of the week are typically delayed by one day, with Friday pickups occurring on Saturday.
Yard Waste Exception
Any special yard waste pickups scheduled by your hauler may be suspended entirely during holiday weeks.
Because residents use different private haulers, you must verify the specific holiday schedule directly on your provider's website or customer portal.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Ditch the Plastic Bags
Never place your recyclables in plastic grocery bags or garbage bags. These bags wrap around the gears at Sussex County sorting facilities, causing major delays and safety hazards. Keep items loose in the bin.
Rinse to Remove Food Residue
A quick rinse goes a long way. Ensure that peanut butter jars, soup cans, and yogurt containers are scraped and rinsed clean. Excess food waste can contaminate entire loads of recyclable paper and cardboard.
Keep 'Tanglers' Out
Items like garden hoses, holiday lights, wire, and ropes are considered 'tanglers' and cannot go in the recycling bin. They must be placed in regular trash or taken to specialized scrap metal/e-waste drops.
Seasonal Information
Winter
December to MarchVernon's mountainous terrain means severe winter weather can easily disrupt collection schedules. Private haulers frequently delay pickups by a day during heavy snowstorms. Ensure bins are kept free of snowbanks and are visible to drivers.
Spring
April to MaySpring marks the emergence of black bears from hibernation. It is critical during this period to strictly enforce bear-proof bin usage and avoid leaving any food waste outside overnight to prevent habituating the wildlife.
Fall
October to NovemberAs leaves fall, residents should coordinate with their private haulers for specific yard waste removal options or utilize biodegradable leaf bags to transport organic debris to the SCMUA composting site.
About Vernon Waste Management
Navigating Trash Collection in Vernon Township
Unlike many municipalities in New Jersey, Vernon Township operates on a private subscription model for residential garbage and recycling. Homeowners are responsible for contracting directly with private haulers licensed to operate within Sussex County. Because collection days, bulk policies, and rates vary by company, it is essential to establish communication with your chosen provider to ensure seamless curbside service.
The Crucial Role of Bear-Resistant Garbage Cans
Situated in the scenic Skylands Region, Vernon has a notably high black bear population. To mitigate wildlife encounters and keep neighborhoods clean, residents are strongly urged to use bear-resistant trash receptacles. Many local homeowner associations (HOAs) within Vernon strictly mandate the use of these heavy-duty bins, and residents are advised not to place garbage out the night before collection to deter foraging animals.
Recycling Mandates Under Sussex County Rules
While private haulers manage the physical collection, they are bound by the recycling mandates set by the Sussex County Municipal Utilities Authority (SCMUA). Residents must keep recyclable materials—like cardboard, clean glass, and aluminum—out of the general household trash. Depending on whether your hauler uses a single-stream or dual-stream system, you may need to separate paper products from your comingled containers.
Bulk Waste and Electronic Disposal Solutions
Disposing of large items such as couches, mattresses, or outdated appliances typically requires contacting your private hauler to schedule a special pickup, often for an additional fee. Alternatively, Vernon residents can transport bulk waste, construction debris, and mandated electronics (e-waste) directly to the SCMUA solid waste facility in nearby Lafayette, which hosts designated drop-off days and hazardous waste events.
Drop-off Facilities
Sussex County Municipal Utilities Authority (SCMUA)
34 South Route 94, Lafayette, NJ 07848
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Vernon Township provide municipal garbage collection?
No, Vernon Township does not provide municipal trash or recycling pickup. Homeowners must contract directly with a private hauling company that services the Sussex County area.
Are bear-proof garbage cans mandatory in Vernon?
While township ordinances highly recommend them, many local HOAs and property management groups strictly require the use of bear-resistant containers to deter black bears and other wildlife.
How do I dispose of old TVs and computers?
Electronic waste is banned from landfills in New Jersey. You must either take your old electronics to the SCMUA facility in Lafayette for proper recycling or check if your private hauler offers a specialized e-waste pickup service for an extra fee.
What should I do with my trash if there is a severe snowstorm?
During heavy snow in Vernon's mountainous areas, private haulers often suspend service for safety. You should pull your bins back from the curb so snowplows can clear the roads, and expect your pickup to be delayed by at least one day.