Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Vernon
Trash Day
Curbside trash collection is not provided by the township. Residents must contract independently with a private waste hauler (such as Waste Management or Blue Diamond) or bring refuse to the Sussex County Municipal Utilities Authority (SCMUA) facility in Lafayette.
Recycling
Curbside recycling is scheduled through private haulers. Additionally, residents can drop off recyclables for free at the Vernon Township Recycling Center (21 Church Street) Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and Wednesday from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Yard Waste
Yard waste is not collected curbside by the township; residents can dispose of brush, leaves, and logs at the SCMUA facility in Lafayette.
Set Out Time
By 6:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Trash collection is not included in municipal property taxes or township sewer utility billing; residents pay their contracted hauler directly.
Billing Cycle
Quarterly
Accepted Methods
Online, Mail, Drop Box, In Person
Pro Tip / Discount
New Jersey state property tax relief programs and deductions are available for eligible seniors, disabled residents, and veterans.
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
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.
Local Tips & Community Info
Got Cans to Cash In? Let's Talk Vernon Redemption!
While Vernon doesn't have a specific local buyback center listed, New Jersey has a great state program for your empty bottles and cans. Just look for the 'NJ Bottle' or 'Returnable' labels on beverage containers like soda, beer, and water. You'll pay a small deposit when you buy them, and then you can bring them back to most grocery stores or redemption centers throughout the state for that cash back. Keep those redeemables separate and score a little extra change for your efforts!
Giving Your Gently Used Stuff a New Life in Vernon
Before you toss those still-good items, think about donating them! While there isn't a big Goodwill right in Vernon, check out the Saint Vincent de Paul Thrift Store in nearby Newton. They happily accept clothing, furniture, household goods, and more, helping support local families. Also, consider reaching out to local churches or community centers; they often have drives or know of families in need who could use your pre-loved treasures.
Keeping Vernon Beautiful: Tackling Junk and Joining Cleanups
Vernon Township is committed to keeping our community clean. If you ever spot illegal dumping, don't just ignore it – report it! The best way to do this is usually by contacting the Vernon Township Public Works Department. They can guide you on the proper procedure for reporting and often organize community cleanup events throughout the year. Keep an eye on the township's official website or local bulletin boards for announcements on these events. Pitching in together makes a huge difference!
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.