Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for West Windsor
Trash Day
Trash is collected once per week year-round, Monday through Friday, depending on your street/zone schedule.
Recycling
Curbside single-stream recycling is collected every other week (bi-weekly on Thursdays) by the Mercer County Improvement Authority (MCIA).
Yard Waste
Yard waste and brush are collected monthly by designated zone from March through December (no pickups in January and February).
Set Out Time
By 6:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Curbside garbage and recycling collections are provided by the township through municipal tax funding, while municipal sewer rent is billed separately semi-annually.
Billing Cycle
Included in Property Taxes
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay, Mail, 24-Hour Drive-Up Drop Box, Online Banking
Pro Tip / Discount
Eligible seniors and disabled residents can apply for New Jersey state property tax relief programs (such as Senior Freeze, ANCHOR, and the $250 senior deduction) and the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) for sewer utility support.
Resident-provided (64-gallon recommended) Bin (Trash)
Place trash at the curb no later than 6:00 AM on your collection day or the night before. Cans should be compatible with automatic lift trucks. Regular trash must not be in recycling buckets.
Accepted Items
- ✓Bagged household garbage (max 10 bags, 35 lbs each)
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Grass clippings (in closed bags)
Yellow or Green (County-Issued) Bin (Recycling)
All items must be placed loosely into the county-issued bucket. Cardboard must be flattened. Bins must be placed at the curb by 7:00 AM on scheduled MCIA days.
Accepted Items
- ✓Plastics #1 and #2 (rinsed)
- ✓Glass jars and bottles
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
- ✓Mixed paper and cardboard
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Pizza boxes
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Light bulbs and window glass
- ✕Aerosol cans
Yard Waste Bin
Brush and leaves are collected separately according to a zone-based seasonal schedule. Grass clippings do not count as yard waste and must go with regular trash.
Accepted Items
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Brush
- ✓Twigs
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Weekly (on regular trash day)
Placement
Place bulk items at the curb no later than 6:00 AM on your scheduled collection date. Roll and tie carpet, and securely bundle wood pieces.
Accepted
- ✓ Couches and tables
- ✓ Plastic patio furniture
- ✓ Small appliances
- ✓ Toilets (tank must be separated and bagged)
- ✓ Mattresses (must be completely wrapped in plastic)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Concrete, bricks, and stone
- ✕ Railroad ties
- ✕ Construction or demolition debris
- ✕ Pianos
- ✕ Large metal appliances (requires Friday pickup)
Bulk collection for 1-2 items is included in your standard municipal service. Demolition debris or excessive amounts of waste require the resident to rent a private dumpster.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Waste Management does not operate on the six major holidays listed. If your collection falls on one of these days, expect a 1-2 day delay for pickup services for the remainder of the week.
Yard Waste Exception
MCIA recycling routes may also be delayed by holidays; consult the Recycle Coach app for real-time schedule adjustments.
Always check the West Windsor homepage or call Public Works at 609-799-8370 for the official adjusted schedule during holiday weeks.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Spring, Summer, Fall
Variable DatesThe Mercer County Improvement Authority hosts three Household Chemical Waste Disposal Days annually (Spring, Summer, Fall) at the Dempster Fire School. Save hazardous materials for these specific events.
Autumn
October - DecemberThe Public Works Department conducts strict, zone-based brush and leaf collections. Residents must check the township website or the Recycle Coach app for exact dates before placing debris at the curb.
Winter
December - MarchFollowing a snowstorm, property owners are mandated by law to clear their sidewalks within 24 hours. Keeping pathways clear ensures safety for pedestrians and allows waste haulers to easily access your bins.
Local Tips & Community Info
Turn Your Cans into Cash Right Here in West Windsor?
While West Windsor Township itself might not have a dedicated bottle return center, New Jersey has a state-wide program for redeeming beverage containers. That means those empty soda and water bottles and cans can actually get you some money back! You can take them to grocery stores that participate in the program. Keep an eye out for the 10-cent deposit symbol on your drinks. It's a simple way to earn a little extra while doing your part for the environment.
Giving Your Gently Used Stuff a Second Life Around Town
Before you toss perfectly good items, think about donating them! In the broader Mercer County area, organizations like the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Ewing are always looking for furniture, building materials, and home goods. Also, check out local thrift stores like the Goodwill in Lawrenceville; they accept a wide variety of clothing, household items, and electronics. It’s a fantastic way to help out neighbors and reduce waste.
West Windsor's Stance on Dumped Stuff and Community Spruce-Ups
West Windsor Township takes illegal dumping seriously. If you ever witness someone dumping trash illegally, you can report it to the West Windsor Public Works Department at 609-799-8370. They also organize community clean-up events periodically. Keeping an eye out for these events or just tidying up your own street helps keep our town looking great for everyone. Don't forget to check the township's official website for announcements about any upcoming volunteer opportunities to beautify our shared spaces.
Drop-off Facilities
West Windsor Public Works Drop-Off Center
70 Southfield Road, Princeton Junction, NJ 08550
Materials Accepted
John T. Dempster Fire School (MCIA Events)
350 Lawrence Station Road, Lawrence Township, NJ 08648
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I throw away a mattress in West Windsor?
You can place a mattress out on your regular trash day (limit 1-2 bulk items per pickup). However, all mattresses must be folded in half, tied, and completely wrapped in plastic for sanitary reasons. Box springs can be placed out without wrapping.
Does the township collect grass clippings with yard waste?
No. Grass clippings are not considered standard yard debris in West Windsor. They must be placed in closed plastic bags or containers and set out alongside your regular household trash. Do not mix grass with leaves or brush.
Can I recycle pizza boxes or put my recycling in plastic bags?
No, both are strictly prohibited. Pizza boxes are contaminated with grease and must go in the regular trash. Plastic bags clog the Mercer County sorting machines, so all recyclables must be placed loose in your county-issued bucket.
How do I get rid of an old refrigerator or lawnmower?
Metal items and white goods are collected separately by the Public Works Department every Friday. You must contact Public Works at 609-799-8370 to arrange a pickup. All fuel must be drained, and refrigerator doors must be completely removed for safety.