Sanitation

What does the Public Works Division do for you?

We service approximately 36,000 residents on a weekly or bi-weekly basis in the collection of garbage, recyclable bottles and cans, cardboard and paper, as well as seasonal grass and leaves. We offer disposal of and assist with bulk waste and recyclable materials at our 2 drop- off sites located @ 700 Lower Rd. and 1 Donaldson Place. Bulk trash, white goods such as refrigerators / washers and dryers, electronic components and yard waste are scheduled to be collected 4 times per year in every district.

Additionally, 274 City streets totaling 91 miles, as well as all municipal parking lots and both sides of the Linden train station are maintained throughout the year in the forms of pothole repair and crack sealing, curb-line leaf collection, anti-icing, snow plowing and snow removal, and street sweeping.

The Wood Avenue and St George Avenue business districts, as well as the Raymond Bauer Promenade, are hand swept daily and all garbage and recycling receptacles in these areas are emptied daily. All garbage receptacles around all schools and public buildings are also emptied.

We inspect, repair, maintain and remove blockages in 100 miles of sanitary and storm sewers and approximately 2,500 water retention basins as well as providing lateral cleaning service to all residents.

Trees on all City properties and parks are inspected, trimmed and if necessary removed so as to prevent a danger to the public. We mow the grass, trim dead foliage, remove leaves, fallen branches & debris and empty garbage and recycling receptacles at 35 municipal parks, various monuments and over 80 municipal lots in addition to all baseball, softball, football and soccer fields located throughout the city.

Collection Schedule

Public Works Schedule Change Alert

Please note the Department of Public Works (DPW) upcoming schedule change from November 4 through November 8, 2024, for Election Day. Click here to view and/or download the Public Works modified schedule for November, 2024.

No Collections

• Election Day – Tuesday, November 5, 2024 – the Department of Public Works (DPW) will be closed. The Recycling Center and DPW yard bulk drop-off will also be closed. This closure will facilitate the following changes to your collection schedule.
• There will be no bagged leaves collection or bulk trash collection this week.

Recyclable Bottles and Cans Collection

• Monday, November 4 – Recycling (blue carts) in Districts 1, 2, 3, 9, 10. No Change.
• Wednesday, November 6 – Recycling (blue carts) in Districts 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8.

Sanitation Collections

• Thursday, November 7 – Sanitation (green carts) in Districts 1, 2, 3, 9, and 10.
• Friday, November 8 – Sanitation (green carts) in Districts 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8.

DPW Schedules will change only on weeks in which holidays fall, and in the event of a severe natural weather occurrence such as a snowstorm or hurricane, when services may be delayed or canceled. Bulk waste or trash collection days, which includes old furniture, yard waste, home improvement by-products, attic contents, shrubbery, toys and games, BBQ grills, and appliances – are scheduled for EACH DISTRICT (4) times this year. Separate trucks collect metals, air conditioners and refrigerators. We cannot collect whole pallets, truck tires, oil based paint, oil or concrete – asphalt – cinder blocks etc. Typical household garbage will not be collected on Trash Day, follow your regular pick up schedule. Please make note and adhere to your scheduled trash day. Household garbage only (no bulk items) will be collected twice weekly. Remove all recyclable items. Styrofoam – drink cups & fast food containers – should be discarded in the garbage- not recycling.

Outsiders are not allowed to bring in trash from out of town. We pay hefty fees to dump our trash and ultimately we, the taxpayers shoulder the expense of outside trash. If you see anyone bringing trash from out of town, we urge you to call this division. All calls will be handled discretely and remain totally confidential.

If you are moving, you must call this division before placing any trash at the curb and if our schedule permits, we will issue to you a special confirmed trash pickup. – THIS SERVICE MAY CARRY A FEE.

For a $60 fee, residents are allowed to utilize a second green garbage cart by filling out and submitting this request form.

Sanitation Schedule, Forms, Documents & Apps

• Collection Schedule
• Garbage Cart Request Form
• Recycling Coach App

All Other Collections

Christmas Trees

REMOVE stands and decorations before disposal.

Grass

On the grass clippings from lawn mowing will be accepted. Place in a sturdy container labeled GRASS or in biodegradable paper bags. DO NOT mix in bushes, branches, rocks, dirt or other yard waste with grass clippings and DO NOT PUT GRASS IN PLASTIC BAGS. WE WILL NOT COLLECT GRASS IN PLASTIC BAGS. Grass can never be piled in the curb line.

Bagged leaves

Place leaves in sturdy containers or biodegradable paper bags. LEAVES IN PLASTIC BAGS WILL NOT BE COLLECTED. Do not mix in yard waste with leaves.

Answers to Frequently Asked Trash Questions

• Concrete must be broken off of fence posts before we take the posts.
• All fuels and oils must be drained from mowers and blowers prior to collection.
• Propane cylinders must be detached from BBQ grills.
• Wood and building materials must be cut to 4′ lengths and all nails removed or bent back prior to collection.
• We cannot collect wet paint – driveway sealers – spackles & putty – or waxes in liquid form. Remove the lids and allow product to harden or dry in the sun. Adding cat litter or shredded newspaper will speed this process.
• Use heavy duty plastic bags to discard loose trash.
• Cardboard boxes will be emptied of trash – but the boxes will then be left for the homeowner to recycle on P day.
• To dispose of bulk trash permitted items, click here.
• To dispose of bulk trash not permitted or prohibited items, click here.