City guide · New Jersey
Newark Trash Pickup Schedule
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This Newark garbage and recycling guide covers a city split into two service zones, each with its own weekly rhythm for trash, recycling, bulk items, and yard waste. Once you know your zone, the rest of the calendar falls into place.
Here's how the two-zone system actually works, what day your recyclables go out, and when to expect bulk and yard waste trucks on your block.
How often is trash picked up in Newark?
Newark provides twice-weekly garbage collection at no direct cost to residents, split between two zones covering the city's roughly 311,000 residents. Recycling also runs twice a week, but each day is dedicated to a different material stream rather than all recyclables going out together.
| Zone | Garbage days | Paper & cardboard | Glass, plastic & metal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone A | Monday & Thursday | Monday | Thursday |
| Zone B | Tuesday & Friday | Tuesday | Friday |
Newark uses dual-stream recycling, meaning paper products and container recyclables are collected on separate days rather than mixed in one bin.
Find your zone
Your address determines whether you're in Zone A or Zone B, and separately, which ward you're in for mattress and appliance pickups:
Look up your Newark collection zone →
Or call the DPW Customer Service Line at 973-733-3644, or email dpw.customerservice@ci.newark.nj.us.
Bin placement rules
- Set containers at the curb between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. the night before your collection day
- Use a receptacle with an attached, tight-fitting lid - loose bags placed directly at the curb will not be collected
- Keep containers accessible and away from parked cars on trash day
Newark Trash Holiday Schedule
When a city-observed holiday falls on a collection day, garbage and recycling pickup typically shifts one day later for the rest of that week. Newark observes major federal holidays including Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
| Holiday | 2026 date | Affects pickup? |
|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Thu, Jan 1 | Likely - week shifts one day later |
| Memorial Day | Mon, May 25 | Likely - week shifts one day later |
| Independence Day | Sat, Jul 4 | No change (falls on a non-collection day) |
| Labor Day | Mon, Sep 7 | Likely - week shifts one day later |
| Thanksgiving Day | Thu, Nov 26 | Yes - week shifts one day later |
| Christmas Day | Fri, Dec 25 | Yes - week shifts one day later |
Exact delay rules can vary by holiday and zone, so confirm any specific week with DPW at 973-733-3644 or check the posted holiday calendar at dpw.newarknj.gov rather than assuming a standard one-day shift.
What goes out on which day
Garbage
Twice weeklyGoes in
- Bagged household waste in a lidded receptacle
- Non-recyclable items
Keep out
- Recyclables
- Loose bags with no container
Paper & cardboard
Zone A Mon / Zone B TueGoes in
- Newspaper, office paper, mail
- Flattened cardboard boxes
Keep out
- Food-soiled paper or pizza boxes
- Glass, plastic, or metal
Glass, plastic & metal
Zone A Thu / Zone B FriGoes in
- Glass bottles & jars
- Plastic & metal containers
Keep out
- Paper or cardboard
- Plastic bags & film
Bulk & yard waste pickup
Bulk item pickup is free and runs once a month per zone: Zone A on the first Wednesday of the month, Zone B on the second Wednesday. Each household can set out up to 10 items, including couches, mattresses, dressers, and rugs.
Yard waste follows a similar monthly rhythm - Zone A on the third Wednesday, Zone B on the fourth Wednesday - with leaves and small branches bagged or bundled. Appliances and other white goods need an appointment; call 973-733-3644. Construction debris, paint, tires, and automotive parts are not accepted and require a private hauler.
Apartments & multifamily buildings
Newark's zone-based garbage and recycling schedule primarily serves individual households and smaller residential buildings. Larger apartment complexes commonly rely on dumpster service arranged through a private hauler rather than curbside zone pickup, so check with your building management if you live in a larger complex.
Reporting illegal dumping
Report illegal dumping to Newark Public Safety at 973-733-6000. For missed pickups, contact DPW Customer Service at 973-733-3644 or dpw.customerservice@ci.newark.nj.us. Statewide dumping complaints can also go to the NJDEP hotline at 1-877-WARN-DEP.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Newark trash pickup schedule?
How often is recycling picked up in Newark?
Is bulk pickup free in Newark?
Does a holiday delay garbage collection in Newark?
How do I report illegal dumping in Newark?
How do I schedule an appliance pickup in Newark?
Does Newark collect trash from apartment buildings?
More New Jersey guides
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Trash & recycling days
Paterson, NJ
Trash & recycling days
Elizabeth, NJ
Trash & recycling days
Edison, NJ
Trash & recycling days
City contact & resources
Newark Department of Public Works
Bookmark this Newark trash pickup schedule and check back whenever a holiday shifts Newark's collection calendar.
Need more than curbside pickup? Compare local bulk & junk removal quotes. Browse all New Jersey cities or the full state directory.