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Newark Trash Pickup Schedule

Updated Sep 29, 20269 min readSource: dpw.newarknj.gov
Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, New Jersey, framed by spring trees

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.

ZoneGarbage daysPaper & cardboardGlass, plastic & metal
Zone AMonday & ThursdayMondayThursday
Zone BTuesday & FridayTuesdayFriday

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.

Holiday2026 dateAffects pickup?
New Year's DayThu, Jan 1Likely - week shifts one day later
Memorial DayMon, May 25Likely - week shifts one day later
Independence DaySat, Jul 4No change (falls on a non-collection day)
Labor DayMon, Sep 7Likely - week shifts one day later
Thanksgiving DayThu, Nov 26Yes - week shifts one day later
Christmas DayFri, Dec 25Yes - 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.

Curbside recycling and garbage bins

What goes out on which day

Garbage

Twice weekly

Goes 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 Tue

Goes 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 Fri

Goes 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?
Zone A gets garbage Mondays and Thursdays; Zone B gets garbage Tuesdays and Fridays. Recycling runs on the same days but alternates by material.
How often is recycling picked up in Newark?
Twice a week, split by material - paper/cardboard on one day, glass/plastic/metal on the other, depending on your zone.
Is bulk pickup free in Newark?
Yes, up to 10 items per collection. Zone A gets bulk pickup the first Wednesday of the month, Zone B the second Wednesday.
Does a holiday delay garbage collection in Newark?
Yes, typically a one-day shift for the rest of the week - confirm exact dates with DPW since it can vary by holiday.
How do I report illegal dumping in Newark?
Call Public Safety at 973-733-6000, or use the city's online reporting tools.
How do I schedule an appliance pickup in Newark?
White goods like refrigerators and washers require an appointment - call 973-733-3644.
Does Newark collect trash from apartment buildings?
Smaller buildings generally follow the zone schedule; larger complexes typically use private dumpster service arranged by the property.

City contact & resources

Newark Department of Public Works

Official Schedule LookupOfficial site
Report Missed PickupCall 973-733-3644 or Public Safety at 973-733-6000

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.