Whether you’re a long-time Montclair resident or a newbie, managing your trash and recycling can be a bit of a puzzle. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with all the essential info to help you stay clean and green in Montclair.
Here’s an insider’s tip: Don’t be that neighbor! Montclairians take their trash etiquette seriously. A common pet peeve? Dog owners dropping poop bags into other people’s garbage cans. Don’t do it. Stick to your own bin so you don’t get shamed on a Letter to the Editor or local Facebook groups.
Montclair Trash Collection Map & Days
Garbage Guidelines
- Trash cans cannot be bigger than 35 gallons and must weigh no more than 50 pounds when full.
- Only 3 cans per household may be put out for collection.
- Containers should be solidly constructed of metal or rigid plastic and have handles.
- Tightly cover containers to prevent the collection of rainwater.
- Garbage cans are to be put out for collection between 6 p.m. on the day preceding a scheduled collection and 6 a.m. on the scheduled collection day.
Recycling Collection Map & Collection Days
What Goes Where? Recycling Guidelines
Recycling is the law in New Jersey. The Township provides a weekly curbside collection of “mixed paper” and “commingled” recyclables (i.e., metal, plastic and glass).
NOTE: Styrofoam recycling has been temporarily suspended until further notice. The recycling plant the Township has been using has closed its doors after 80 years of business. All Styrofoam items can go out with regular household garbage.
- Commingled materials should be cleaned and placed loosely in a sturdy plastic or metal container with handles.
- Containers shouldn’t be bigger than 35 gallons.
- Glass should stay whole—don’t break or crush it into small pieces.
Recycling drop-off hours: Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (at the Public Works Yard, 219 N. Fullerton Avenue)
Electronics waste drop-off hours: Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (at the Public Works Yard, 219 N. Fullerton Avenue)
See a full list of what’s accepted for weekly curbside recycling, plus other items the Township collects separately, here.
Bulky Waste Guidelines
- Residents may leave a maximum of three (3) large household items (mattresses, box springs, bathtubs, porcelain sinks, commodes, bureaus, tables, and other large items) at the curb for collection. NOTE: Mattresses and box springs must be placed in a plastic bag to prevent the spread of bed bugs. Items not properly sealed in plastic will not be collected. Please take a look at the complete list of acceptable Bulky Waste items here.
- Don’t put out yard debris and household appliances (“white goods”).
- No cardboard boxes or any other recyclables.
What To Do With All Those Leaves (And Other Yard Stuff)
Montclair collects loose leaves at the curb between October 15 – December 1 andApril 1 – April 30.
Pro tip: Don’t put paper leaf bags out in the rain — wet bags won’t be picked up.
Leaves placed at the curb in biodegradable paper bags weighing no more than 50 pounds will be collected for recycling. During the fall and spring leaf seasons, leaf bags will be collected on the regularly scheduled recycling day. NOTE: Leaf collection may be delayed or suspended due to weather conditions.
Montclair Trash Collection: Recycle Coach App
Finally, download the Recycle Coach app for free to view pick-up schedules, receive reminders of pick-up days, and access in-depth information on disposing of any item.
