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What Day Is Trash Pickup in Metuchen, NJ?

Updated November 2026

Quick Answer for Metuchen

  • Trash day: Thursdays, collected by Waste Management
  • Recycling: weekly on Mondays — no plastic bags, no styrofoam
  • Next holiday delay: Thanksgiving (November 26, 2026)
  • Bulk pickup: call 311 — free, no limit

Trash pickup in Metuchen is weekly on Thursdays. Waste Management collects trash, recycling (weekly on Mondays), and yard waste (spring through fall). Bins out by 6:30 AM.

Quick Facts

Trash Provider

Waste Management

Private hauler

Contact

311

Official website

Trash Pickup

Thursdays (weekly)

Set out by 6:30 AM

Recycling Pickup

Mondays (weekly)

14 materials accepted

Pickup Schedule

Trash Collection

Once per week

Thursdays

Recycling Collection

Weekly

Mondays

Yard Waste

Seasonal (spring through fall)

Tuesdays

Schedules vary by neighborhood. Check with Waste Management for your exact pickup day.

Recycling Rules

Metuchen accepts 14 materials for curbside recycling. No plastic bags, styrofoam, or food-contaminated items.

Accepted

  • Cardboard (flattened)
  • Newspaper
  • Magazines & catalogs
  • Office paper & mail
  • Glass bottles & jars
  • Aluminum cans

NOT Accepted

  • Plastic bags & film
  • Styrofoam (EPS)
  • Paper coffee cups
  • Shredded paper
  • Batteries (household alkaline)
  • Electronics (e-waste)
Recycling rules for Metuchen

Bulk Pickup

How to Schedule

Call 311 or hauler

Free Pickups Per Year

Unlimited (free)

Call your waste hauler for pricing.

Bulk pickup details for Metuchen

Holiday Pickup Schedule

Federal holidays delay trash pickup in Metuchen by one day. Next: Thanksgiving (November 26, 2026).

New Year's DayJanuary 1, 2026
Martin Luther King Jr. DayJanuary 19, 2026
Presidents' DayFebruary 16, 2026
Memorial DayMay 25, 2026
JuneteenthJune 19, 2026
Holiday schedule for Metuchen

Composting in Metuchen

Available

S2515 (2023) requires large food waste generators to separate if a composting facility is within 25 miles. Residential not affected.

Hazardous Waste

Paint, batteries, electronics, and motor oil cannot go in regular trash in Metuchen.1 drop-off location for household hazardous waste.

Hazardous waste drop-off in Metuchen

Frequently Asked Questions

What day is trash pickup in Metuchen?
Trash pickup in Metuchen, NJ is weekly on Thursdays. Set out your bins by 6:30 AM. Waste Management handles residential waste collection. Recycling is collected weekly on Mondays.
Can I recycle pizza boxes in Metuchen?
Yes — Clean portions are recyclable. Greasy sections can go in compost where available, otherwise trash. Many programs now accept the whole box. In Metuchen, pizza boxes are accepted in curbside recycling.
How do I schedule bulk pickup in Metuchen?
To schedule bulk pickup in Metuchen, call 311 or your hauler. Call your waste hauler for pricing.
Is there trash pickup on Thanksgiving in Metuchen?
Thanksgiving (November 26, 2026) affects trash pickup in Metuchen. Pickup on this day and the rest of the week delayed by one day. Check with Waste Management for your specific route. Most federal holidays delay pickup by one day for the rest of the week.
What goes in the recycling bin in Metuchen?
Metuchen accepts 14 types of materials for curbside recycling, including cardboard, paper, glass bottles (check locally), aluminum and steel cans, and plastic #1, #2, and #5 containers. Do NOT put plastic bags, styrofoam, or food-contaminated items in recycling. Rinse all containers before placing them in the bin.
Does Metuchen have composting?
Yes, Metuchen offers composting. Drop-off composting is available at designated locations.
What do I do if they missed my trash pickup in Metuchen?
If your trash was missed in Metuchen, first confirm it was your scheduled pickup day and that bins were out by 6:30 AM. Then call Waste Management at 311 (or your hauler's direct line) to report the miss. Most cities require you to report within 24 hours. Keep your bins at the curb until the makeup collection, which is typically within 1-2 business days.
Where do I take hazardous waste in Metuchen?
Metuchen has approximately 1 household hazardous waste drop-off locations. Items like paint, batteries, electronics, and motor oil cannot go in regular trash. Auto parts stores accept motor oil for free. Best Buy and Staples accept electronics. For everything else, use your city's HHW collection events or permanent facility.

Related Pages

Recycling Guide

What goes in the recycling bin in Metuchen

Bulk Pickup

Schedule large item pickup

Holiday Schedule

When holidays delay pickup

Hazardous Waste

Paint, batteries, electronics disposal

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Pickup schedules and rules are based on published municipal data. Schedules vary by neighborhood and route. Always confirm with Waste Management for your specific address. This page is for informational purposes only.