Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Harrison
Trash Day
Zone 1 (North of Harrison Ave): Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays (Exceptions: Cleveland Ave, Kingsland Ave, and Franklin Ave are serviced Mon/Wed/Fri). Zone 2 (South of Harrison Ave): Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Harrison Ave & Frank E. Rodgers Blvd: Monday through Saturday.
Recycling
Curbside recycling follows designated town zone pickup dates (managed via the municipal recycling calendar and the Recycle Coach app).
Yard Waste
Seasonal curbside leaf collection runs from October through December. Bags must be purchased from DPW and scheduled by calling 973-268-2296.
Set Out Time
After 6:00 PM on the evening prior to collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Residential trash and recycling collection is covered by general municipal taxes. Water and sewer utilities are metered and billed on a six-month basis, payable at Town Hall or online.
Billing Cycle
Semi-Annually
Accepted Methods
Online, Mail, In-Person
Pro Tip / Discount
Low-income assistance is available through New Jersey's Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP).
Standard trash receptacle Bin (Trash)
Place at curb after 6:00 PM the night before collection. Do not include recyclables or leaves.
Accepted Items
- ✓Household garbage
Standard recycling bin Bin (Recycling)
Place curbside after 6:00 PM the night before your Zone's designated recycling day (Tuesdays for Zone 1, Fridays for Zone 2).
Accepted Items
- ✓Paper
- ✓Cardboard
- ✓Glass
- ✓Plastics
- ✓Metal cans
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Food waste
- ✕Electronic waste
Yard Waste Bin
Must use official leaf bags available from DPW. Must call DPW (973-268-2296) to schedule pick-up. No branches or mixed yard waste.
Accepted Items
- ✓Leaves
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Twice a month on Wednesdays based on Zone
Placement
Place items at the curb after 6:00 PM on the Tuesday before your scheduled Wednesday pick-up.
Accepted
- ✓ Large appliances (white goods)
- ✓ Furniture
- ✓ Large metal items
- ✓ Fencing
Not Accepted
- ✕ Bags of plaster
- ✕ Car parts
- ✕ Cement
- ✕ Propane cans
- ✕ Rocks
- ✕ Construction debris
- ✕ Tires
Free for acceptable household items. Fines up to $1,000 apply for putting out prohibited materials or putting items out on the wrong day.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
The Town of Harrison's trash, recycling, and bulk pick-up schedule remains in effect on all holidays. There are no delays or skipped days.
Yard Waste Exception
Leaf pickup must be scheduled by phone and may be subject to staff availability during town-observed holiday weeks.
Because crews work on holidays and start as early as 3:00 AM, always stick to the 6:00 PM (night prior) set-out rule even on a holiday eve.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Keep Construction Debris Out of Bulk Piles
Items like cement, bags of plaster, rocks, and car parts are explicitly banned from curbside clean-outs. Placing these items out will result in a non-collection and potential fines up to $1,000.
Keep Leaves Strictly Separated
The town runs a dedicated leaf pick-up system. Mixing leaves into your regular trash bin violates town ordinances and disrupts the disposal process.
Do Not Place E-Waste at the Curb
Placing old TVs or computers in your recycling or bulk pile is a safety hazard and illegal. They must be driven directly to the DPW Garage on Essex Street.
Seasonal Information
Fall
October to DecemberStarting October 1st, you can purchase designated leaf bags from the DPW ($3 for 10 bags). You must pack your leaves in these specific bags and call to arrange an autumn pickup.
Winter
December to MarchThe Department of Public Works is responsible for snow removal. Keep garbage cans clear of snowbanks and ensure your sidewalk is properly swept, as property owners are legally responsible for clearing their adjacent walkways.
Summer
June to AugustWith high summer temperatures and garbage crews starting by 3:00 AM, ensure all household waste is tightly bagged before placing it in cans to prevent odor and pest issues overnight.
About Harrison Waste Management
Intensive Trash Collection Footprint
Harrison provides an exceptionally frequent household garbage collection service compared to neighboring municipalities. Depending on your zone, trash is picked up either three or six days a week. For instance, residents living on Harrison Avenue and Frank E. Rodgers Boulevard enjoy collection Monday through Saturday. Since sanitation crews begin routes as early as 3:00 AM, it is highly recommended to place your bins out after 6:00 PM the night prior.
Clean-Outs and White Goods Bulk Schedule
Bulky waste pickups, locally termed 'Clean-Outs and White Goods,' operate on a strict Wednesday schedule tailored to your neighborhood zone. Zone 1 addresses are serviced on the first and third Wednesday of each month, while Zone 2 sees pickups on the second and fourth Wednesdays. White goods like refrigerators and washing machines are accepted, but construction debris like cement and plaster bags are strictly prohibited.
Mandatory Leaf Bag Program
When autumn arrives, the Department of Public Works requires leaves to be bagged in specific compostable leaf bags. Starting October 1st, residents can purchase approved bags directly from the DPW at 600 Essex Street for a nominal fee. Once filled, homeowners must call the DPW to request a dedicated leaf pickup, as organic waste cannot be mixed in with regular household trash or bulky items.
E-Waste and Hazardous Material Drop-Off
You cannot leave electronics, batteries, or propane tanks curbside in Harrison. Computers, televisions, and cell phones must be transported directly to the DPW Garage. Before arriving with your e-waste, you are required to call ahead for authorization and assistance. Please note that tires are entirely prohibited and will not be accepted at the facility.
Zero Tolerance for Littering
The town enforces a strict, zero-tolerance policy for littering—explicitly noting that cigarette butts count as litter. Homeowners and tenants are legally responsible for keeping their adjacent sidewalks and curbs swept and free of debris. Violating the local code can trigger fines ranging from $100 up to $1,000, underscoring Harrison's dedication to clean streets.
Drop-off Facilities
Harrison DPW Garage
600 Essex Street, Harrison, NJ 07029
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my trash get delayed if there is a holiday?
No. The Town of Harrison's solid waste and recycling schedules remain in effect on all holidays. You should put your bins out exactly as you would on a normal week.
What days are garbage collected for my zone?
Zone 1 (North of Harrison Ave) is collected Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday (except Cleveland, Kingsland, and Franklin Aves, which are Mon/Wed/Fri). Zone 2 (South of Harrison Ave) is collected Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Harrison Ave and FER Blvd are serviced Monday through Saturday.
How do I get rid of an old television or refrigerator in Harrison?
Refrigerators and large appliances (white goods) can be placed curbside for your Zone's Wednesday bulk pick-up. However, TVs and electronics must be brought to the DPW Garage on Essex Street, and you must call ahead before dropping them off.
How does leaf collection work in Harrison?
Leaves are not picked up with regular garbage. You must purchase official leaf bags from the DPW starting October 1st, fill them with leaves only, and then call the Department of Public Works to schedule a specific collection.