West Haven, CT Trash & Recycling: Bulk Item Disposal (2026)

Section 119-3 of Chapter 119, amended 3-28-1988 by Ord. No. 257, splits oversized waste into three collection classes. Large refuse is refuse and waste materials too large or bulky to fit into containers that is tied securely in bundles not heavier than 70 pounds, more than three feet in diameter and not more than six feet in length. Bulk refuse is material measuring more than three by three feet by three feet, but not more than six feet in any direction and/or weighing more than 70 pounds, but not more than 300 pounds, which cannot be easily broken down to smaller size or weight, and it excludes appliances.

Appliances are metal goods such as washers, dryers, stoves, ranges, refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners and hot-water heaters. For each class the code says collection happens at the times established by the Commissioner of Public Works, so the schedule comes from Public Works rather than from the ordinance text. Section 119-3(I) gives the Commissioner power to establish rules and regulations under the section with approval by the City Council. Construction refuse is treated differently: under § 119-3(H) the property owner or contractor producing sand, stone, mortar, plaster, lumber, asphalt, plaster board, trees, stumps or other refuse from buildings, remodeling, landscaping or excavating operations must remove it to an authorized disposal area at the expense of the owner of the property or the contractor doing the work.

Under § 119-14, scrap metal and storage batteries are placed on the ground between the curb or pavement edge and the property line, along with but separate from recycling containers and solid waste. A rubbish dumpster placed on a street, highway or sidewalk needs a permit from the Director of Public Works under Article II.