Perth Amboy, NJ Trash & Recycling: Collection Schedule (2026)

Section 243-10 of the Perth Amboy City Code gives one official the schedule power. The Director of the Department of Public Works can establish proper rules and regulations covering the collection of garbage, refuse and rubbish, provided they are not inconsistent with Chapter 243, and can fix and change the time for collections whenever, in the Director's judgment, a change is necessary or advisable. Because the chapter delegates the schedule this way, the collection times a household follows are the ones the Director has set, not a fixed calendar printed in the code.

The code does fix the set-out window around whatever schedule applies. Under § 243-3, containers go to the curb not sooner than one hour before sunset of the day before collection in residential areas, and not sooner than 5:30 p.m. of the day before in commercial areas. They must be removed from public view by 8:00 p.m. on the day of collection.

What the City picks up is limited. Section 243-9 says hazardous materials are not collected by the City and must be taken to locations set up by Middlesex County known as Hazardous Waste Days. Recyclables are kept separate from regular garbage and placed for collection under Chapter 351. Bulk items require an appointment with Public Works and a $30 fee under § 243-3(B).

Collection by private hauliers is regulated too: § 243-5 requires compactor-type collection units, subject to inspection and approval by the City's Health Officer or designee. Section 243-7 bars anyone other than the owner or an authorized collector of the City from disturbing garbage after it is placed for collection.