East Brunswick, NJ Trash & Recycling: Yard Waste Collection (2026)

Township Code § 114-14.1 sets the basic timing and placement rule for yard waste that is not containerized. Sweeping, raking or blowing it to the curb or along the street is allowed only in the seven days before a scheduled and announced collection, and it cannot be placed closer than 10 feet from any storm drain inlet. Putting it out at any other time or in any other manner is a violation.

Leaves follow their own schedule under § 114-13. During November and December the service listed as "yard waste" in the annual Township schedule consists strictly of leaf collection. Leaves go in neat piles at the curb or pavement edge, provided the piles are not in the roadway and do not constitute a traffic hazard. Residents can also use biodegradable bags in those two months: a bag cannot exceed 50 pounds, must be placed untied at the curb, and must be separated from solid waste and recycling containers by a minimum of a foot (12 inches). Bags go out no earlier than 6:00 P.M. on the evening before collection.

Branches, bulky tree limbs and tree trunks fall under § 114-12. Special arrangements must first be made with the Department of Public Works, and the material goes at street side, not on the street pavement, in appropriately sized piles before the scheduled collection day. Section 114-10 separately bars bulk tree trimmings and tree stumps above 50 pounds from curbside collection.

Grass clippings are handled differently under § 114-14. Residents are encouraged to cut and leave them. Clippings that are bagged go in the solid waste carts on collection days and are not commingled with other yard waste, while loose clippings at the curb or pavement are a violation for any resident or private contractor.

Property owners of record answer for how material is placed. Section 114-15 empowers the Director of Finance, Director of Public Works and the Recycling Coordinator to fix fees by regulation, subject to Township Council approval, for removing material not placed in accordance with Chapter 114.