Elizabeth, NJ Trash & Recycling: Yard Waste Collection (2026)
Key Facts
- Bag type
- Double-sheath biodegradable paper only
- Plastic bags
- Not permitted for leaf collection
- Bundle limit
- 50 lbs, 18 in. diameter, 6 ft length
- Collection schedule
- Twice-weekly, place by first pickup day
- Disposal endpoint
- NJDEP-approved composting sites
- Enforcement
- DPW director issues summonses
Summary
Elizabeth residents must gather leaves, branches and underbrush at the curbline in double-sheath biodegradable paper bags, never plastic. Branches and small trees must be bundled under 50 pounds, and city crews run a twice-weekly pickup schedule that ends at NJDEP-approved composting sites.
Material such as leaves, trees, branches, shrubbery, underbrush and pruning waste shall be gathered by the respective residents and property owners of the city and placed at the curbline or within a reasonable distance of the curbline. No material shall be placed in the street, alleyway, roadway or any other area where vehicular traffic operates.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 31).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 8.12 requires residents and property owners to gather leaves, trees, branches, shrubbery, underbrush and pruning waste and place it at the curbline, or within a reasonable distance of it, never in the street, alleyway or roadway (§ 8.12.010). Loose leaves must go into double-sheath, biodegradable paper leaf bags that are securely tied or fastened at the top; plastic bags are not permitted (§ 8.12.020). Branches, small trees and brush must be tied into bundles that do not exceed 50 pounds, 18 inches in diameter, or 6 feet in length (§ 8.12.030).
Materials must be placed at the curb on the first day of the twice-weekly pickup schedule for that ward; properly bagged leaves are collected by city forces and taken to New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection-approved composting sites, and depositing loose leaves or other covered materials any other way is a punishable violation of the chapter (§ 8.12.040). The director of the department of public works, or designated agents, is granted enforcement authority for the chapter, including the power to sign summonses returnable in the Elizabeth Municipal Court (§ 8.12.050).
Violations & Fines
Depositing loose leaves, branches or underbrush in or on the curb or street other than as Chapter 8.12 prescribes is a violation punishable under law. The director of public works or designated enforcement agents may sign summonses directly, and cases are heard in the Elizabeth Municipal Court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put leaves out in plastic bags in Elizabeth?
How large can a bundle of branches be for curb pickup?
When should I place leaves at the curb in Elizabeth?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Elizabeth
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