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

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 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.

View official code

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

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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?
No. City Code § 8.12.020 requires leaves to be placed in double-sheath biodegradable paper bags that are securely tied at the top; plastic bags are specifically not permitted for curbside leaf collection.
How large can a bundle of branches be for curb pickup?
Section 8.12.030 caps bundles of branches, small trees and brush at 50 pounds, 18 inches in diameter, and 6 feet in length. Larger material must be reduced to fit these limits before being tied and placed at the curb.
When should I place leaves at the curb in Elizabeth?
Leaves must be placed at the curb on the first pickup day of the twice-weekly collection schedule for your ward, per § 8.12.040. Properly bagged leaves are then collected by city crews and taken to state-approved composting sites.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Elizabeth

Collection ScheduleSome RestrictionsRecycling RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsMandatory Organics RecyclingSome RestrictionsIllegal DumpingSignificant RestrictionsBin Placement RulesSome RestrictionsPickup Rules & SchedulesSome RestrictionsRecycling RequirementsSome RestrictionsDumpster RulesSignificant RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsHeavy RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome Restrictions

All Elizabeth rules

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