FAQ: Garbage and Recycling
How much household garbage may I dispose of? Each household may dispose of up to four containers of garbage per collection day. Each container must be in good condition, must have a cover, may not exceed thirty (30) gallons in capacity, and may not be heavier than forty-five (45) pounds. NOTE: AFTER JANUARY 1, 2008, HOUSEHOLDS MAY USE ONLY THE WHEELED CONTAINER SUPPLIED BY THE BOROUGH. Those containers were distributed on December 10, 2007 to each eligible household. If you did NOT receive a container, contact Public Works at (609) 490-5115.
When can I put my garbage out for collection? When must my empty cans be removed from the curb? Garbage and bulk items may not be placed at curbside before 5:00 p.m. on the day before the scheduled collection, and all containers must be removed by 8:00 p.m. on the day that the garbage is collected. Note: Garbage collection begins at 7 a.m. Your garbage should be at the curb and ready for pickup by that time.
How do I dispose of fluorescent light tubes? Fluorescent light tubes may not be disposed of in your regular garbage. They should be boxed or taped together and brought to the Mercer County Improvement Authority during their sponsored Hazardous Waste Collection Days. DO NOT BREAK these bulbs as they contain a small amount of mercury which could be released upon breakage and hazardous to your health.
I made some repairs and have a small amount of construction debris. How can I dispose of it? Small amounts of construction debris generated by homeowners who make their own repairs will be collected, provided that it is contained in your standard garbage container. Construction debris from outside contractors may not be disposed of with your household garbage.
How do I dispose of used carpeting? Carpeting will be picked up by the Borough by appointment only. It must be cut into 36” widths, rolled and tied into bundles not heavier than 45 pounds each. Whenever possible, your contractor should dispose of your old carpeting when it is replaced.
How do I dispose of household furniture? Arrangements must be made in advance with the Borough Public Works Department. Homeowners are encouraged to donate usable furniture items to charities that may be seeking same.
What about used appliances and metal items? Major appliances and large bulky metal items, including stoves, washers, dryers, refrigerators, freezers, hot water heaters, metal beds and the metal portion of sleep sofas, will be picked up by the Borough once each month, by appointment only. No refrigerator, freezer or airtight compartment units can be placed at curbside until all doors and/or closures have been removed from the hinges and the Freon removed by an authorized contractor.
What items are prohibited? Placement of the following items for collection by the Borough is prohibited: explosive, highly flammable materials or hazardous waste, including but not limited to benzene, gasoline and other petroleum by-products, explosive powders, fluorescent light tubes and bulbs, chlorinated solvents, pesticides, herbicides and other hazardous materials; vehicles; tires; vehicle batteries; auto and truck bodies or parts thereof; construction debris (except as noted above); scrap wood; tiles; wallboard; fencing; decking; computer equipment; electronic equipment; oil-based paint; or latex paint in liquid form. The Mercer County Improvement Authority conducts a Hazardous Waste Cleanup Day each spring and fall where items of this nature may be brought to their facility for disposal.
Am I required to separate recyclable materials from my garbage? Yes. Garbage containing recyclable material will not be collected. Recyclables are collected biweekly by Mercer County. Click here for a complete list of recyclable items. Green and yellow recycling buckets and covers are available from our Public Works department.
Can I dispose of my grass clippings with my garbage? NO. Grass clippings must be disposed of separately in accordance with the Borough’s recycling ordinances. Click here for additional information.
What if I need to dispose of more garbage on a given collection day than will fit in my container? Beginning January 1, 2008, only garbage in the new wheeled carts provided by the Borough will be collected on your collection day. If you have bulk items to dispose of, contact Public Works at (609) 490-5115.
I’ve noticed municipal garbage dumpsters in the Stockton Street parking lot. Can I put my garbage in those? The garbage dumpsters located in the Stockton Street parking lot are for the exclusive use of businesses, residents and tenants located in Block 23 and Block 33 of the Borough. Use by other persons or entities is strictly prohibited.
Can I put a bag of garbage in one of the Borough’s public litter receptacles? No. It is unlawful to dispose of household garbage or trade waste in or alongside the Borough’s public litter receptacles.