Solid Waste

Backdoor Pickup -- Household Garbage and Recycling

Backdoor pickup for garbage and recycling is based on which election district you live in, as follows:

• District 1 - Monday
• District 2 - Tuesday
• District 3 - Wednesday
• District 4 - Thursday
• District 5 - Friday

"Backdoor" refers to any location adjacent to the garage or within six feet of your house.  Keep the location consistent to ensure pickup.  There is one pickup per week for both garbage and recyclables.  Pickups occur daily with the exception of Christmas Day when it will be picked up the following day.

Household Garbage must be contained in green Mountain Lakes bags which come in two sizes and can be purchased at:

• Williams Stationery,Del's Village
• Anchor Hardware on Route 46
• Borough Hall

Bags are sold in packets of 10.  Fees are: $25./packet for 30-gallon size, $12.50/packet for 15-gallon size.

The filled garbage bags must be placed in a suitable container so that animals are not able to get into the trash.  Bags must be closed at the top.

Recycling Program

• Materials eligible for the borough recycling program include glass, tin cans, aluminum, plastics #1 and 2, and co-mingled paper: newspapers (need not be bundled and tied), white office paper and junk mail (need not be in paper bags), corrugated cardboard (should be broken down, need not be tied) and chipboard -- such as cereal boxes (liners should be removed).  These all may be combined in the same container.
• Allowed #1 and #2 plastic containers: all beverage bottles (milk jugs, juice bottles, water bottles, etc), all detergent bottles (such as Liquid Tide and Cascade dishwasher soap bottles!) and other bottles that are not hazardous waste (yes to a Windex bottle for example, but no to anything caustic - like most toilet bowl cleaners).  Basically, the word is "bottles".
• Not allowed plastic containers: clear berry containers, the semi-opaque pint and quart containers from the deli, butter tubs, nursery plant packs or flats even if they ARE labeled #1 or #2.  Basically, if it's plastic but not a bottle, you can't recycle it.  And NO Bottle tops!
• You may put glass bottles, plastics and metal for recycling in a garbage can and put the co-mingled paper in brown bags on top of the materials for recycling or keep the materials in separate containers.
• Recyclables may also be deposited in the dumpsters at the Borough Garage.

The Garbage and Recycling Program is paid for through the property tax levy.

Problems or complaints: contact Joe Tempesta, Borough Manager at 973-334-3131, or e-mail. 

Bulk Trash

• Trash Days: There are two bulk trash day programs each year, in the spring and fall on the fourth weekend of April and October.  (Friday/Saturday).  Bulky trash that is not normally picked up can be brought to the Borough Garage on those days. 
• • There is a charge per vehicle (cash or check).
  • Disposal of hazardous waste is not permitted.  See the Hazardous Waste Program below.
  • The dates and fees are published in the Home & School Bulletin.  For more information, call the Borough Hall at 973-334-3131. 
• County Transfer Station: Bulk trash can also be brought to the Edwards Road Transfer Station in Parsippany.  See the Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority for more information. 
• For other bulk trash needs, consult the Yellow Pages under "Rubbish."

Hazardous Household Waste

• The Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority (MCMUA) operates Hazardous Household Waste Facilities to make it easier for county residents to dispose of these materials.  The facility in western Morris County is open by appointment.  See this site for more information.
• Household batteries, used motor oil and antifreeze and used ink jet cartridges are collected at the Borough Garage. 

Leaves, Brush and Grass Clippings

• Curbside pickup of leaves is not available in the Borough.  Home composting is encouraged.  Brochures are available at the Borough Hall.
• Leaves and brush (less than 2 inches in diameter and 3 feet in length) can be deposited in the appropriate compost area behind the Borough Garage Monday through Friday 7 am - 4 pm and Saturday 7 am- 2 pm.  Extended hours are in effect during the Fall (October and November, Saturday and Sunday 8 am - 4 pm) Compost and mulch, if available, may be picked up during these same hours.  Delivery by the truckload is not available.
• There is no Borough disposal or collection program for grass clippings.  Grass Clippings should be composted in your yard.  See the healthy lawn article for more information on developing and maintaining a healthy lawn.
• For the health of our woodlands, DO NOT DEPOSIT GRASS CLIPPINGS, LEAVES OR BRUSH ON BOROUGH OWNED PROPERTY!  It is against Borough ordinances, and fines will be levied.