Jersey City’s annual fall cleanup effort is still underway, giving residents extra time to clear their properties and prepare for winter. The city is continuing its free leaf bag distribution and curbside collection program through Saturday, December 20, 2025.
Residents can receive biodegradable paper leaf bags at no cost on Saturdays from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at several parks and public spaces while supplies last. Each resident must show proof of residency, such as a utility bill or driver’s license, and may take a limited number of bags.
For weekday distribution, leaf bags are also available Monday through Friday, between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., at the Municipal Services Complex, 13–15 Linden Avenue East.
- Free biodegradable paper leaf bags are still available across Jersey City through December 20, 2025, with proof of residency required at pickup.
- Curbside collection runs every other Thursday for both South/West and North/East districts, ensuring leaves are removed before winter.
- Residents can compost pumpkins, use multiple city composting sheds, and follow specific recycling rules to help reduce waste and pollution.
Where and When to Collect Free Leaf Bags
The city’s Department of Public Works has set up multiple locations for residents to pick up bags through December 20. Bags will be distributed on Saturdays between 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. at the following parks:
- Hamilton Park, 9th Street & Jersey Avenue – November 15
- Lincoln Park, Lincoln Statue, Kennedy Boulevard – November 22 and December 6
- Pershing Field, Central & Manhattan Avenue – November 8 and 29, December 13
- Leonard Gordon Park, Manhattan Avenue & Kennedy Boulevard – November 22, December 20
- Arlington Park, Grand Street & Arlington Avenue – November 29
- Van Vorst Park, Jersey Avenue & Montgomery Street – November 8, December 20
- Audubon Park, Kennedy Boulevard between Audubon Avenue & Stegman Street – November 15
- Rev. Ercel Webb (Lafayette) Park, Halladay & Lafayette Street – December 6
Residents are encouraged to visit their nearest site early, as each location will distribute bags only while supplies last.
Curbside Collection Schedule by District
After filling their bags, residents should place them at the curb on Wednesday evenings for early Thursday morning pickup. The city stresses that plastic bags should not be used since they are not biodegradable and will not be collected.
Collection dates for the South and West Districts:
- November 13, November 27, December 11, and December 25
Collection dates for the North and East Districts:
- November 6, November 20, December 4, and December 18
This schedule ensures that every district has regular service leading up to the holiday season.
Composting Pumpkins and Yard Waste
The city’s recycling team reminds residents that pumpkins from Halloween and fall displays should not be discarded in the trash. Instead, they can be composted. According to city recycling coordinator Janille Veloz, residents should place pumpkins beside composting bins, not inside, and follow a few key steps:
- Remove all candles and any other non-compostable materials
- Chop or smash pumpkins into smaller pieces (at least in half)
- Do not compost painted pumpkins
Residents can reach Janille Veloz for composting details at (201) 547-4913 or by emailing [email protected].
City Composting Shed Locations
To make composting more accessible, Jersey City maintains several drop-off sheds where residents can leave food scraps and yard waste:
- Brunswick Community Garden – 174–176 Brunswick Street
- Canco Park – 70 Dey Street
- City Hall – 280 Grove Street, along Mercer Street
- Five Corners Library – 678 Newark Avenue
- Hamilton Park – 8th & McWilliam Place and 9th & Jersey Avenue
- LCCS – Kensington entrance by JFK Boulevard
- Paulus Hook – Washington & Dudley Streets
- Pershing Field – Corner of Ferry Street & Central Avenue
- Riverview Community Garden/Farmer’s Market – 285 Ogden Avenue
- Newport/Avalon Cove – 2nd Street off Washington Boulevard
- Municipal Court – 365 Summit Avenue
- Lafayette/Ercel Webb Park – Lafayette & Woodward Avenue
These composting sites are open for residents throughout the season to help reduce landfill waste and encourage sustainable disposal.
Weekly Recycling Collection and Guidelines
Recycling continues alongside leaf and compost collection. Pickups occur once a week, depending on neighborhood location.
Residents should:
- Place bins out between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. the evening before pickup.
- Expect collection between 8:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. (or 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. for high-rise buildings).
Items accepted for recycling include:
- Paper and Cardboard: newspapers, junk mail, magazines, paper bags, cereal and pasta boxes, telephone books, and non-greasy cardboard.
- Plastics, Glass, and Aluminum: bottles, jars, cans, and lids (paint cans excluded).
- Corrugated Boxes: tied and bundled separately.
The city advises rinsing all containers, removing leftover food, and avoiding plastic bags. Only plastics with approved recycling ID codes printed on the bottom of containers will be accepted.
Environmental Benefits of Recycling
According to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), recycling reduces waste and also cuts harmful emissions. The agency reports that manufacturing with recycled materials releases fewer air and water pollutants than producing items from raw resources.
For every ton of municipal solid waste recycled, approximately 1.67 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents are prevented from entering the atmosphere. Recycling also reduces the need for mining and drilling, conserves energy, and helps forests by lowering demand for new materials.
Waste Services and Reporting Information
Residents can report illegal dumping or overgrown lots through the city’s sanitation division or by calling 201-547-4400. The same number can be used for inquiries about dumpster rentals.
The next hazardous waste drop-off event has not yet been announced, but once scheduled, residents will be able to bring items to the Department of Public Works headquarters at 15–17 Linden Avenue East.
