Borough of Spotswood

SANITATION COLLECTIONS

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays

 

Sanitation Ordinance #174.3 – Garbage Receptacles Regulated

All receptacles shall be set by the occupant at the curbline

no earlier than the evening preceding the collection days.

No receptacle may exceed 50 lbs.

 

Receptacles must be of metal or plastic, sufficiently strong for collection purposes, and shall be watertight and have a close-fitting cover. If any receptacle or container is in excess of 50 pounds (see Sanitation Ordinance), it will not be picked up during regular garbage collection. The Division of Sanitation may affix a notice to containers that do not qualify under the Ordinance, stating that further used of such containers may result in confiscation of the container(s) or refusal to make the collection. Garbage must be curbside by 6:00 a.m. on the day of collection, but not placed earlier than the evening before scheduled pick up.

 

Bulk / Metal / CED Collections

 

Bulk/Metal/Consumer Electronic Device collections are scheduled twice a month by appointment only.

 

Bulk includes such items as furniture, windows, and other large debris, and should be placed at curbside no sooner than the night before collection. Lumber must be cut and tied, and all nails removed or bent over. Metal and Consumer Electronic Devices may also be brought to the recycling drop-off center. To schedule an appointment, please call 732-251-0700, extension 829.

 

Grass / Leaf / Brush / Twig Collections

 

Grass will be collected every Monday from early May through late October. Dates are published seasonally in the DPW Flyer. After the last date in October, grass will be picked up with your regular solid waste. Place grass in an open container (weight limit 50 lbs.) - NO PLASTIC BAGS. If the date is a holiday, the grass will be picked up with the next household collection.

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Bagged leaves are collected seasonally on Mondays from late October until late December. Leaves must be placed in biodegradable paper bags. Leaf bags are available at no charge, while supplies last, from the Public Works facility on Third Street. Bags may be picked up in October, from 8:00 a.m. through 2:00 p.m. only on Mondays and Fridays, and Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. through 11:30 a.m. Please note that bags will only be available on Saturdays in November.

 

Only leaves may be placed in these bags. Do not use them for other yard waste, or they will not be collected.

 

Leaf bags should be placed for collection between the sidewalk and curb when possible. The bags should not be placed in the street along the curb, as this will impede the flow of storm water and increase the potential for local flooding problems.

 

Leaves are also collected on Mondays in April. Again, biodegradable bags must be used; however, the Borough does not supply bags for spring cleanup.

 

Brush collections will be scheduled twice a month, by appointment only, from early April through mid-October. Tree parts must be no more than five (5) inches in diameter, cut and tied with string or cord, in lengths not to exceed four (4) feet. The Borough is not responsible for removal of tree parts larger than five (5) inches in diameter. Please call (732) 251-0700, extension 829, to schedule an appointment.

 

Twigs measuring less than one (1) inch in diameter by four (4) feet long can be put out with your trash in an open container.

 

Christmas Tree Collection

 

Trees are collected in early January. Please remove the following items before setting them out for collection:  plastic bags, strings of lights, ornaments, tree stands, nails, tinsel, and any other decorative materials.

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RECYCLING PROGRAMS – DROP-OFF AND COLLECTION

 

Recycling Drop-Off Center

Third Street (Borough Yard), off Brunswick Avenue

Spotswood Residents Only

Monday through Friday – 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Saturday – 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon

Sundays & Holidays – Closed

 

It Is Important That You Know What Can And

Cannot Be Recycled In Our Municipality.

 

Many residents just recycle everything, thinking they are doing their part to help the environment.  The fact is that placing items in your curbside recycling bin that cannot be recycled wastes time, energy, and money.  Recycling facilities have to pay to sort and dispose of items that should have been thrown in the garbage in the first place.  This increases costs to every taxpayer.   Non-recyclable materials are also prohibited at the recycling drop-off center.

 

Please follow these simple rules:

 

Do Not…

 

• Include garden hoses, VHS tapes, used syringes, toys, carpet, plates, shoes, clothing, cups, utensils, or plastic bags in your Curbside Recycling Bin

• Recycle any boxes or papers that are covered in food, grease or liquids.

• Recycle any bottles that contained hazardous materials (empty motor oil, pesticide, antifreeze, or paint containers).

 

Do…

 

• Reuse your plastic bags at home, or see if the local grocery store accepts them for recycling.

• Recycle your pizza boxes if they do not have grease or other food on them, or consider only recycling the top of the box.

• Recycle your clothing at clothing drop-off boxes.

• Pour out liquids from food and beverage bottles/cans before putting in recycling bin.

 

Hazardous Waste Not Accepted

 

• Aerosol Cans

• Anti-Freeze

• Car Batteries

• Drain Cleaners

• Driveway Sealer

• Gas/Oil Mix

• Gasoline

• Household Batteries

• Latex Paints 

• Lighter Fluid

• Oil-Based Paint

• Paint Thinner

• Pesticides/Herbicides

• Photographic Chemicals

• Pool Chemicals

• Propane Tanks

• Stains/Varnishes

• Thermometers (mercury)

 

Recyclables That Are Accepted

 

• Glass, Aluminum, Bi-metal Cans (must be rinsed and free of food particles) 

• Newspapers tied with string or cord (no paper or plastic bags)

• Cardboard (must be flattened)

• Motor Oil (sealed in gallon containers)

• Textiles (clothing/fabric)

• Plastic Containers (only those identified with the recycling logo #1, #2, or PET-HDPE)

• Mixed Paper/Junk Mail

• Consumer Electronic Devices (CEDs)*

 

*Metal and consumer electronic devices (CEDs) may be brought to the recycling drop-off center on Third Street, or you may schedule curbside pickup by calling 732-416-1829. CEDs include computers (desktop and laptop), monitors, desktop printers, fax machines, and televisions only. Items such as scanners, modems, cables, and keyboards should be included in household trash and will not be accepted at the recycling center.  

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Curbside Recycling Collection

 

The Middlesex County Improvement Authority’s Program collects recyclables in single-stream fashion. Now all curbside recyclable items, such as bottles, cans, paper and small flat cardboard can be mixed together in a single recycling container as long as they are kept separate from trash. Recycling is collected every other Wednesday.

 

Recycling Hotline: (800) 488-MCIA (6242)

 

Check with the Department of Public Works for changes in collection schedules due to weather emergencies or other emergency situations. You may also check for changes to the schedule, or find additional information about the MCIA Program on their website, www.mciauth.com.

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Additional Recycling Programs for Middlesex County Residents

 

Middlesex County MCIA Reuse-It Book

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Have something someone else may need?  Look for it in the MCIA Reuse-It Book - Middlesex County's Guide to "Freecycling"

Click here --> The New Reuse-It Book - A Middlesex County Guide to "Freecycling"

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Middlesex County Shredding Event

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Click here for a listing of the current year shredding events held throughout Middlesex County.  Be advised that events are held rain or shine, from 9:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M., or until the shredding truck is filled,  whichever occurs first.  

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These events are for RESIDENTIAL PAPER ONLY .  NO BUSINESSES are permitted.  Residents are limited to 5 file boxes or 100 pounds per car; also, paper must be in a manageable container (no plastic bags).   Please note, there is no need to remove paper clips, staples or paperboard binder covers from papers.  DO NOT BRING newspapers, magazines, hardcover books, junk mail, photos, x-rays, CDs, shredded paper or garbage; loads containing unacceptable items may be rejected.

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Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off

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Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Days are scheduled yearly in various locations in the County. Hours of operation are from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted. This service is provided for Middlesex County residents only, free of charge.

 

Acceptable Items: Adhesives, Aerosol Cans, Antifreeze, Brake Fluid, Car Batteries, Cleaners, Drain Cleaners, Fire Extinguishers, Flares, Fluorescent Bulbs (no broken bulbs), Gasoline, Gas/Oil Mix, Kerosene, Lighter Fluid, Mercury, Motor Oil/Filters, Paints (Latex/Oil), Paint Thinner, Pesticides/Herbicides, Photographic Chemicals, Pool Chemicals, Propane Tanks, Stains/Varnishes, Thermometers, Thermostats.

 

Rechargeable & Button Cell Batteries (individually bag each battery or tape each terminal end prior to transport).  Alkaline batteries can be disposed of in regular trash.

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Asbestos-containing materials: call to pre-register; must be double bagged. 

 

Non-acceptable Items: Appliances/Furniture, Electronics, Empty Containers, Explosives and Munitions, Infectious/Medical Waste, Smoke Detectors, Tires.

 

No containers over 10 gallons.

 

*Items listed are not intended to be all inclusive.  Call 732-745-4170 if you have questions about any other items.

 

For additional information and scheduled dates, please see the current DPW flyer or go to:

 

http://www.middlesexcountynj.gov/Government/Departments/PSH/Pages/Household-Hazardous-Waste.aspx.

 

Residential Tire Drop-Off Program

 

The Residential Tire Drop-Off Program is operated by Middlesex County, and is open to county residents only.  Proof of residency is required.  A maximum of four (4) tires will be accepted per household, per month.  Automobile and light truck tires only.

 

Tires can be dropped off at the East Brunswick Reclamation Center, 357 Dunhams Corner Road. Hours of Operation are Monday – Saturday; 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

 

Residential Paint Drop-off Program

 

Paint drop-off days are scheduled on weekends from 8:00 A.M. to 12:00 noon at various locations, according to the listing below.  This service is available free of charge, and is open only to Middlesex County residents.

 

Acceptable items include latex (water based) paint, oil based paint, stains, varnishes, lacquers, thinners, spray paint (aerosol) and driveway sealer. Items must be labeled.

 

Contractor/business generated materials will not be accepted.

           

Monthly Schedule

 

First Saturday:

• Middlesex Borough Recycling Center, 1200 Mountain Avenue

• East Brunswick Reclamation Center (Recycling Center), 357 Dunhams Corner Road

 

Second Saturday:

• Dunellen Public Works, 235 Hall Street

• New Brunswick Public Works, 400 Jersey Avenue

• Old Bridge Public Works (at the Municipal Complex), 1 Old Bridge Plaza

 

Third Saturday:

• Helmetta, 51 Main Street (behind Borough Hall)

• Monroe Public Works, 76 Gravel Hill-Spotswood Road 

 

Fourth Saturday:

• Woodbridge Public Works, 225 Smith Street, Keasbey

• South Brunswick Recycling Center (at the Municipal Complex), 540 Ridge Road

 

 

Residential Cooking Oil Recycling Program

 

The Middlesex County Solid Waste Management’s residential cooking oil recycling program allows residents to safely recycle their used cooking oil at the following locations: 

 

East Brunswick Reclamation Center

357 Dunhams Corner Road

Every Saturday, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

 

Monroe Department of Public Works

76 Gravel Hill Road

Every Friday, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

 

Old Bridge Public Works

1 Old Bridge Plaza (Route 516 & Cottrell Road)

Every Saturday, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

 

South Plainfield Recycling Center

Kenneth Avenue

Every Friday, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

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Woodbridge Public Works

225 Smith Street, Keasbey (under GS Pkwy/Rt9 Bridges)

Every Saturday, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

 

This program is open to residents only, no businesses.  Proof of residency is required. 

 

Liquid vegetable oils only; no shortening, coconut oil, lard, or motor oil.   Residents must see an attendant before unloading their vehicle.

 

For more information please call (732) 745-4170, or visit their website at solidwaste@co.middlesex.nj.us

 

SNOW EMERGENCIES

 

The Department of Public Works plows our streets to maintain clear access for emergency vehicles and to keep you and your fellow travelers safe.  If ALL residents could remove their vehicles off the roads and park them out of the way, it would make plowing cleaner and faster. Our snowplows can then clear your entire street with no problems and no burying of parked vehicles.  We're here to serve you, and with your help we can keep all the roads clean for you.

 

Also, please remember that PARKING IS PROHIBITED on any street when snow covered per:

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ORDINANCE 2021-003

 

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE BOROUGH OF SPOTSWOOD BY AMENDING CHAPTER 199 “VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC”, ARTICLE I GENERAL PROVISIONS AMENDING ₴199-1 DEFINITIONS, ₴199 -2 VIOLATIONS & PENALTIES, E. DESIGNATION OF SNOW EMERGENCY NO-PARKING SECTION (1), (2), AND (3) 

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1X6kYT0lJIDRqhU-hDik6eO3CF7r4T_Ch/view?usp=sharing

 

Again, regarding commercial premises, shopping centers and multifamily dwellings, the owner or operator shall be responsible for clearing parking areas, driveways, walkways, sidewalks and other pedestrian areas of snow, and for otherwise making such safe for vehicle and pedestrian traffic within 24 hours after the snowfall ceases.   No owner, tenant/occupant of premises or contractor removing snow at any premises having parking spaces reserved for handicapped drivers may block access to such parking spaces reserved for handicapped drivers by plowing, piling or placement of snow or ice in such spaces. 

 

For additional information, please see:

ORDINANCE 2021-004

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AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE BOROUGH OF SPOTSWOOD BY AMENDING CHAPTER 155 PROPERTY MAINTENANCE, ARTICLE I BY AMENDING ₴ 155-13 B BY ADDING (1) SNOW REMOVAL COMMERCIAL AND MULTI FAMILY PREMISES

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https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lsmXcpSAIylihl5HVbVrbdijwaGqTnGu/view?usp=sharing

 

 

As inconvenient as it might seem, it’s important for all of us to obey these ordinances to help keep our streets, sidewalks, and parking lots safe during inclement weather.

 

Residents (owners or the person responsible for maintenance of dwelling, building, or lot where there is a sidewalk) must remove snow for the entire length of their sidewalks within a reasonable amount of time. Sidewalks must also be clear of ice or made safe by covering the ice with salt or sand. If a contractor is hired, they must be made aware of the regulations.

 

The owner or operator of every commercial premises, shopping center, and multifamily dwelling is responsible for clearing parking areas, driveways, walkways, sidewalks and other pedestrian areas of snow, and for otherwise making such safe for vehicle and pedestrian traffic within 24 hours after the snowfall ceases. In areas where ice forms on the ground surface, action shall be taken to render the surface safe for the movement of vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

 

Please do not place garbage or recycling cans on the street during a snow event, as this will hinder snowplow efforts. Also, it is prohibited to put snow or ice onto the road or onto another’s sidewalk or property.

 

The SFD asks residents to clear all fire hydrants as soon as possible. In the event of a fire emergency, this may save lives and property in the Borough.