City of New Brunswick, NJ

12/28/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 12/28/2025 08:39

Cleaning Up After The Holidays



NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ (December 28, 2025) - Tidying up after the holidays can be a daunting task.

Knowing what goes into the recycling bin and what goes out with the household trash can be a bit overwhelming, especially after Santa left all of those presents. Start the New Year off right by downloading the Recycle Coach app and use the "What Goes Where" tool to determine what's recyclable.

Please be neat in discarding items. It's a really busy time for our hard-working DPW!

Here's some helpful info from the City's Division of Recycling:

  • Real Christmas trees will be collected by the Department of Public Works (DPW) on Wednesdays in January 2026. Please make sure that all decorations (ornaments and string lights) are removed from the tree before putting it out on the curb. Put out real Christmas trees after 5 p.m. on Tuesdays for collection on Wednesdays, Jan. 7, 14, 21, and 28. No appointment is necessary for real Christmas trees.
  • If you need to dispose of an artificial tree, please schedule a bulk pick-up appointment with the DPW at 732-745-5105.
  • Cardboard from gifts should be flattened, tied, and bundled no more than 4 feet by 4 feet and 1 foot thick. Please remove plastic inserts, packing peanuts and Styrofoam and place those items in the trash. Next recycling is Monday, Dec. 29 for Zone 1 and Tuesday, Dec. 30 for Zone 2.
  • Wrapping paper can be placed in recycling, except if it is shiny or metallic. That gift wrap goes in the trash.
  • Strings of holiday lights should be placed in the trash.
For any other holiday recycling questions, we are here to help. Call the Division of Recycling at 732-745-5059.
City of New Brunswick, NJ published this content on December 28, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on December 28, 2025 at 14:39 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]