Clark Township's curbside recycling program makes it simple for residents to recycle at home. The Department of Public Works, working with PMUA (Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission), provides recycling bins to every household and picks up materials twice a month on a zone-based schedule. Each zone in the township rotates through the weeks, so collection days stay consistent for your neighborhood.
The program accepts a broad range of materials in one bin. Glass bottles and jars, aluminum and tin containers, plastic bottles labeled #1, #2, or #5, milk and juice cartons, newspapers, magazines, and flattened cardboard can all go together. Paper must be clean and dry. Bundle newspapers with twine (no tape or rubber bands) and tie cardboard boxes or stacks. Residents with lots of cardboard should break down boxes, stack them in one larger box, or bundle and tie them to place beside the bin at the curb. Do not leave piles of full-size boxes.
What should not go out: used pizza boxes, styrofoam, plastic bags, construction materials, or contaminated items. Rinse everything well before placing in your bin, and remove all caps and lids. Place bins at the curb on your scheduled pickup day.
Clark Township maintains four zones (Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 3, Zone 4), each with its own collection week. To find your zone and confirm your specific pickup dates, check the Clark Township website interactive map or search your address on their calendar page. You can also download the free Recycle Coach app and search for Clark, NJ to set up reminders for your zone's collection days. For missed pickups, contact PMUA directly at 908-226-2518. Questions about what can be recycled should be directed to jkobliska@ourclark.com.
Weather delays and service changes are posted to the Clark Township Facebook page and Instagram account, so sign up for News Flashes alerts to stay informed. Find more Clark events, businesses, and local news on Union County Life.
FAQ
How do I know what day my zone gets picked up?
Clark Township divides the township into four zones. Each zone is collected on a different week in a rotating schedule. Visit the Clark Township website calendar page, use their interactive map to find your zone, or download the Recycle Coach app and search for Clark, NJ to set up reminders for your specific pickup day.
Do I need to separate paper and plastic, or can they go in one bin?
Everything goes in one bin. Glass, aluminum, tin, plastic, paper, cardboard, and milk cartons can be commingled together. Just make sure all items are well-rinsed and all caps and lids are removed before placing them in your bin.
What should I do if my recycling wasn't picked up on my scheduled day?
Contact PMUA directly at 908-226-2518. Keep in mind that if bad weather or equipment failure affects collection, changes will be posted on the Clark Township Facebook page, Instagram, and News Flashes, so check those alerts first.
Can I recycle used cardboard pizza boxes?
No. Used pizza boxes should not be placed in your recycling bin because food residue makes them unsuitable for recycling. Flatten and bundle clean cardboard only, and place it beside your bin at the curb.
