2026 DPW Information Guide

The Kenilworth Department of Public Works has released its 2026 Information Guide covering trash collection, recycling, bulky waste, and leaf collection schedules. Recycling is mandatory according to borough ordinance, with a maximum fine of $500.

Trash Collection Schedules

The borough operates three trash collection schedules: Monday/Thursday, Tuesday/Friday, and Wednesday/Saturday. Residents should place containers at the curb after 5 p.m. the night before scheduled collection. Items must be placed at the curb before collection is complete. All household garbage, recyclables, brush, and grass must be placed at the curb after 5 p.m. the night before collection.

Recycling

Kenilworth's recycling program is now dual stream. Cardboard and paper pickup is separate from the pickup for glass, aluminum cans, and recyclable plastics. Residents should rinse all containers thoroughly. No frozen food trays, salad containers, or yogurt cups are accepted. All materials must be placed in a covered 32-gallon receptacle, according to Union County Life's coverage of Kenilworth municipal services.

Bulky Waste Collection

Residents can bring bulky items to the Department of Public Works facility for free drop-off. Hours are Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and the second Saturday of each month from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. The new recycle yard entrance is located on 14th Street across from the American Legion Hall. Accepted items include couches, tables, chairs, mattresses, dressers, rugs, and vanities. The program does not accept TV's, rocks, dirt, tires, or hazardous materials. Residents will be charged fees for bulky waste collection. See the borough website for the itemized fee list.

White Goods and Refrigerators

White goods, refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, or any item containing Freon or other refrigerants require a disposal fee. The fee must be paid at the Borough Clerk's Office, 567 Boulevard, prior to pickup. Refrigerator doors must be removed before placement at the curb. Collection takes place every Friday beginning January 3. Residents must pay the disposal fee by Thursday at 1 p.m. for Friday collection.

Leaf Collection

The borough's Leaf Collection Program begins on or about October 26, 2026. Leaves must be placed in piles, brown paper lawn and leaf bags, or a covered 32-gallon trash receptacle at the curb. Do not rake leaves into storm water catch basins or onto streets. No plastic bags are accepted. The final vacuum truck pass will be made the week of December 21. Starting January 1, 2027, all leaves must be placed in a covered 32-gallon receptacle or brown lawn and leaf bags.

Vegetative Waste

The department collects branches, tree parts, grass, leaves, and vegetative waste every Thursday. Vegetative waste is not picked up during the 2026 Leaf Collection Program. Large branches must be bundled and tied in three-foot sections. Materials may be placed in a 32-gallon receptacle or brown paper lawn and leaf bags. Remove all dirt from garden and plant waste.

Sanitation Holidays

Trash will not be collected on New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Collection will occur on the next regularly scheduled day.

New Drop-Off Items

New items available at the Department of Public Works yard include scrap metal free of Freon, fluorescent bulbs, plastic film, styrofoam (not for food storage), cooking oil and motor oil with filter cans, scrap concrete (nominal fee), vegetative waste (residents only), textiles, and reusable shopping bags.

More Information

For information, call the Department of Public Works at 908-276-3105 or the DPW Office at 908-276-5073. Additional information is available on the borough website at kenilworthborough.com. The Recyclecoach app provides access to collection information specific to home addresses.

For more Kenilworth municipal news and services, Union County Life covers civic announcements and community information.

FAQ

Q: When do I put my trash at the curb?
A: Place all items at the curb after 5 p.m. the night before your scheduled collection day. Kenilworth has three collection schedules: Monday/Thursday, Tuesday/Friday, and Wednesday/Saturday. Check the borough map or use the Recyclecoach app to find your schedule.

Q: How does Kenilworth's recycling program work?
A: Recycling is mandatory under borough ordinance. The program is dual stream: cardboard and paper are picked up separately from glass, aluminum cans, and recyclable plastics #1, 2, and 5. Rinse all containers thoroughly. Do not include frozen food trays, salad containers, or yogurt cups.

Q: What bulky items can I drop off for free?
A: Accepted items include couches, tables, chairs, mattresses, dressers, rugs, and vanities. Not accepted: TV's, rocks, dirt, tires, or hazardous materials. Drop-off hours are Fridays 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and the second Saturday of each month 7:30 a.m.-12 p.m. at the DPW facility on 14th Street.

Q: How much does it cost to dispose of a refrigerator?
A: Residents are charged a fee per unit. The fee must be paid at the Borough Clerk's Office (567 Boulevard) before pickup. Refrigerator doors must be removed and placed at the curb. Collection occurs every Friday beginning January 3.

Q: When does the leaf collection program start?
A: Leaf collection begins on or about October 26, 2026. Leaves must be in piles, brown paper lawn and leaf bags, or a covered 32-gallon receptacle. Do not use plastic bags. Starting January 1, 2027, all leaves must be in covered receptacles or brown bags.

Q: What is the Recyclecoach app?
A: Residents can download the Recyclecoach app on their smartphones to access collection information and schedules specific to their home address.

Q: Where can I find more information?
A: Call the Department of Public Works at 908-276-3105 or the DPW Office at 908-276-5073. Visit kenilworthborough.com for the complete 2026 Information Guide and additional resources.