Township of Burlington moves to fully automated trash collection
Burlington Township is moving to a fully automated trash collection system for all households. This system will function similarly to the Township’s existing recycling collection program.
During the month of December, every household in the Township will receive a new, 95-gallon, wheeled cart, to replace existing trash bins. Only solid waste that has been placed inside the bin will be collected starting the week of January 3rd, 2023. Trash placed at the curb in any other receptacle will not be collected.
Please note there will also be changes to “bulk” trash collection. Bulk trash
does not include electronics, propane tanks, construction/contractor debris, concrete, white goods, etc. please see
Burlington Township Recycling and Miscellaneous Disposal Information for those items. Bulk trash collection will be by appointment and pick-ups will be scheduled for every other
Thursday. To make an appointment, please call the Public Works Office at 609-239-5909.
The bins will be delivered directly to each home. No appointments are necessary, and you do not need to be home to receive your new trash bin.
Towns across the country have made the move to automated collection, and have reported both decreased collection costs, as well as an increase in the town’s recycling rate – which in turn can generate additional revenue in the form of recycling grants.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the benefits of moving to automated trash collection?
Automation is a faster and more efficient way to collect residential solid waste. Additionally, other towns that have moved to automated collection have reported an increase in recycling rates and an overall reduction in the amount of trash collected. The hinged lids help to keep rain water out of carts, reducing trash weight, and are animal-proof as well. In addition to anticipated time and cost savings, the program will help keep our neighborhoods neat and clean, improve safety on residential streets, and provide safer working conditions for trash collectors. The carts are durable and easy to maneuver.
- Can I order a second cart?
Beginning March 1, 2023, an additional trash cart or carts shall be available to a property owner upon request to the Department of Public Works, and the annual fee, to be paid in quarterly increments commencing May 1, 2023, shall be $150.00.
Additional Cart Request Form
- When will we receive our new carts?
Carts will be delivered to every home in the Township beginning in December. No appointment is necessary and you do not need to be home to receive your new cart.
- When will automated collection begin?
You should begin using your new cart the first week of January. Trash put at the curb in any other receptacle will not be collected after January 2nd, 2023.
- What should I do with my old trash cans and recycling bins?
Residents may drop off clean, empty trash cans at the Compost/Recycling Facility, 902 Lake Avenue, during normal business hours, Wednesday – 11:30 am to 3:00 pm, Thursdays and Friday – 7:30 am to 3:00 pm, Saturdays and Sundays – 8:00 am to 3:30 pm. Old trash cans can also be re-purposed for other household uses.
- Do I have to pay for my new trash cart?
No. All households will receive a new, 95-gallon trash cart at no charge.
- What do the new carts look like?
Burlington Township has selected green, 95-gallon trash carts that are very similar to your blue recycling cart. These uniform carts will help to keep our residential streets neat and clean. All trash carts will have the Township logo on the side and will be linked to your address via a serial number embedded in the plastic.
- How do I prepare my trash cart for weekly set-out?
All trash should be bagged before being placed in the cart. The lid to the cart must close tightly, and no material should be sticking out of the cart. Trash and recycling carts should be placed at the curb approximately 3 feet apart from each other, and at least 4 feet from obstacles such as mailboxes, telephone poles and any overhead obstructions. Cart handles and wheels should be facing the house and the lid opening should face the street.
- Are there any items not permitted for collection?
Recyclable products. See a list of what’s recyclable here:
Burlington Township Recycling and Miscellaneous Disposal Information
http://twp.burlington.nj.us/content/84/181/827.aspx
http://twp.burlington.nj.us/filestorage/279/714/813/Recycling_Flyer_Burlington_Township.pdf
- I already have a rolling cart at home, can I use that one?
No. Only those carts provided by the Township will be collected. Carts other than those provided by the Township will not be collected once your new cart has been delivered.
- What do I do with my cart if I move?
Carts are issued and owned by the Township and must remain at the property/address to which they are assigned.
- The new carts look big. Are they easy to wheel to and from the curb?
As with your blue recycling bin, the new trash carts are easier to maneuver than a similar-sized trash can. They are designed for weight distribution and safety and are easy to move to the curb even when they are full. They are senior-friendly and roll easily on all types of terrain. It is easier to pull the cart uphill and push the cart downhill.
- Will Leaf Collection still be collected?
Yes. Fall “LOOSE” Leaf collection for Burlington Township Residents will began on October 24, 2022. Leaves must be raked to the curb LOOSE. Leaves in biodegradable bags, open containers, or place bags are not permitted, and will NOT be collected. PLEASE DO NOT MIX BRANCHES WITH LEAVES. Leaves cannot be within 10 feet of any storm drain. Grass can be mixed with leaves, but twigs and/or branches are NOT permitted. The trucks will work street to street on a daily basis, and there will be no specific schedule for any particular area. The trucks will collect the leaves through December 31, 2022.
- Are the new carts animal proof?
The new carts are the most animal proof available. If you store your cart outside and encounter a problem with animals, you can use a bungee cord to secure the lid to the lift bar, but please remember to remove the bungee cord on your collection day or your cart will not be emptied.
- Will the new carts take up more space?
The footprints of the carts are 29” wide x 34” deep and do not significantly differ than those of the blue recycle bins or a typical trash barrel.
- Will my collection day remain the same?
Yes. Your trash will continue be collected weekly, and on the same collection day. Place containers to the curb no earlier than the evening prior to pickup or by 6:00 am and remove containers the same day as the scheduled pickup.
- What if my cart is damaged?
Contact the Department of Public Works at (609) 239-5909 to report a damaged cart.
- What should I do with overflow trash that does not fit into my cart?
Your new trash cart can accommodate as much volume as 3 to 4 standard-sized trash cans. We expect these carts to be sufficient for your household. If you have a one-time overflow of trash, please hold it until your next regular collection day or drop off at Compost/Recycling Facility, 902 Lake Avenue, during normal business hours.
- Will collection of bulk items (sofas, mattresses, other furniture) change?
Bulk items that do not fit inside the trash cart will be collected every other Thursday by appointment only. Please contact the Public Works Office at 609-239-5909 before placing at the curb.
See Burlington Township’s Disposal Information here:
Burlington Township Recycling and Miscellaneous Disposal Information
- How will I get rid of large appliances?
See Burlington Township’s Disposal Information here:
Burlington Township Recycling and Miscellaneous Disposal Information
Thank you for your patience while we kick off the new trash program!