Everything Middletown residents need to know about trash collection, recycling, and disposal
Overview
Middletown operates a dual system for trash and recycling. Residents within the City Sanitation District receive direct curbside collection from the City's Sanitation Department. Residents outside the district must contract with a private hauler. The city also operates a Recycling Center at 185 Johnson Street for drop-off of bulky waste, electronics, and other materials.
Curbside Trash Collection
Sanitation District Residents
The City of Middletown Sanitation Department provides weekly curbside trash collection within the Sanitation District.
- Containers: City-provided carts (65-gallon or 95-gallon; 35-gallon option available starting 2026)
- Pickup day: Depends on your route (Route A or Route B) — check the Cart Pick-up Schedule on the city website or call (860) 638-4850
- Billing: Starting January 1, 2026, bills are based on cart size and pickup frequency (Save As You Throw / SAYT program)
- Extra carts: $25/cart/pickup; clean-out service: $35/cart/pickup
Outside the Sanitation District
Residents outside the district must contract with a private hauler. A list of registered haulers is available on the city website or by calling (860) 638-4851. All registered haulers are required to offer both trash and recycling services.
Curbside Recycling
Recycling is collected on the same day as trash, weekly.
- Type: Single-stream recycling — all recyclables go in one cart
- Recycling is mandatory for all residents, businesses, and institutions
Accepted Recyclables
- Paper: white/colored paper, junk mail, envelopes, newspaper, magazines, paperboard, cardboard
- Glass: food and beverage bottles and jars
- Metal: aluminum foil, cans, metal lids, food-grade aerosol cans
- Plastic: bottles (with caps), tubs, lids, single-use cups
- Milk and soup cartons
Key Rules
- Empty and rinse containers — no liquids or food residue
- Place materials loose in the recycling cart — no plastic bags
- Only recycle what is on the accepted list
Bulk & Large Item Pickup
Curbside bulk waste collection is available seasonally (suspended during winter and fall leaf collection).
- Cost: $75 per pickup (covers one large dump truck load; additional material charged by weight)
- Mattresses and box springs: Additional $36 per item; must be wrapped in plastic bags (bags provided with pickup fee)
- Payment: Must be paid in advance at the Department of Public Works or by mailing a check
- How to schedule: Call (860) 638-4850
- Items must be sorted by type (metal together, wood together, etc.)
Accepted for Bulk Pickup
- Appliances, furniture, small amounts of wood or metal
- Brush (cut to 4-foot lengths; bundled with string inside Sanitation District, unbundled outside)
NOT Accepted for Bulk Pickup
- TVs, computers (must go to Recycling Center)
- Carpeting/rugs, electronics, grass clippings
- Hazardous waste, paint, plastics, books
- Anything in bags or boxes, large renovation debris
Recycling Center / Drop-Off
Middletown Recycling Center
- Address: 185 Johnson Street, Middletown, CT (corner of Johnson Street and North Main Street)
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM – 2:45 PM
- Saturday hours:
- April–June, September–November: Every Saturday, 7:00 AM – 11:45 AM
- December–March, July & August: 1st and 3rd Saturday only, 7:00 AM – 11:45 AM
- Vehicle sticker required: Yes — FREE for Middletown residents ($25 for contractors/businesses)
- Where to get sticker: Department of Public Works, City Hall, Room 210, 245 deKoven Drive. Bring vehicle registration or driver's license. Also available via online application.
- Load limit: Maximum 2 tons per load; only waste generated in Middletown accepted
- Fees: Materials weighed and charged per ton — verify current rates at (860) 638-4850
Accepted at the Recycling Center
- Recyclables, electronics (limit 7 devices per visit), scrap metal
- Bulky waste, mattresses (free if dry, no mildew/bed bugs)
- Brush, leaves, tires, batteries, textiles
- Construction/demolition debris (per-ton fee)
- Swap Shack: Donate or pick up reusable items for free
NOT Accepted
- Hazardous waste (special HHW collection days)
- Paint (through PaintCare program or HHW Day)
Yard Waste
Leaf Collection
- Season: Mid-November through early December (two rounds through the city)
- Do not rake leaves to curb before November 15
- Brown paper bags are encouraged; loose leaf piles also collected
- Leaves in plastic bags will NOT be picked up
- Place leaves behind the curb or edge of road — not in the street
Brush Collection
- Offered intermittently throughout the year
- Suspended during fall leaf collection (after approximately October 10) and during winter
- Cut to 4-foot lengths; bundle with string inside Sanitation District
Alternative
Leaves and yard waste can be brought to the Recycling Center at 185 Johnson Street year-round.
Holiday Schedule
The Sanitation District typically observes:
- Independence Day (July 4)
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- New Year's Day
When a holiday falls on a pickup day, half the route may be on schedule and half a day behind. Check the Community Connector App or Middletown Public Works Facebook page for updates. Private hauler customers should check with their hauler directly.
Tips & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What day is my trash picked up?
If you're in the Sanitation District, check the Cart Pick-up Schedule on the city website or call (860) 638-4850. If you use a private hauler, contact them directly.
Q: Am I in the Sanitation District?
Call Public Works at (860) 638-4851 to confirm whether your address is within the Sanitation District or requires a private hauler.
Q: What happens if I miss my pickup day?
Wait until your next scheduled collection day. You can also bring items to the Recycling Center at 185 Johnson Street during operating hours.
Q: How do I get a new trash cart / recycling bin?
Sanitation District residents: contact Public Works at (860) 638-4850. Private hauler customers: contact your hauler.
Know something we missed? Email tips@thequinnipiacpost.com to help us keep this guide up to date.
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