Everything New Haven residents need to know about trash collection, recycling, and disposal
Overview
New Haven provides municipal curbside trash and recycling collection for residents. The city uses a toter-based system with weekly pickups managed by the Department of Public Works. The city also operates a residential waste drop-off facility for bulky items and other materials.
Curbside Trash Collection
The city provides weekly trash collection using automated toter carts.
Trash toter: Brown, 48-gallon cart
Placement: Must be placed curbside before your scheduled collection day and removed within 12 hours after collection
Pickup day: Varies by neighborhood — check the city's online schedule or call (203) 946-7700
Curbside Recycling
Recycling is collected weekly on the same day as trash.
Recycling toter: Blue, 96-gallon cart
Type: Single-stream recycling
Accepted: Cans, bottles, plastics, paper, cardboard, and other standard recyclables
Place items loose in the cart — no plastic bags
Bulk & Large Item Pickup
Bulk trash appointments are available to New Haven residents.
How to schedule: In person at the Department of Public Works, 34 Middletown Avenue, Monday–Friday 7:00 AM–4:00 PM. Call (203) 946-7700 first to confirm appointments are being scheduled.
Proof of residency required at time of scheduling
Cost: First appointment is FREE for homeowners of 1–3 unit houses; otherwise $50. Second appointment in same calendar year is $50 for all residents.
Weight limit: 750 lbs (approximately a small pickup truck load)
Requirement: All doors must be removed from appliances (state law)
NOT Accepted for Bulk Pickup
Yard waste (grass, branches, leaves, or any other vegetation)
Construction or demolition debris (wood, fencing, roof shingles, sheetrock, masonry, toilets, tubs, sinks, etc.)
Transfer Station / Drop-Off
New Haven Residential Waste Drop-Off
Address: 260 Middletown Avenue, New Haven
Hours: Monday–Saturday, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Saturdays open at 8:00 AM from late May through August)
Access: New Haven residents — present your ID with a New Haven address upon arrival. Coupons are no longer needed.
Managed by: New Haven Solid Waste & Recycling Authority
Contact: (203) 946-7700 (ask for Finance Office for commercial/contractor licenses)
Yard Waste
Yard waste is not accepted in regular trash or bulk pickup. Verify seasonal leaf collection and yard waste disposal options with the Department of Public Works at (203) 946-7700.
Holiday Schedule
Pickups are delayed one day when holidays fall during the collection week. Recent examples include Presidents' Day and storm-related delays. The city posts delay notices on the official website.
