Everything North Branford residents need to know about trash collection, recycling, and disposal
Overview
North Branford provides municipal curbside trash and recycling collection for residents of one-, two-, and three-family dwelling units through its contracted hauler, John's Refuse. The town also offers scheduled bulk waste and scrap metal pickups twice a year, as well as seasonal leaf drop-off at the Public Works facility.
Curbside Trash Collection
The Town of North Branford provides weekly curbside trash collection through John's Refuse.
- Containers: Brown tote provided by the town
- Pickup day: Varies by neighborhood — contact John's Refuse at 203-484-0281 for your specific day
- Placement: Place tote curbside no more than 24 hours before your scheduled pickup day, at least 4 feet from mailboxes
- Eligibility: One-, two-, and three-family residential dwelling units. Apartment/condo complexes with more than three units are excluded.
Curbside Recycling
Recycling is collected weekly on the same day as trash.
- Containers: Blue tote provided by the town
- Type: Single-stream recycling
- Placement: Lids closed, space between recycling tote and trash tote
Accepted Recyclables
- Glass bottles and jars (lids/caps in place)
- Metal food containers
- Aseptic packaging (juice boxes, etc.)
- Cardboard and boxboard
- Plastic containers
- Newspaper, magazines, office paper
NOT Accepted in Recycling
- Plastic bags
- Styrofoam
- Hazardous materials
Bulk & Large Item Pickup
North Branford schedules bulk waste and scrap metal pickups, typically twice per year, on your regular trash collection day during designated weeks.
Bulky Waste Pickup
- Frequency: Typically twice per year (verify dates with Public Works)
- Placement: Items may be placed curbside up to 1 week before the scheduled pickup day
- Accepted: Tree limbs and branches (less than 4 feet, bundled/tied), rugs (less than 4 feet, no thicker than 4 inches), couches, mattresses, box springs, wooden furniture, picnic tables
Scrap Metal Pickup
- Frequency: Typically twice per year
- Accepted: Air conditioners, dehumidifiers, microwaves, large appliances (refrigerators with doors removed), metal lawn furniture, hot water tanks, tools, metal fencing, filing cabinets, non-riding lawn mowers (gas removed), outdoor grills
Electronics Recycling
Electronics recycling events are held at the Public Works facility approximately three times per year.
- Location: 290 Forest Road, Northford, CT
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM on designated Saturdays
- Verify dates: Contact Public Works at 203-484-6060
Yard Waste
- Leaves: Must be placed in an untaped biodegradable paper bag and set curbside on your scheduled pickup day
- Leaf drop-off: Located near the Public Works Facility (290 Forest Road), open on designated Saturdays from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM in spring (April) and fall (October/November). No commercial vehicles. Call 203-401-2712 for drop-off info.
- Grass clippings: Not accepted curbside — leave clippings on the lawn or compost them
- Tree limbs/branches: Accepted during bulky waste pickup weeks only
Holiday Schedule
The following holidays affect trash and recycling collection — pickup is delayed by one day:
- New Year's Day
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day (July 4th)
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas
If a holiday falls on or before your pickup day, collection moves to the following day for the rest of that week. Check the Recycling Hotline at 203-484-4091 for updates.
Tips & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What day is my trash picked up?
Pickup days vary by neighborhood. Contact John's Refuse at 203-484-0281 or check the annual Recycling and Trash Information card mailed to households.
Q: What happens if I miss my pickup day?
Wait until your next scheduled collection day. For missed recycling pickups, call the Recycling Hotline at 203-484-4091.
Q: How do I get a new trash cart / recycling bin?
Contact Public Works at 203-484-6060 or John's Refuse at 203-484-0281 to request a replacement tote.
Know something we missed? Email tips@thequinnipiacpost.com to help us keep this guide up to date.
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