Trash & Recycling Pickup

Garbage and Recycling

Garbage and Recycling collection occurs WEEKLY, Monday through Friday, from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. See Schedule for your assigned collection day. Yard Waste collection also occurs weekly during April through December each year. Collection times will vary.

Yard Waste

The Delaware Code prohibits residents from combining yard waste with household garbage or recycling. All yard waste such as grass clippings, leaves, tree branches, twigs, brush, shrubs, bushes, and weeds must be placed - UNBAGGED - into the green yard waste container provided by Kent County. Kent County provides “Yard Waste” service to the communities that voted to receive the service. Yard Waste collection occurs on the resident’s normal collection day. Exact dates are published on the County’s website.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Online

Step 1.Contact Public Works 

Phone:302-744-2430

Publicworks@kentcountyde.gov 

Step 2.Trash & Recycling

To order a new or additional trash or recycle receptacle, contact the Public Works Department at Phone: 302-744-2430. Be prepared to provide name, address, and phone number for the service request.

Holiday Pickup schedule

Guidelines

For trash issues call Phone: 302-744-2430.

Step 3.Sewer

For sewer emergencies call 302-363-4537, 24/7.

For sewer billing questions call 302-744-2391.

To pay by mail: Finance/Sewer Billing, PO Box 1175, Dover Delaware 19901.
Pay conveniently online!! 

Kent County Online Bill Pay

 

 

In Person

Step 1.Contact Public Works

The Department of Public Works Department is responsible for Wastewater Management, Trash, Recycling and Yard Waste, and Streetlight services for greater Kent County. The Public Works Department is located at 555 S. Bay Road. Dover, Delaware 19901; 1st Floor. Entrance faces DuPont Highway. Enter through the lobby and security.

Step 2.Trash & Recycling

To order a new or additional trash or recycle receptacle, visit the Public Works Department. Be prepared to provide name, address, and phone number for the service request. 

Holiday Pickup schedule

Guidelines

For trash issues call Phone: 302-744-2430.

Step 3.Sewer

For sewer emergencies call 302-363-4537, 24/7.

For sewer billing questions call 302-744-2391.

To pay by mail: Finance/Sewer Billing, PO Box 1175, Dover Delaware 19901.
Pay conveniently online!! 

Kent County Online Bill Pay

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By Phone

Step 1.Contact Public Works

The Department of Public Works Department is responsible for Wastewater Management, Trash, Recycling and Yard Waste, and Streetlight services for greater Kent County.

Phone:302-744-2430

Publicworks@kentcountyde.gov 

Step 2.Trash & Recycling

To order a new or additional trash or recycle receptacle, contact the Public Works Department atPhone: 302-744-2430. Be prepared to provide name, address, and phone number for the service request. 

Holiday Pickup schedule

Guidelines

For trash issues call Phone: 302-744-2430.

Step 3.Sewer

For sewer emergencies call 302-363-4537, 24/7.

For sewer billing questions call 302-744-2391.

To pay by mail: Finance/Sewer Billing, PO Box 1175, Dover Delaware 19901.
Pay conveniently online!! 

Kent County Online Bill Pay.

 

 

 

 

By Mail

Step 1.Contact Public Works

The Department of Public Works Department is responsible for Wastewater Management, Trash, Recycling and Yard Waste, and Streetlight services for greater Kent County. The Public Works Department is located at 555 S. Bay Road. Dover, Delaware 19901. 

Step 2.Trash & Recycling

To order a new or additional trash or recycle receptacle, contact the Public Works Department at Phone:302-744-2430. Be prepared to provide name, address, and phone number for the service request. 

Holiday Pickup schedule

Guidelines

For trash issues call Phone: 302-744-2430.

Step 3.Sewer

For sewer emergencies call 302-363-4537, 24/7.

For sewer billing questions call 302-744-2391.

To pay by mail: Finance/Sewer Billing, PO Box 1175, Dover Delaware 19901.
Pay conveniently online!! 

Kent County Online Bill Pay.

 

 

 

 

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It's was a holiday on my scheduled trash day. When will my garbage be collected?

HOLIDAYS:

Collection will not occur on the following holidays: New Year's Day, July 4th (Independence Day), Thanksgiving Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Christmas Day. If a holiday falls on a Monday (Memorial Day and Labor Day), collection for all residents will be one day later. If a holiday falls on a Thursday (Thanksgiving Day), only Thursday and Friday collections will be one day later. If a holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, there will be no change to the schedule.

 

 

How do I obtain a new or additional trash/recycle bin?

What kind of trash & recycle bins may be used in Kent County?

CONTAINERS:

A BLACK garbage container and a BLUE and YELLOW recycling container are placed at each property. A GREEN yard waste container will also be placed at properties in districts that have yard waste service. Residents must use the provided containers on each collection day. Containers are owned by Kent County and remain on the property if the ownership changes. Residents should identify containers with the property address to help avoid loss or theft. A 2nd garbage, recycle or yard waste container may be requested. A maximum of 4 containers per property will be provided by Kent County. Residents may use personal 32 gallon cans for additional garbage, recycling or yard waste - maximum weight is not to exceed 40 pounds. County or personal containers cannot be collected if overweight.

 

What are restricted items? Where can they be disposed?

Restricted items will not be collected. Residents must dispose of them properly at the "Sandtown Landfill." Sleep sofas can be collected only if the inside mechanism is removed.

Restricted items include:

  • Hazardous materials: Gasoline, oil-based paint, propane fuel tanks, pesticides, pool chemicals, oil filters/motor oil.
  • Automobile parts: Tires, batteries, and motor parts.
  • Construction/Landscaping materials: Drywall, lumber, sinks, tubs, showers, toilets, cinderblock, patio block, pavers, wooden or plastic deck and fence materials, etc.
  • Refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners & dehumidifiers: Appliances containing Freon require special handling; contact the Department of Public Works for disposal instructions.
  • Electronics: Recycle computers, laptops, cell phones, etc., by dropping them off at any DSWA electronic drop-off site. For more information, contact DSWA at (800) 404-7080 or visit www.dswa.com.
  • Paint: Air dry small quantities of water-soluble paint (Latex) in the can or absorb with cat litter. Place dry paint can - with lid removed - into the garbage container. Cans containing wet paint cannot be collected.
  • Carpet/padding: Cut to widths of 4 feet or less, roll and secure with rope, twine, or duct tape, and place next to the garbage container. Each roll counts as 1 bulk item.

Please refrain from placing the following items in your recycling can:

  • Styrofoam - This includes egg cartons, meat packaging, coffee cups, take-out containers, and any other Styrofoam products.
  • Paper products with food residue - This includes paper plates, napkins, paper towels, and containers with leftover food.
  • Plastic wraps - Avoid putting shrink wrap, plastic wrap, bubble wrap, and plastic newspaper bags in recycling.
  • Plastic shell packaging - This encompasses plastic party platters, trays, cake, pie, and cookie trays.
  • Other plastics - This includes plastic silverware, picnic plates, mini-blinds, plastic furniture, toys, strollers, and car seats.
  • Aluminum foil and pans - Aluminum foil and baking pans should not be recycled.
  • Household glass - Avoid recycling dishware, windows, mirrors, glass tabletops, and shelves.
  • Furniture - Items such as tables, chairs, wall units, entertainment centers, dressers, and bed frames should not be placed in recycling.
  • Clothing, shoes, and textiles - Clothes, shoes, purses, belts, coats, blankets, and towels are not recyclable.
  • Household hazardous materials - Products labeled as "Hazardous," "Flammable," "Poisonous," "Corrosive," and "Explosive," including gasoline, motor oil/oil filters, car batteries, oil-based paint, varnish, wood stains, drain cleaners, bleach, pesticides, and pool chemicals.

These items can be taken to free Hazardous Waste Collection events held throughout Delaware. For event schedules, contact DSWA at (800) 404-7080 or visit www.dswa.com.

LANDFILL

The “Sandtown Landfill” is located at 1107 Willow Grove Road (Route 10 West) in Sandtown, Delaware and is operated by the Delaware Solid Waste Authority (DSWA). A disposal fee will be charged for disposal at the landfill. For directions, fees and hours of operation, please call DSWA at (800) 404-7080 or visit www.dswa.com.

 

How do I dispose of yard waste in Kent County?

The Delaware Code prohibits combining yard waste with household garbage or recycling. All yard waste—such as grass clippings, leaves, tree branches, twigs, brush, shrubs, bushes, and weeds—must be placed UNBAGGED into the green yard waste container provided by Kent County. Yard Waste service is provided by Kent County to communities that voted to receive it. Collection happens on the resident's regular collection day.

Yard Waste Collection Guidelines

  • DO NOT BAG YARD WASTE - Bags of yard waste will not be collected, as bags cannot be mulched.
  • ALL YARD WASTE MUST BE PLACED INSIDE A CAN (except tied bundles of branches).
  • DO NOT OVERFILL CONTAINER - Lid should be closed to avoid overfilling, as overfilled containers cannot be collected.
  • MAXIMUM QUANTITY: Up to 5 yard waste items will be collected each week, with the first item always being the County green yard waste container. The remaining 4 items may be a combination of privately owned 32-gallon cans or bundles of branches.
  • TREE BRANCHES: Tree branches must be 3 inches in diameter or smaller, cut to a length of 4 feet or less, and securely tied into bundles (maximum of 4). Place bundles next to the green yard waste container for collection. Tree branches sticking out of a can cannot be collected due to safety hazards.
  • RESTRICTED ITEMS: Restricted items such as mulch, dirt, pavers, railroad ties, fencing, concrete, and rocks cannot be collected.
  • CHRISTMAS TREES: For residents receiving "Yard Waste" service, Christmas trees will be collected during the 2nd and 3rd week of January each year only. Contact the office to verify collection dates at 302-744-2429.

How do I dispose of Bulk items in Kent County?

Bulk (Large) Items: These include furniture, appliances, electronics, mattresses, carpets, TVs, patio furniture, grills, lawn mowers, and other large household items needing special handling. Items must fit into the truck, be manually lifted into it, and able to crush within it. Residents unsure of an item's acceptability should contact the Department of Public Works, as some items cannot be collected. Up to 4 Bulk Items will be collected weekly at no extra cost.

 

Prepare for trash day!

  1. Bag and Can Policy: All garbage must be bagged and placed inside a can. Bags left on the ground or on top of cans will not be collected.

  2. Container Capacity: Containers should not be overfilled; the lid must be able to close. Overfilled containers cannot be collected.

  3. Maximum Quantity: Each collection will take a maximum of 5 garbage items. The first item must always be the County garbage container, while the remaining 4 items can be a mix of privately owned 32-gallon cans or bulk items.

  4. Bulk Item Guidelines: Bulk items, such as furniture, appliances, electronics, and mattresses, must fit into the truck, be manually lifted, and able to be crushed. Residents should contact the Department of Public Works for clarification on acceptable bulk items. A maximum of 4 bulk items will be collected each week at no additional fee.

  5. Restricted Items: Restricted items will not be collected. Residents are responsible for disposing of restricted items properly at the "Sandtown Landfill".

Important Information

  • Collection Schedule: Garbage and Recycling collection takes place weekly, Monday through Friday, between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Refer to the schedule for your designated collection day, as times may vary.

  • Container Provision and Usage: Each property is provided with a black garbage container, a blue and yellow recycling container, and in applicable districts, a green yard waste container. Residents must use these containers on collection days. Ownership of the containers belongs to Kent County and transfers with the property. To prevent loss or theft, residents should label containers with their property address. Additional containers can be requested, with a maximum of four provided by Kent County. Residents may also use personal 32-gallon cans for overflow, ensuring they don't exceed 40 pounds in weight to ensure collection.

  • Placement Guidelines: Place containers out the night before your collection day at the end of the driveway, away from obstructions such as mailboxes, parked cars, or other containers. Obstructed containers will not be collected.

  • Holiday Collection: Collection does not occur on New Year's Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, or Christmas Day. If a holiday falls on a Monday, collection is delayed by one day for all residents. If a holiday falls on a Thursday, only Thursday and Friday collections are delayed by one day. No changes occur if a holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday.

  • Weather and Road Conditions: In case of severe weather or road restrictions, service will be provided on the next available day. Residents can check the County website for updates. Missed collections may occur due to unplowed or inaccessible roads.

 

Earth Day Everyday!

  1. Do not bag recycling; place all recyclables inside a can. Ensure that containers are not overfilled, and lids are closed to facilitate collection. Styrofoam is not recyclable, and cans containing any Styrofoam will not be collected.

  2. A maximum of 5 recycling items will be collected each week. The County recycle container must be the first item, while the remaining 4 items can be privately owned 32-gallon cans or bundles of cardboard boxes. Items should be placed in the recycle can after ensuring they are empty, rinsed, and clean. Accepted materials include newspapers, catalogs, magazines, paperboard, glass bottles and jars, metal cans, plastics labeled #1, #2, #4, #5 & #7, and cardboard.

  3. Remove plastic bags, bubble wrap, and Styrofoam from cardboard boxes, flatten them, and place them inside the recycle can. Larger boxes should be cut down to fit inside the can. Alternatively, large quantities of cardboard boxes can be flattened, securely tied into bundles, and placed next to the recycle can for collection. These bundles can also be taken to a recycling drop-off station; contact DSWA at (800) 404-7080 for the nearest location.

 

 

 

Its not easy being green!

  • Do not bag yard waste; bags will not be collected.
  • Place all yard waste inside a can, except for tied bundles of branches.
  • Containers should not be overfilled; ensure the lid is closed.
  • A maximum of 5 yard waste items will be collected weekly.
  • Use the County green yard waste container as the first item; the rest can be a mix of privately owned cans or bundles of branches.
  • Bundles of branches should be 3 inches in diameter or smaller, cut to 4 feet or less, and securely tied (maximum of 4 bundles).
  • Christmas trees will be collected during the 2nd and 3rd week of January for residents with yard waste service. Confirm collection dates by contacting the office at 302-744-2429.

 

 

Contact Us

Phone

302-744-2429

Email

PublicWorks@kentcountyde.gov

Location

Department of Public Works
555 S. Bay Road. Dover
19901
View Map

Bulk Items

Bulk (Large) Items: These include furniture, appliances, electronics, mattresses, carpets, TVs, patio furniture, grills, lawn mowers, and other large household items needing special handling. Items must fit into the truck, be manually lifted into it, and able to crush within it. Residents unsure of an item's acceptability should contact the Department of Public Works, as some items cannot be collected. Up to 4 Bulk Items will be collected weekly at no extra cost.

 

Hazardous Materials

Restricted items will not be collected. Residents must dispose of them properly at the "Sandtown Landfill." Sleep sofas can be collected only if the inside mechanism is removed.

Restricted items include:

  • Hazardous materials: Gasoline, oil-based paint, propane fuel tanks, pesticides, pool chemicals, oil filters/motor oil.
  • Automobile parts: Tires, batteries, and motor parts.
  • Construction/Landscaping materials: Drywall, lumber, sinks, tubs, showers, toilets, cinderblock, patio block, pavers, wooden or plastic deck and fence materials, etc.
  • Refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners & dehumidifiers: Appliances containing Freon require special handling; contact the Department of Public Works for disposal instructions.
  • Electronics: Recycle computers, laptops, cell phones, etc., by dropping them off at any DSWA electronic drop-off site. For more information, contact DSWA at (800) 404-7080 or visit www.dswa.com.
  • Paint: Air dry small quantities of water-soluble paint (Latex) in the can or absorb with cat litter. Place dry paint can - with lid removed - into the garbage container. Cans containing wet paint cannot be collected.
  • Carpet/padding: Cut to widths of 4 feet or less, roll and secure with rope, twine, or duct tape, and place next to the garbage container. Each roll counts as 1 bulk item.

Please refrain from placing the following items in your recycling can:

  • Styrofoam - This includes egg cartons, meat packaging, coffee cups, take-out containers, and any other Styrofoam products.
  • Paper products with food residue - This includes paper plates, napkins, paper towels, and containers with leftover food.
  • Plastic wraps - Avoid putting shrink wrap, plastic wrap, bubble wrap, and plastic newspaper bags in recycling.
  • Plastic shell packaging - This encompasses plastic party platters, trays, cake, pie, and cookie trays.
  • Other plastics - This includes plastic silverware, picnic plates, mini-blinds, plastic furniture, toys, strollers, and car seats.
  • Aluminum foil and pans - Aluminum foil and baking pans should not be recycled.
  • Household glass - Avoid recycling dishware, windows, mirrors, glass tabletops, and shelves.
  • Furniture - Items such as tables, chairs, wall units, entertainment centers, dressers, and bed frames should not be placed in recycling.
  • Clothing, shoes, and textiles - Clothes, shoes, purses, belts, coats, blankets, and towels are not recyclable.
  • Household hazardous materials - Products labeled as "Hazardous," "Flammable," "Poisonous," "Corrosive," and "Explosive," including gasoline, motor oil/oil filters, car batteries, oil-based paint, varnish, wood stains, drain cleaners, bleach, pesticides, and pool chemicals.

These items can be taken to free Hazardous Waste Collection events held throughout Delaware. For event schedules, contact DSWA at (800) 404-7080 or visit www.dswa.com.

 

Landfill

LANDFILL

The “Sandtown Landfill” is located at 1107 Willow Grove Road (Route 10 West) in Sandtown, Delaware and is operated by the Delaware Solid Waste Authority (DSWA). A disposal fee will be charged for disposal at the landfill. For directions, fees and hours of operation, please call DSWA at (800) 404-7080 or visit Delaware Solid Waste Authority Website. 

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