Junk removal in Camden, NJ.

Camden, NJ provides free curbside bulk pickup of up to 3 large items per week on the second weekly collection day, with separate special pickup pathways for appliances and electronics. The city also runs an active illegal dumping enforcement program, so understanding the rules matters: bulk items placed on non-scheduled days or in excess of the 3-item limit count as illegal dumping under city ordinance. This guide covers every legitimate disposal option for Camden residents, free city services, donation programs, and (when needed) verified NJ A901-licensed paid haulers.

Bulk pickup rules

Under Camden’s solid waste ordinance (Chapter 711), the city or its contractor will remove up to 3 bulk items per week on the second weekly collection day. Items must be reduced in size where feasible by partial or total disassembly, for example, separating a sectional sofa into its component pieces, or breaking down a dining table.

Items that pose safety hazards, refrigerators with self-locking doors, items with sharp edges, anything containing escaping gas or refrigerant, must be dismantled appropriately before curbside placement, OR scheduled through the special appliance pickup pathway (see below).

Bulk items placed at the curb on non-scheduled days, or in quantities exceeding 3, are treated as illegal dumping under city ordinance, this carries penalties under both Camden municipal code and NJ state law.

For your specific scheduled bulk day, check the trash collection schedule at camdennj.gov or call Public Works at 856-757-7000.

Appliances & white goods

Refrigerators, freezers, washers, dryers, water heaters, air conditioners, stoves, and similar large appliances do not go through standard bulk pickup. Camden runs a separate special appliance pickup program: residents call the Public Works Service Center (856-757-7000) to schedule, and the contractor is required to remove the appliance within 5 business days at no additional cost.

Refrigerator safety: Per the federal Refrigerator Safety Act of 1956, refrigerator and freezer doors must be removed or secured open before disposal to prevent child entrapment.

Refrigerant recovery: Refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners contain refrigerants that must be recovered by an EPA-certified technician under Clean Air Act Section 608. The Camden appliance pickup contractor handles this; if you’re using a private hauler instead, verify they’re Section 608 certified.

Retailer haul-away: Home Depot, Lowe’s, Best Buy, and most major appliance retailers will haul away your old appliance free when delivering a new one. Always confirm at purchase. See our refrigerator disposal guide for more.

Electronics

Under New Jersey’s state e-waste law, televisions, computers, monitors, printers, and other electronic devices are banned from regular trash and bulk pickup. Camden runs a separate Electronics Pickup program; check the schedule at camdennj.gov or call Public Works.

Free year-round options:

· Best Buy accepts most electronics free at customer service desks, including TVs up to 50″.

· NJ state e-waste program drop-off sites operate across the state.

· Manufacturer takeback programs (Apple, Dell, HP) accept their own brand electronics free.

See our electronics disposal guide for full options.

Donation programs

Items in usable condition (no significant damage, stains, or pest history) can be donated free through several Camden-area programs:

· Habitat for Humanity ReStore, multiple South Jersey locations accept furniture, appliances, and home goods. Free pickup for larger donations. Often the most flexible for large items.

· Salvation Army, free pickup for usable furniture and household items. Schedule at satruck.org or 1-800-SA-TRUCK.

· Goodwill, drop-off locations across South Jersey accept clothing, small household items, and electronics.

· St. Vincent de Paul, free pickup for furniture and household items, with proceeds supporting community programs.

· Cathedral Kitchen and other Camden-based service organizations, accept furniture donations for direct client placement. Call ahead to confirm needs.

Paid options

For households who exceed the 3-item-per-week bulk limit, can’t wait for the next scheduled bulk day, have items the city won’t take through standard pickup (construction debris, automotive parts), live in larger apartment buildings using private dumpsters, or need same-day service, paid options are available.

What to do, by item type

Different items have different rules in Camden. Here’s a quick reference for the most common things people need to dispose of.

Reporting illegal dumping in Camden

Camden has been one of NJ’s most active cities in combating illegal dumping, the city has invested in camera deployment, rapid cleanup programs, and increased enforcement to address waste left in alleys, on vacant lots, and in public spaces. Reports from residents are an important part of this enforcement.

How to report:

· Camden Reports system at camdennj.gov for online reporting

· Public Works: 856-757-7000

· NJDEP environmental complaint hotline for hazardous or large-volume dumping

· Active dumping in progress: Call Camden County Police non-emergency line

Reports with photos (timestamped), license plate numbers (if available), and specific location addresses have dramatically higher rates of enforcement action. See our complete illegal dumping guide for what to include in reports and what penalties apply under NJ state law.

Common questions