1. What services are included in my PMUA Service Package?
2. What services are offered at PERC Transfer Station?
3. Where can I dispose of hazardous waste?
4. How/Where can I dispose of large items and appliances?
5. What is a bulk waste pick-up?
6. How many bulk waste pick-ups can I get?
7. Where can I dispose of vegetative waste?
8. Where can I dispose of electronics?
9. How do I prepare my cardboard and newspaper for paper recycle collection?
10. How do I prepare cans and bottles for commingle recycling collection?
11. What do I do if I have excess garbage to dispose of?
12. What should I do if my garbage/recyclables are not collected?
13. What are shared services?
14. What is Side Yard Collection?
15. Does PMUA offer discounted rates for special needs customers?
16. How is my sewer bill calculated?
17. What do I do in the event of a sewer backup or emergency?
18. What do I do if I spot illegal dumping activity?
19. How can I obtain a copy of the PMUA Quarterly Newsletter?
20. What is Union County Waste Flow?
21. What is PARSA?
22. Are PMUA and DPW the same?
23. Is the PMUA a regulated agency?
24. Does PMUA collaborate with local organizations and/or do community outreach?

What services are included in my PMUA Service Package?
The standard single family residence receives two garbage pick-ups and one recycle collection (for co-mingled & paper items) each week. All Plainfield property owners also receive shared services maintenance which includes up to two Bulk-Waste pick-ups per calendar year. PMUA also provides sanitary sewer services for the entire city.
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What services are offered at PERC Transfer Station?
Fee-based drop-off and disposal of most materials EXCEPT hazardous waste:

1. Type 10 household garbage
2. Recyclable materials (paper, cardboard, plastic, glass, bottles, cans)
1. No-fee drop-off offered seasonally. Special rules apply; call for more details.
3. Vegetative Waste (leaves, branches, grass, brush, etc)
1. No-fee Saturday drop-off offered seasonally. Call for more details.
4. Bulky waste (i.e. furniture, mattresses, appliances, etc)
5. Motor oil
6. E-Waste (Electronics, Computers, TV's etc)

Note: Any vehicles with a total weight of 9,000 lbs or more, OR vehicles with an attached trailer and weighing 16,000 lbs. or more, must have a DEP sticker to drop-off waste at the PERC/Transfer Station.
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Where can I dispose of hazardous waste?
The PMUA does not collect or accept hazardous waste at our PERCS/Transfer Station. Please visit the Union County website at www.ucnj.org/recycle for hazardous waste drop-off sites.
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How/Where can I dispose of large items and appliances?
Large items or "bulky waste" can be brought to the PERC Transfer Station - 95 Rock Avenue, Plainfield or call for a Bulky Waste Pick-Up. Please refer to our Bulky Waste brochure for more details on bulk waste items, appointments and fees.
Note for drop-off: Special rules apply for total weight exceeding 9,000 lbs. Please see details listed under "What services are offered at PERC Transfer Station?" in our list of FAQs.
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What is a bulk waste pick-up?
A bulk waste pick-up is a specially scheduled collection appointment to dispose of bulky items. Typical bulk waste includes furniture, mattresses, refrigerators, etc. Please refer to our Bulky Waste brochure for more details on bulk waste items, appointments and fees.
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How many bulk waste pick-ups can I get?
Property owners may schedule up to two bulk waste pick-ups per year. Scheduling and availability rules apply. For additional or out-of schedule (On Demand) bulk waste collections, please contact our office or review our Bulky Waste brochure for service rate and other details.
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Where can I dispose of vegetative waste?
For a fee, Vegetative Waste can be brought to the Plainfield Environmental Resource Center
(PERC/ Transfer Station) at 95 Rock Avenue, Plainfield.
Note for drop-off: Special rules apply for total weight exceeding 9,000 lbs. Please see details listed under "What services are offered at PERC Transfer Station?" in our list of FAQs.
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Where can I dispose of electronics?
Every Wednesday free of charge, Electronic Waste can be brought to the Plainfield Environmental Resource Center (PERC/ Transfer Station) at 95 Rock Avenue, Plainfield. You can also visit the Union County Website at www.ucnj.org/ for other electronic drop-off sites and dates.
Note for drop-off: Special rules apply for total weight exceeding 9,000 lbs. Please see details listed under "What services are offered at PERC Transfer Station?" in our list of FAQs
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How do I prepare my cardboard and newspaper for paper recycle collection?
Tie paper up in a bundle and place at the curb for collection. Paper recycling should not be placed in carts for disposal.
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How do I prepare cans and bottles for commingle recycling collection?
Rinse bottles and cans and place loosely (don't discard in a trash bag) in your blue recycle cart.
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What do I do if I have excess garbage to dispose of?
PMUA strives to accommodate our customers to the best of our reasonable ability. If you anticipate that you may have more trash than what can fit in your container, you should call PMUA ahead of time at to discuss the nature of this overage.
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What should I do if my garbage/recyclables are not collected?
Notify the PMUA by calling (908) 226-2518, so we can quickly address the matter.
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What are shared services?
Shared Services are waste management services provided by the PMUA which include but are not limited to the collection and disposal of garbage & recyclables, vegetative waste disposal and illegal dumping clean-ups these services help to keep city owned lots, parks, playgrounds and other public areas clean. This benefits the property owner and Plainfield residents, and aids to improve the quality of life within the City.
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What is Side Yard Collection?
Side-yard collection is a special optional service offered to residential properties. With Side yard service, collection workers will retrieve and empty the waste carts from your yard for a fee of $30.00 per quarter per household.
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Does PMUA offer discounted rates for special needs customers?
Yes. The PMUA offers both a senior citizen and medical disability discount. Qualified applicants will receive a percentage off their quarterly bills. Please contact our office for more information.
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How is my sewer bill calculated?
The calculation of your sewer bill is based on your water consumption. Please review our guide to understanding your PMUA bill, included with our quarterly bills, and available online here.
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What do I do in the event of a sewer backup or emergency?
Call the PMUA at (908) 226-2518 to alert us of the situation. If it is after hours or on the weekend follow the directions on the answering machine for assistance: Contact the Plainfield Police Dept. Dispatch Division at 908-753-3457.
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What do I do if I spot illegal dumping activity?
You may call the Plainfield Police Department or the PMUA. Please have the address of the site and any other information you can provide to identify the illegal dumpers.
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How can I obtain a copy of the PMUA Quarterly Newsletter?
If you did not receive a copy in the mail you may request one by calling the PMUA at (908) 226-2518 or e-mailing us at reachpmua@pmua.org. The newsletter can also be viewed and downloaded on-line here - click on newsletters.
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What is Union County Waste Flow?
All waste generated in Union County is obligated to be disposed of at a designated facility chosen by the Union County Utilities Authority.
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What is PARSA?
Plainfield Area Regional Sewer Authority .
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Are PMUA and DPW the same?
No. While the PMUA and DPW often work together, our functions and responsibilities within the city are different. As an example, the DPW collects vegetative waste and the PMUA disposes of vegetative waste once it is brought to the Rock Avenue Transfer Station. The DPW is responsible for maintaining street trees, snow removal, pothole repairs and street lights, while the PMUA is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of public areas such as parks, playgrounds and the business district.
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Is the PMUA a regulated agency?
The PMUA is both a service and regulatory agency managing the City's sanitary sewer and solid waste utility services. PMUA is a public agency that operates within the parameters of federal, state, county, and local laws and regulations that govern and shape our services and rates and overall operation.
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Does PMUA collaborate with local organization and/or do community outreach?
Yes. PMUA visits with neighborhood block associations, civic organizations, schools, and community groups to educate residents on recycling and the environment. PMUA hosts an annual Environmental Fair and the PMUA also provides assistance with local initiatives that improve the quality of life in Plainfield.
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