Mon to Thurs: 8am – 4pm
Friday: 8am – 1pm
908.756.0080
15 Mountain Blvd
Watchung, NJ 07069
Engineering / Public Works
Contact Us
15 Mountain Boulevard
Watchung, NJ 07069
(908) 756-0091
Spring Leaf Clean Up
The 2026 Spring Leaf Pickup will commence on March 30, 2026 and continue through May 1, 2026. All leaves must be in BIODEGRADABLE PAPER BAGS and placed on the grass area close to the road. NO PLASTIC BAGS WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR PICK UP. Pickups will not be scheduled for any specific time or location.
Leaf pickup is limited to high density areas: Brookdale, Stirling and Hillcrest Roads North to Evergreen Lane; Mountain Blvd. from Washington Drive to Rock Ave.; Johnston Drive to the water tower including Upper Drive and Johnston Drive Extension.
All residents are urged to utilize their leaves as compost; however, should any resident in a rural area desire pickup of leaves in BIODEGRADABLE BAGS ONLY, call the office of Public Works at 908-756-0080, ext. 214. Due to the State’s Stormwater Regulations, the Borough has an ordinance prohibiting placement of leaves in the street.
Prevent Fatburgs!
Styrofoam Recycling is Here!
Located at DPW Garage: 880 Somerset Street
No item found!
Road Paving Projects
We have roads being paved with a variety of funding sources and from a number of contractors. Roads will be paved and drainage designed where necessary through: budget funds in the municipal budget, grants, or via the utility companies (PSE&G and NJ American Water, specifically). Road construction schedules will be announced as the Borough receives start dates from the contractors/utility companies.
Road Closure Updates
For notices regarding road closures in real time, please sign up for Watchung Police Department Notices via Nixle
PSEG Gas System Upgrades in Our Area
PSE&G is taking measures to replace old gas pipes. As their crews begin and move throughout our roads, they will leave notices on the residences of the areas that will be affected. However, Residents can also reach out to their inbox [email protected] for any specific questions about scheduled work as well.
Household Waste Collection
Regular Household Waste Collection for Watchung Residents:
Residents can also contact the following vendors in advance to obtain an estimate of items being disposed and to schedule a pick-up date for bulky items throughout the year.
Vendors will provide you with an estimate and schedule a pick-up date.
- Grand Sanitation Service 908-222-1566
- Interstate Waste Services 1-866-DIAL-IWS
- P & P Disposal 908-322-2667
- X-Cel 908-756-9959
Bulky Waste Collection
Bulky waste collection organized by the Borough of Watchung, typically runs during the first 2 weeks in June and is by district. To find your district CLICK HERE. Please note, permit sticker are typically NOT mailed to residents. Anyone who submits payment, etc. will have information sent directly to the trash hauler. You can find the application for bulky waste collection under our Bulk Waste Application box, when it is time. You may also pay here.
IF YOU MISSED THIS YEAR'S COLLECTION, PLEASE SIGN UP FOR BOROUGH COMMUNICATIONS TO PARTICIPATE NEXT YEAR HERE.
**Permit stickers will NOT be mailed to residents. Your information will be sent directly to the trash hauler.**
Tree Removals
As you make your landscaping and construction plans for the spring and summer, please remember that a permit is required before cutting down any tree, alive or dead. The tree removal permit is free. All application are found under our “forms & applications” section, see guidelines displayed.
Watchung is losing so many trees to invasive insects, storms, and disease. Here is a list of the native trees and shrubs that are recommended as replacements for all the ash and other trees that are being lost.
Tree Removal Permit Requirements
| Condition / Situation | Required Submission |
|---|---|
| Removing tree(s) without land disturbance | Tree removal application for permit with "no land disturbance" form |
| Removing tree(s) with land disturbance | Tree removal application for permit with "with land disturbance" form |
| Removing dead, diseased, dying or hazardous tree(s) without land disturbance | Dead, Diseased, Dying or Hazardous Tree Only Tree Removal Permit Application |
Upcoming Engineering Projects
The Borough has several projects underway. Check out the presentation on repairs to various culvert and below are additional projects underway:
Hillcrest Road, CR531, Watchung & Warren
Hillcrest Road is a major north - south commuter link from Route 78 to Route 22. Average daily traffic volumes exceed 20,000 vehicles per day. The project limits extend from a point that is approximately 600 feet south of High Oaks Drive/Ridge Road north to the I‐78 interchange. Current traffic patterns exhibit heavy weekday traffic in both the morning and evening rush hours.
Information regarding this project as well as an outline of safety improvements can be accessed by clicking on the side “Hillcrest Road.” Check out the county’s webpage for any updates regarding this project by clicking here.
Contacts
Maria Fittipaldi
Secretary, Administrative Assistant
Phone: (908) 756-0091 ext. 214
Email: [email protected]
Borough Professional Engineer
(908) 756-0091 ext. 225
Email: [email protected]
Anthony Nappe, CPWM, CRP
Public Works Manager
(908) 756-0080 x220
Email: [email protected]
Helpsy Textile Recycling
The Borough of Watchung and the Environmental Commission are pleased to announce a new textiles recycling program. Residents can now recycle clothing, shoes, accessories, and household textiles (bedding, towels) in any condition, usable or not. Items should be placed in tied plastic bags (like large trash bags) and must be dry at time of drop-off. The new bin is located at the DPW Garage, 880 Somerset St., and is available during DPW’s regular business hours. For more info on what is acceptable, please CLICK HERE to go to Helpsy's website.