- What is included in my PMUA Service Package?
- What services are offered at the PERC Transfer Station?
- Where can I dispose of hazardous waste?
- How/Where can I dispose of large items and appliances?
- What is a bulk waste pick-up?
- How many bulk waste pick-ups can I get?
- Where can I dispose of vegetative waste?
- Where can I dispose of electronics?
- How do I prepare my cardboard and newspaper for paper recycle collection?
- How do I prepare cans and bottles for recycle collection?
- What do I do if I have excess garbage to dispose of?
- What should I do if my garbage/recyclables are not collected?
- What are Shared Services?
- What is Side Yard Collection?
- Does the PMUA offer discounted rates for special needs customers?
- How is my sewer bill calculated?
- What do I do in the event of a sewer backup or emergency?
- What do I do if I spot illegal dumping activity?
- How can I obtain a copy of the PMUA Quarterly Newsletter?
- What is Union County Waste Flow?
- What is PARSA?
- Are the PMUA and DPW the same?
- Is the PMUA a regulated agency?
- Does the PMUA collaborate with local organizations and/or do community outreach?
- When is my PMUA bill due?
- How is interest calculated on my PMUA bill?
- What if I have a billing inquiry or dispute regarding my service charge?
What services are included in my PMUA Service Package?
The standard single family residence receives garbage pick-ups and recycle collection for co-mingled & paper items. 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?
Drop-off and disposal of most materials EXCEPT hazardous waste:
Type 10 household garbage
Recyclables
Paper: newspaper, cardboard, junk mail, printer/copy paper, etc.
Co-mingled: plastic, glass, aluminum cans, bottles, food & beverage containers.Vegetative Waste (i.e. leaves, branches, brush, etc.)
No-fee Saturday drop-off offered seasonally. Call for more details.Bulky Waste (i.e. furniture, mattresses, appliances, etc.)
Motor oil
For fees and other details call customer service at PERC 908-226-2518 for more details. 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. back to top
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.back to top
Where can I dispose of electronics?
The PMUA accepts E-Waste/electronics for disposal at the PERC/Transfer Station, at no charge for Plainfield residents and property owners only.
List of E-Waste/electronics accepted for drop-off includes the following materials only:
�
- Televisions � Computers/laptops � Monitors � E-reader/Kindles & iPads
Program Guidelines
� E-Waste drop-off for Plainfield residents and property owners only. (Commercial customers not permitted to dispose of E-Waste at PERC) � Maximum of 2 electronic items per day, per person allowed for drop-off.* � Residents must show ID for proof of residency. Property owner must show copy of PMUA bill for proof of property ownership. *PMUA reserves the right to limit E-waste drop-off once capacity is reached.
If you are not a Plainfield property owner or resident, see below for possible disposal options: E-Waste drop-off at the Fanwood-Scotch Plains Recycling Center, at 536 North Avenue, Fanwood, NJ. Hours of operation are Wednesday, (self-serve) 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. There is no charge; however any small donation is appreciated by the Association. No I.D. is necessary to drop off E-Waste.
Please use the free My Waste app or check the Union County recycling page for additional drop-off locations and events. Residents can also contact these stores to inquire about recycling opportunities: Best Buy Staples Goodwill Store
E-Waste must be recycled. Electronics are not accepted in your solid waste or bulky waste collections. Electronic disposal procedures have been implemented and must be followed to be in accordance with state mandates regarding the collection and disposal of E-Waste. E-Waste Includes: Televisions, Computers, CPU�s, Servers, Monitors, Terminals, and CRT�s., Printers, Fax Machines, Copiers, Laptop�s, Telephones, Cellular Phones, Keyboards, Circuit Boards, Audio Visual Equipment, and Camcorders.
If you are not a Plainfield property owner or resident, see below for possible disposal options:
E-Waste drop-off at the Fanwood-Scotch Plains Recycling Center, at 536 North Avenue, Fanwood, NJ. Hours of operation are Wednesday, (self-serve) 9 a.m. -�1 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. back to top
How do I prepare my cardboard and newspaper for paper recycle collection?
Flatten all cardboard boxes.
Paper recyclables must fit in the recycling container with the lid completely closed � OR � must be neatly contained in paper bags, boxes or bundled and set out next to the container.
Shredded paper must be put in transparent bags next to the container.
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How do I prepare cans and bottles for recycle 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. Under the Shared Services program each property location in Plainfield is entitled to two Bulk Waste collections per calendar year.
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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 PMUA Bill Guide, included with your quarterly bills, and available on our Documents page.
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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?
If you spot illegal dumping you may call the Plainfield Police at 908-753-3131. 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?
The Plainfield Area Regional Sewer Authority.
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Are PMUA and DPW the same?
No. While the PMUA and Plainfield's DPW (Department of Public Works) often work together, our functions and responsibilities around the city are different. For example, the DPW collects vegetative waste; the PMUA disposes of vegetative waste that is brought to the PERC Transfer Station at 95 Rock Avenue. The DPW is also responsible for maintaining street trees, snow removal, pothole repairs and street lights, while the PMUA is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of the City's 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 the 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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When is my PMUA bill due?
Payment is due on the due date listed on your bills.
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How is interest calculated on my PMUA bill?
Interest is calculated from the date of billing once it is past due. Interest is charged at 8% on the first $1,500 and 18% on any charges over $1,500. New Jersey Statutes Annotated Title 54 � 4-67.
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What if I have a billing inquiry or dispute regarding my service charge?
According to PMUA’s Rules and Regulations, all billing inquires and disputes regarding any service charge or fee shall be directed in writing to the Authority, prior to the payment due date.
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