Sparkle Week
What is Sparkle Week?
Sparkle Week is an annual event that provides residents with the opportunity to share unwanted items with their neighbors, completely for free.
Sparkle Week dates back to the 1960’s, when Lambertville residents would put out their bulk trash in events dubbed “Operation Sparkle.” Over time, it has become a community-wide event, with residents and visitors claiming discarded items that may still have usable life. Spanning more than 60 years, Sparkle Week has grown from just being a bulk-trash pickup into the ultimate recycling and 'up-cycling' event - a completely free "garage sale" of items all throughout the City.
When is it?
MONDAY, APRIL 28 2025 THROUGH FRIDAY, MAY 2 2025 - SPARKLE IN ZONES 3 & 4
Zone Three (Thursday is my normal trash day) and Zone Four (Friday is my normal trash day) residents are allowed to place items out for browsing starting on Monday, April 28th. The sparkle pickup will be the following week on Thursday 5/8 and Friday 5/9.
Wednesday, May 7: Last day to obtain permits for big items.
Thurs May 8 & Fri May 9 designated Sparkle pickup days.
MONDAY, MAY 5 2025 THROUGH FRIDAY, MAY 9 2025 - SPARKLE IN ZONES 1 & 2
Zone One (Tuesday is my normal trash day) and Zone Two (Wednesday is my normal trash day) residents are allowed to place items out for browsing starting on Monday, May 5th. The sparkle pickup will be the following week on Tuesday 5/13 and Wednesday 5/14.
Monday, May 12: Last day to obtain permits for big items.
Tues May 13 and Wed May 14 designated Sparkle pickup days.
How does it work?
On the assigned collection day for your zone, the DPW will pick up:
- Regular trash and recycling
- Household items, small furniture pieces, and additional trash/garbage items
- No more than two tires per household
- No more than one microwave per household
Be kind to your Public Works team! Place, pile or bag items neatly prior to your collection day. Items out for collection should be light enough that they are easy for one person to lift and carry.
The DPW will not pick up:
- Hazardous materials
- Full or partially full cans of paint (dried out and empty cans are OK)
- Construction debris (including sheet rock, wood, fencing, bricks)
- Large electronics
- Water heaters
The following items will not be picked up without a paid bulk permit:
- Large appliances
- Mattresses & box springs
- Upholstered chairs, loveseats, couches, or sectionals
- Large furniture items (desks, dressers, entertainment centers)
What's my Zone?
Zone One (Tuesday is my normal trash day)
Begins at Church Street and goes south to Route 29, includes Bridge Street, Ferry Street, Swan Street, Mount Hope Street and Canal Street. It also includes Curley Lane, Grants Alley and Washington Street.
Zone Two (Wednesday is my normal trash day)
Includes Cottage Hill, Connaught Hill and Music Mountain.
Zone Three (Thursday is my normal trash day)
Begins at Church Street, runs north to Delaware Avenue.
Zone Four (Friday is my normal trash day)
Begins the north side of Delaware Avenue, runs north to Cherry Street, and includes Lamberts Hill and Blair Tract.
https://www.co.hunterdon.nj.us/261/Recycling-Solid-Waste-Services
What items still require a bulk permit during Sparkle Week?
The following large items require a bulk permit in order to be collected by the City. Permits can be obtained online (click here to get your permit) or in person from City Hall (18 York Street).
|
ITEM |
PLASTIC BAG REQUIRED |
FEE |
|
Chair - Upholstered |
YES |
$15.00 |
| Love Seat | YES | $35.00 |
|
Couch/Sofa/Sectional |
YES |
$50.00 |
|
Desk |
$25.00 | |
|
Dresser |
$25.00 |
|
|
Entertainment Center |
$35.00 | |
|
Mattress or Box Spring - Twin/Single |
YES | $20.00 |
|
Mattress or Box Spring - Full/Double |
YES | $30.00 |
|
Mattress or Box Spring - Queen |
YES | $40.00 |
|
Mattress or Box Spring - King |
YES | $50.00 |
What Happens If I Don’t Buy a Permit? It is your responsibility to clean up all items on your property. You can call a private trash removal service; or you can take your items back inside. Items left out after the final Sparkle Week collection will be in violation of City ordinance, and property owners will be subject to fines.
Questions? Email