Community Corner

County to Collect Household Hazardous Waste in Scotch Plains

Freeholder-sponsored event will help residents get rid of hazardous household waste—including fireworks and ammunition.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders will sponsor a Household Special Waste Collection event on Saturday, Aug. 3 at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools campus at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.

The rain or shine event is being held to help Union County residents dispose of outdated or unwanted household chemicals, fireworks, ammunition, mercury thermostats, propane tanks and automobile tires in an environmentally safe manner. 

The household hazardous waste collection will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. There is no charge for Union County residents. Businesses are not permitted to take part in this collection.

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“The special household waste recycling program for Union County residents is particularly important as we become more aware of the need for proper disposal of hazardous items that are found around the home,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “The result of our effort is safer homes and a cleaner environment for our families and our neighbors.”

The Union County Police Bomb Squad will be on hand to accept unwanted ammunition and fireworks for disposal.

All that residents need to do is drive to the site with their items; workers at the site will unload the vehicles.

“Household special waste” includes oil-based paint and varnish, antifreeze, aerosol cans, pool chemicals, corrosives, pesticides, herbicides, solvents, thinners, fire extinguishers, motor oil and oil filters, gasoline, batteries, thermostats, fluorescent bulbs (unbroken), blood pressure devices, and mercury switches. Only materials in original or labeled containers will be accepted. No containers larger than five gallons will be accepted.

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Latex (water-based) paint and empty cans will not be accepted. They should be disposed of in the regular garbage. Leftover latex paint can be air-dried or, to hasten the drying process, add kitty litter and/or newspaper. 

There is a limit of eight automobile tires (without rims) per household. 

A complete list of the materials that will be accepted on Aug. 3 is available at the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning website. For more information, please call Union County Police at 908-654-9800.

The household hazardous waste collection will be held rain or shine, for Union County residents only and not for businesses. Proof of Union County residency is required. For more information, please call the Recycling Hotline at (908) 654-9889.

 


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