The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders will sponsor its first Household Hazardous Waste Collection event of 2017 on Saturday, April 22nd. Union County residents are invited to use this opportunity to can get rid of outdated or unwanted household chemicals, mercury thermostats, propane tanks, and automobile tires in an environmentally safe manner. The household hazardous waste collection will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Union County Vocational Technical School located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains. Please note that latex (water-based) paint will not be accepted. Residents should dry the paint out and discard with their regular garbage. This program is free to all residents of Union County.
“The household hazardous waste program for Union County residents is particularly important as we become more aware of the need for proper disposal of old or unwanted hazardous items that are found around the home,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “This is also a great opportunity to recycle tires, propane tanks and fluorescent bulbs. The result of our effort is safer homes and a cleaner environment for our families and our neighbors.”
Upon arrival at the UC Vo-Tech School with household special waste items, residents should remain in their vehicle while professional workers at the site unload the waste materials for disposal.
“Household hazardous 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), and mercury switches. Only materials in original or labeled containers will be accepted. No containers larger than five gallons will be accepted. There is a limit of eight automobile tires (without rims) per household.
Latex (water-based) paint and empty cans will not be accepted. Leftover latex paint can be air-dried or kitty litter and/or newspaper can be added to hasten the drying. Empty or dried out cans should be disposed of with the regular garbage.
A broader list of the materials that will be accepted on April 22nd as well as future event dates and locations are available at the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning web page at ucnj.org/recycle.
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.