The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to bring old or unwanted metal items to Union County’s free scrap metal recycling drop-off program in June. Many different metal goods, from household appliances and cookware to sheds, fencing and gutters, are accepted at countywide collection sites in Cranford and Rahway every month from April to November.
“The scrap metal recycling program provides County residents with a free, convenient way to remove unwanted metal items from their house and yard, while also helping to raise the recycling rate in our community,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “The countywide program also fills a gap for municipalities that currently do not offer the service.”
Scrap metal will be accepted Thursday, June 1 and Saturday, June 17 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at two drop-off centers:
- Cranford: Emergency Services Building, 151 Kenilworth Boulevard
- Rahway: Rahway River Park (follow Park Drive, Rahway off St. Georges Avenue to service yard across from swimming pool)
Scrap metal from residents in any Union County municipality may be brought to either of these sites.
These events are drive-in only and contact-free. Participants should remain in their vehicles while staff at the site unloads the items. To help the event run smoothly, please place items for drop-off in the trunk, cargo hold, or other easily accessible area of the vehicle.
The scrap metal recycling schedule runs each year from April to November. After the June events, the next drop-off dates are Thursday, July 6 and Saturday, July 15.
Experts from the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning are available to present recycling information to schools, community groups and other organizations. To schedule a program contact Heather Miara, heather.miara@ucnj.org.
The free Recycle Coach mobile app provides a handy way to find out what items are included in curbside recycling programs and drop-off sites in Union County. The app provides up to date information on both countywide and local recycling programs.
For more information and updates on all Union County recycling programs and locations, visit the Bureau of Recycling and Planning website at ucnj.org/recycle.
Quick links to all environmental programs and activities hosted by Union County are available at The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.
For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.
# #
For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.
Connect with Union County on social media.
Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds voters that her offices in Elizabeth and Westfield will be open for extended hours on Saturday, June 3, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., for anyone seeking to obtain a Vote-by-Mail ballot for the 2023 Primary Election..
“The Saturday hours help ensure that everyone who applies for a Vote-by-Mail ballot can do so, without having to take time off from work or other weekday responsibilities,” said Ms. Rajoppi.
“I urge residents to exercise their right to vote in the Primary Election. On the ballot this year are important races including State Senate and Assembly positions as well as Commissioners. There are also local races in many municipalities,” Ms. Rajoppi added.
Voters who use the County Clerk’s One-Stop service can come to the Elizabeth or Westfield office, apply for their ballot, receive it, fill it out, and deposit it in a secure drop-box on site, all in the same visit. Privacy booths are located at the offices for voters to fill out their ballot.
The office locations and hours are:
Union County Courthouse
- Located at 2 Broad Street, Room 113, Elizabeth
- Regular hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm
- Open on Saturday, June 3, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm for Vote-by-Mail
Colleen Fraser Building
- Located at 300 North Avenue East (Union County services complex), Westfield
- Regular hours: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 8:00am – 4:00pm; Tuesday and Thursday, 8:00am – 7:30pm; Saturday, 9:00am – 1:00pm
For more information about the County Clerk’s election services visit unioncountyvotes.com or contact the Elections Division at 908-527-4996 or ucvote@ucnj.org.
For more information about all County Clerk programs and services, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.
# #
Connect with Union County on social media.
La Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union invita a los residentes a traer sus documentos personales y confidenciales a los próximos dos eventos gratuitos de trituración de papel, programados para el 7 y el 10 de junio. Estos eventos de entrega se llevan a cabo todos los meses de marzo a octubre, como parte de Programas de reciclaje del Condado de Union.
“Estos eventos gratuitos ayudan a que la destrucción de documentos sea asequible y accesible para todos los residentes del Condado de Union. La eliminación segura de documentos personales es una forma importante de prevenir el robo de identidad. Nuestro programa también recicla el papel triturado para ayudar a conservar el agua y la energía, así como la conservación de los árboles”, dijo el Presidente de la Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union, Sergio Granados.
Según la Agencia de Protección Ambiental de EE. UU., reciclar una tonelada de papel ahorraría suficiente energía para alimentar un hogar estadounidense promedio durante seis meses, ahorraría 7,000 galones de agua y reduciría las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero en una tonelada métrica de carbono.
Los dos eventos de trituración de papel en junio son:
Miércoles, 7 de junio, en el patio de Clark Public Works, ubicado en el 315 Westfield Avenue. El evento tendrá lugar detrás del edificio del Departamento de Policía. Utilice Wilson Drive para acceder.
Sábado, 10 de junio, en el campus de Union College of Union County en Cranford, en el 1033 Springfield Avenue. El evento se llevará a cabo en los estacionamientos 5A y 5B.
Habrá señales en ambos eventos para guiar a los residentes a ambos sitios. Ambos eventos comienzan a las 9:00 a. m., llueva o truene, y concluyen aproximadamente a la 1:00 p. m. Los eventos pueden terminar antes de tiempo si el camión triturador alcanza su capacidad máxima.
Cualquier residente del Condado de Union puede llevar sus documentos personales para que sean triturados en cualquiera de los eventos de trituración de papel del Condado de Union, independientemente de su la ciudad donde residan. No se triturarán documentos de empresas o establecimientos comerciales.
Los eventos de trituración de papel son sin contacto y solo desde su automóvil. Los conductores deben permanecer en sus automóviles mientras el personal descarga sus documentos, que se trituran en el sitio en un camión triturador móvil.
Se recuerda a los participantes que no se aceptará papel previamente triturado, húmedo o mojado. Se deben quitar las ataduras, los sujetadores grandes de plástico o metal y otra parafernalia.
Estos eventos gratuitos del Condado de Union están destinados solo a documentos personales y confidenciales. Los residentes pueden reciclar revistas, correo no deseado y otros papeles de desecho con su programa de reciclaje municipal. Póngase en contacto con su municipal recycling coordinator para obtener más detalles sobre el reciclaje en su comunidad.
Para ver el calendario de los próximos eventos de trituración de papel y más información sobre todos los programas de reciclaje organizados por el Condado de Union, visite ucnj.org/recycle o llame a la línea de Reciclaje del Condado de Union al 908-654-9889.
Los expertos de la Oficina de Reciclaje y Planificación del Condado de Union están disponibles para presentar información sobre reciclaje a escuelas, grupos comunitarios y otras organizaciones. Para programar un programa, comuníquese con Heather Miara,heather.miara@ucnj.org.
Para obtener más información y actualizaciones sobre todos los programas y ubicaciones de reciclaje del condado de Union, visite el sitio web de la Oficina de Reciclaje y Planificación en ucnj.org/recycle.
Los enlaces rápidos a todos los programas y actividades ambientales organizados por el Condado de Union están disponibles en The Green Connection,ucnj.org/green-connection.
La Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union invita a las organizaciones sin fines de lucro a asistir a Building Community, un taller gratuito de desarrollo profesional el martes 13 de junio de 3:30 a 5:30 p.m.presentado por Dra. Brea M. Heidelberg, investigadora; y profesora asistente de Entretenimiento y Artes en la Universidad de Drexel.
El taller es gratuito. Regístrese previamente para obtener el enlace de Zoom aquí.
“Estamos muy orgullosos de traer a la Dra. Heidelberg al Condado de Union, para compartir su guía sobre la construcción de relaciones que ayuden a las organizaciones sin fines de lucro a prosperar”, dijo el Presidente de la Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union, Sergio Granados. “Nuestras organizaciones sin fines de lucro son una parte esencial del Condado de Union. Nos unen de muchas maneras diferentes, unidos por la misión de crear una comunidad más fuerte”.
Se alienta especialmente a las organizaciones que han recibido fondos a través de los programas de subvenciones HEART, Historia y Artes Locales (LAP) del Condado de Union a asistir al taller. Otras organizaciones sin fines de lucro con sede en Nueva Jersey también son bienvenidas.
Los participantes recibirán una valiosa orientación para crear relaciones significativas y equitativas con las partes interesadas, centrándose en explorar la demografía, forjar relaciones nuevas o más profundas con las audiencias y aprender a construir nuevas relaciones y aumentar el compromiso.
Building Community es coordinado y organizado por la Oficina de Asuntos Culturales y Patrimoniales del Condado de Union. El evento es posible gracias a los fondos de la Oficina de Asuntos Culturales y Patrimoniales del Condado de Union, un socio del Consejo de las Artes del Estado de Nueva Jersey.
Para obtener más información, comuníquese con la Oficina de Asuntos Culturales y Patrimoniales, una división del Departamento de Parques y Recreación del Condado de Union, a culturalinfo@ucnj.org o 908-558-2550.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites non-profit organizations to attend Building Community, a free professional development workshop on Tuesday, June 13 from 3:30 to 5:30 pm, presented by Dr. Brea M. Heidelberg, Arts Management Consultant and Researcher; and Assistant Professor of Entertainment & Arts Management at Drexel University.
The workshop is free of charge. Pre-register to obtain the Zoom link here.
“We are very proud to bring Dr. Heidelberg to Union County, to share her guidance on building relationships that help non-profit organizations thrive,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “Our non-profits are an essential part of Union County. They weave us together in many different ways, united by the mission of creating a stronger community.”
Organizations that have received funding through Union County’s Local Arts (LAP), History, and HEART grant programs are especially encouraged to attend the workshop. Other non-profit organizations based in New Jersey are also welcome.
Participants will receive valuable guidance in creating meaningful and equitable relationships with stakeholders, with a focus on exploring demographics, forging new or deeper relationships with audiences, and learning how to build new relationships and increase engagement.
Building Community is coordinated and hosted by the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs. The event is made possible by funds from the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
For more information, contact the Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, a division of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, at culturalinfo@ucnj.org or 908-558-2550.
# #
For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.
Connect with Union County on social media.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to bring their personal and sensitive documents to the next two free paper shredding events, scheduled for June 7 and June 10. These drop-off events are held every month from March to October, as part of Union County’s recycling programs.
“These free events help to make document shredding affordable and accessible for all Union County residents. Securely disposing of personal documents is an important way to prevent identity theft. Our program also recycles the shredded paper to help conserve water and energy as well as conserving trees,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, recycling one ton of paper would save enough energy to power the average American home for six months, save 7,000 gallons of water, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by one metric ton of carbon equivalent.
The two paper shredding events in June are:
Wednesday, June 7, at the Clark Public Works yard, located at 315 Westfield Avenue. The event will take place behind the Police Department building. Please use Wilson Drive for access.
Saturday, June 10, at the Union College of Union County campus in Cranford, at 1033 Springfield Avenue. The event will be held in parking lots 5A and 5B.
There will be ample signage at both events to guide residents to both site. Both events begin at 9:00 a.m., rain or shine, and conclude at approximately 1:00 p.m. The events may end early if the shredding truck reaches capacity.
Any Union County resident can take their personal documents to be shredded at any of Union County’s paper shredding events, regardless of their home town. Documents from businesses or commercial establishments will not be shredded.
The paper shredding events are contact-free and drive-up only. Drivers must remain in their cars while staff unloads their papers, which are shredded on site in a mobile shredding truck.
Participants are reminded pre-shredded, damp, or wet paper will not be accepted. Bindings, large plastic or metal clips, and other paraphernalia should be removed.
Union County’s free shedding events are intended for personal, sensitive documents only. Residents can recycle magazines, junk mail and other waste paper with their municipal recycling program. Contact your municipal recycling coordinator for more details about recycling in your community.
To see the schedule of upcoming paper shredding events, and more information on all recycling programs hosted by Union County, visit ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.
Experts from the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning are available to present recycling information to schools, community groups and other organizations. To schedule a program contact Heather Miara, heather.miara@ucnj.org.
The free Recycle Coach mobile app provides a handy way to find out what items are included in curbside recycling programs and drop-off sites in Union County. The app provides up to date information on both countywide and local recycling programs.
For more information and updates on all Union County recycling programs and locations, visit the Bureau of Recycling and Planning website at ucnj.org/recycle.
Quick links to all environmental programs and activities hosted by Union County are available at The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.
Union County’s paper shredding events are funded through Recycling Enhancement Act grant funding, which is received by the County on an annual basis from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
# #
For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.
Connect with Union County on social media.
La Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union recuerda a los residentes, negocios y visitantes que ayuden a reducir la población de mosquitos en sus vecindarios y en toda la comunidad del Condado de Union. Los mosquitos son más que una molestia. Pueden causar enfermedades graves y en ocasiones, mortales. El virus del Nilo Occidental es el ejemplo más común de una enfermedad potencialmente mortal transmitida por mosquitos que puede ocurrir en Nueva Jersey.
“Además de usar repelente de insectos para protegerse contra las picaduras, todos pueden ayudar a mantener baja la población de mosquitos al eliminar cualquier lugar donde puedan reproducirse”, dijo el Presidente de la Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union, Sergio Granados. “La prevención es la mejor protección”.
Los mosquitos pueden reproducirse en cualquier lugar donde se acumule agua estancada. Eso incluye canaletas de lluvia obstruidas, extensiones de caños corrugados, equipos para exteriores, juguetes y juegos para niños, y artículos de jardín, como macetas, baldes, contenedores de reciclaje, parrillas, carretillas y lonas alquitranadas.
Los neumáticos viejos son una gran preocupación. Tienden a estar fuera de la vista y de la mente, pero una llanta vieja puede generar miles de mosquitos durante el verano.
Incluso un artículo tan pequeño como una tapa de botella volteada o una bolsa de plástico arrugada puede convertirse en un lugar de cultivo prolífico para los mosquitos.
El clima húmedo reciente ha proporcionado a los mosquitos muchos nuevos criaderos. Se recomienda a los propietarios e inquilinos que aprovechen los períodos de sequía para hacer un barrido rápido de sus jardines y sacudir cualquier elemento que haya acumulado agua estancada.
Las piscinas, fuentes y estanques ornamentales que no se utilicen deben drenarse y cubrirse. El agua de los bebederos para pájaros debe refrescarse diariamente.
Hay orientación adicional disponible a través del Departamento de Protección Ambiental de Nueva Jersey, en nj.gov/dep/mosquito.
Para evitar las picaduras de mosquitos, se recomienda a los residentes que usen repelentes de insectos registrados por la EPA y que sigan cuidadosamente todas las instrucciones de la etiqueta.
Otra precaución efectiva es usar ropa larga y de colores claros cuando esté al aire libre. La exposición también se puede reducir evitando pasar tiempo al aire libre al anochecer y al amanecer, cuando los mosquitos están más activos.
La Oficina de Control de Mosquitos del Condado de Union ha estado en funcionamiento continuo desde 1912 y trabaja en estrecha colaboración con los funcionarios del DEP de Nueva Jersey. La Oficina inspecciona y prueba periódicamente para detectar mosquitos en todo el Condado y realiza operaciones de aplicacide larvicidas y adulticidas según sea necesario.
Las infestaciones de mosquitos se pueden informar llamando a la línea directa de mosquitos del Condado de Union al 908-654-9835. Los inspectores del Condado examinarán la propiedad y brindarán orientación sobre cómo eliminar los criaderos. Si es necesario, los inspectores también inspeccionarán el área circundante.
The Union County Board of Commissioners reminds residents, businesses and visitors to help reduce the mosquito population in their neighborhoods and throughout the Union County community. Mosquitoes are more than a nuisance. They can cause serious and sometimes fatal illnesses. West Nile virus is the most common example of a potentially fatal mosquito-borne disease that can occur in New Jersey.
“In addition to using insect repellent to protect against bites, everyone can help keep the mosquito population down by eliminating any places where they can breed,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “Prevention is the best protection.”
Mosquitos can breed anywhere standing water can collect. That includes clogged rain gutters, corrugated down spout extensions, outdoor equipment, children’s toys and playsets, and garden items including flower pots, buckets, recycling containers, grills, wheelbarrows and tarpaulins.
Old tires are a major concern. They tend to be out of sight and out of mind, but one old tire can breed thousands of mosquitoes during the summer.
Even an item as small as an upturned bottle cap or a crumpled plastic bag can become a prolific mosquito breeding ground.
The recent wet weather has provided mosquitos with many new breeding sites. Property owners and tenants are advised to take advantage of dry spells to make a quick sweep of their yards and shake out any items that have collected standing water.
Unused pools, fountains and ornamental ponds should be drained and covered. Water in birdbaths should be refreshed daily.
Additional guidance is available through the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, at nj.gov/dep/mosquito.
To avoid mosquito bites, residents are advised to use EPA-registered insect repellants and to follow all instructions on the label carefully.
Another effective precaution is to wear long, light-colored clothing when outdoors. Exposure can also be reduced by avoiding time outdoors at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
The Union County Bureau of Mosquito Control has been in continual operation since 1912 and works closely with officials from New Jersey DEP. The Bureau regularly inspects and tests for mosquitoes throughout the County and conducts larviciding and adulticiding operations on an as-needed basis.
Mosquito infestations can be reported by calling the Union County Mosquito Hotline at 908-654-9835. County inspectors will examine the property and provide guidance on eliminating breeding sites. If necessary, inspectors will also survey the surrounding area.
# #
For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.
Connect with Union County on social media.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners would like to invite residents to kick off the summer season with Rhythm & Blues by the Brook, a full afternoon of free music and activities at Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield on Saturday, June 3, 2023 from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
“We are all looking forward to the summer months and what better way than to kick it off with our Rhythm and Blues concert,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “I am excited to welcome these artists to the stage as we kick off our summer series of free music shows, movies and more! See you all there!”
This year, Rhythm & Blues by the Brook will be headlined by Chrisette Michele, an R&B and soul singer-songwriter, who throughout her career has released several albums and has been nominated for and won several awards, including a Grammy Award for Best Urban/Alternative Performance for her song “Be OK” in 2009. She has also collaborated with many other musicians, including Jay-Z, Nas, and The Roots.
Also sharing the stage will be Shanice, Allure, Bone Daddy & the Hoochies, Riff and DJ Bookeem will be serving as Master of Ceremonies.
The event will also feature a Health and Wellness Fair, presented by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. –Eta Omicron Zeta Chapter from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., a Child’s Play Challenge Course from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., and a car show by GWiz Auto Entertainment Group. Visitors will also have the opportunity to enjoy some of their favorite summer foods and snacks at the ShopRite Fill the Grill Food Truck, which will be offering complimentary samples as well as other food and ice cream vendors.
For schedule details and updates on this event, please visit ucnj.org/randb.
For more information about all activities in Union County Parks, visit the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation online www.ucnj.org/parks, call 908-527-4900 or email parksinfo@ucnj.org.
# #
For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.
Connect with Union County on social media.