County of Union, New Jersey

Union County, NJ – March 15, 2022 — The Union County Board of County Commissioners reminds residents that Union County’s free drop-off recycling program for scrap metal begins this year on Thursday, April 7. A wide variety of metal goods, from household appliances to gutters and sheds, are accepted at two countywide collection sites in Cranford and Rahway twice a month from April to November.

“We encourage everyone to check their homes and yards for broken or unwanted metal items, and bring them to our collection sites. It’s an easy, effective way to help conserve valuable resources,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams.

Scrap metal will be accepted Thursday, April 7 and Saturday, April 16 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)

Residents from any Union County municipality may use either of these sites.

Acceptable items for recycling include air conditioners, aluminum scrap, aluminum siding, bicycles, brass, copper, dishwashers, electric fans, fencing (chain/wire), freezers, gutters, irons, lawn furniture, metal cabinets, metal sheds, microwaves, pots and pans, railings, refrigerators, stoves, tire rims, toasters, washers and dryers, window frames (no glass), and wire hangers.

The scrap metal collection sites are drive-through only. Residents must remain in their vehicle at all times. Items for drop-off should be placed in the trunk or cargo area where they are easily reached by staff.

The next scrap metal events will take place on Thursday, May 5 and Saturday, May 21.

For more information, upcoming dates and directions to all Union County recycling programs and locations, visit the Bureau of Recycling and Planning website at ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

To stay up to date with all Union County and local recycling programs in a convenient mobile format, download the free Recycle Coach app.

Quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities are available at The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution 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.

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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, NJ – March 15, 2022 —  The Union County Board of Commissioners reminds residents that the first free Household Hazardous Waste recycling event of 2022 will be held on Saturday, April 9, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Union County College, located at 1033 Springfield Avenue in Cranford.

Any Union County resident may participate, regardless of their home town.

“We encourage everyone to take advantage of this free, convenient opportunity to remove unwanted chemicals and other potentially hazardous items from the home and yard, and dispose of them safely,” said Commissioner Board Chair Rebecca Williams. “It’s a great way to make a real difference and help keep harmful substances out of the environment.”

The Household Hazardous Waste events are designed to ensure that residents can safely disposed of outdated or unwanted household cleansers, hobby supplies, yard treatments and other chemicals as well as many other items including mercury thermostats and thermometers, propane tanks, oil-based paint (no latex paint), varnish, antifreeze, aerosol cans, pool chemicals, corrosives, pesticides, herbicides, solvents, thinners, fire extinguishers, motor oil and oil filters, gasoline, batteries, thermostats, fluorescent bulbs (unbroken), mercury switches, and more.

These events are contact-free. Participants must remain in their vehicles while personnel at the site unload their waste items.

Only materials in original or labeled containers will be accepted. No containers larger than five gallons will be accepted.

Car tires are accepted at these events. There is a limit of eight automobile tires, without rims, per household.

For a complete list of the materials that will be accepted on April 9, and information about all Union County recycling programs, visit ucnj.org/recycle.

Please note that latex paint (water-based) wall paint is NOT accepted.  Residents wishing to dispose of latex paint are advised to use it, donate it, or dry the paint in the can and discard it in regular household garbage with the lid off. To help dry out the paint, add kitty litter, newspaper or a commercially available paint hardener.

The Household Hazardous Waste collection events are held rain or shine, for Union County residents only, not for businesses. Proof of Union County residency is required. For more information, please call the Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

For quick links to all environmental programs and activities in Union County visit The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution 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.

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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, NJ – March 15, 2022 – The Union County Board of County Commissioners informs residents of three emergency food distribution events for Union County residents in March and April to aid those affected by COVID-19. Any Union County resident in need can use any of these events.

Saturday, March 19

• 8:00 a.m. – KEAN University in Union
• Drive-thru

Saturday, March 26

• 11:00 a.m. – (location changed to Cedar Brook Park, main parking lot, off Park Drive in Plainfield)
• Walk-up

Saturday, April 9 – Holiday Distribution

• 8:00 a.m. – KEAN University in Union
• Drive-thru

The food distributions are open to all Union County residents. Food will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and no registration is required. The events will take place rain or shine.

“Union County is proud to continue to provide assistance for those experiencing difficulties and we recognize that our food distributions have been a valuable resource for residents in need over the past two years,” said Union County Commissioner, Chair Rebecca Williams.

“Residents continue to experience food insecurity due to economic effects of COVID-19, despite the enormous progress made thus far,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados who also serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “We thank Village Super Market and Gargiulo Produce for their continued partnership.”

Residents wishing to pick up food at the drive-up distribution events at Kean University must arrive in a vehicle. Walk-ups will not be accommodated at this location.

All drive-up recipients must remain in their cars with windows rolled up when possible. Food boxes will be placed in the trunk or truck bed of the vehicle by volunteers.

Residents picking up food at the walk-up event in Plainfield are highly encouraged to wear masks. Walk-up recipients should bring a cart or be able to carry several food bags at the walk-up area.

Upon arrival, proof of New Jersey residency and indication of how many people reside in their household will have to be provided. Recipients will receive an emergency box of produce, dairy, and shelf stable food, with enough to sustain a family for several days. Please note that only one box of food will be provided per recipient at each event.

To learn more about Village Super Market, visit myvillagesupermarket.com.

To learn more about Gargiulo Produce, visit gargiuloproduce.com.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution 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.

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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 following press release is from the Office of Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel:

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has uprooted families, injured citizens, and left thousands of Ukrainian refugees without access to basic necessities. To date, nearly 1.5 million Ukrainians have fled their homes, many leaving behind necessary supplies.

To support individuals in need, the Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Union County Prosecutor’s Office have partnered to organize a county-wide donation drive for the people of Ukraine.

Beginning today, a donation box will be available in the lobby of Union County law enforcement agencies, twenty-four locations in all. Members of the public are invited to bring donations of first aid supplies, toiletries, flashlights, blankets, batteries, clothing, shoes, diapers, formula, and more. The program will run for the foreseeable future, as long as continued aid is needed. This donation drive is made possible through a partnership with law enforcement and local Polish and Ukrainian organizations.

“In support of the international effort to aid Ukraine, we encourage Union County residents to help ensure that life-sustaining emergency supplies reach those in desperate need of assistance,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams

“I am immensely grateful to the police Chiefs and Directors of Union County for opening their agencies to this initiative,” said Union County Prosecutor William Daniel. “Police departments are at the heart of every community, positioning them as the perfect location for members of the public to come together in support of the Ukrainian people.”

“As a Polish immigrant, and an active member of the Polish and Ukrainian communities in Union County, I was eager to find a way for the County’s law enforcement community to provide humanitarian aid to the Ukrainian refugees.” said Prosecutor’s Office Detective Dariusz Tokarz, who coordinated the collection event.

Drop-off boxes will be available in the lobbies of police departments in Berkeley Heights, Clark, Cranford, Fanwood, Garwood, Hillside, Kenilworth, Linden, Mountainside, New Providence, Plainfield, Rahway, Roselle, Roselle Park, Scotch Plains, Springfield, Summit, Union, Westfield, Winfield. Additional drop off locations will be available in the lobbies of the Union County Sheriff’s Office, the Union County Police Department, the Kean University Police Department, and the Union County Prosecutor’s Office.

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Union County, NJ – March 10, 2022 — Union County residents can help fight back against the spotted lanternfly by destroying its eggs before they hatch. The spotted lanternfly is an invasive pest that can weaken trees, damage ornamental plants and destroy fruit trees, hops, grape vines and other crops. They also excrete a “honeydew” that can grow moldy and foul outdoor spaces including patios and yard furniture.

Each fall the adult spotted lanternfly lays eggs on outdoor surfaces such as tree trunks, lawn furniture, all sorts of vehicles, and any other item that remains in place for a period of time. The egg masses should be crushed and scraped off before they hatch in the spring.

“Union County residents can take action against this destructive pest now, by inspecting their yards, and removing the eggs before they hatch,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends removing and destroying the egg masses by hand as the most effective method currently available to residents.

To spot the egg masses, check trees and yard items for small, textured grayish patches about one inch long.

The egg masses are relatively easy to spot on many outdoor surfaces including grills, lawnmowers, pallets, storage containers and other items. They may be more difficult to spot on neutral, bumpy surfaces like tree bark and stones. Residents are also asked to check their cars, boats, recreational vehicles and bicycles, especially before traveling.

To destroy an egg mass, crush and scrape it into a bag or other container, and dispose in trash. Any handy tool, such as a stick or plastic card, can be used to crush the masses.

When the eggs hatch in the spring, the young lanternflies emerge as flightless insects that resemble small, colorful beetles. Over the summer they mature into adults, which are easily recognized by black speckles on papery white upper wings and bright red lower wings.

Residents can start watching their yards for the adults beginning in July, especially at dusk and at night when they tend to gather in large groups on tree trunks and plant stems. In particular, the common ailanthus tree, or “tree of heaven,” is known to attract adults.

Union County residents who see a spotted lanternfly should kill it immediately, by stomping it under foot. If it hops away, follow it and try again when it settles.

For more information, including photos of the lanternfly and its eggs at various stages, visit the New Jersey Division of Agriculture at nj.gov/agriculture.

Additional information is available from Rutgers University at njaes.rutgers.edu/spotted-lanternfly. Sightings of the insect can also be reported to Rutgers University through the online reporting tool.

Union County is one of three counties in New Jersey participating in a U.S. Department of Agriculture research project to assess various methods of mitigating the invasion. For more information from the USDA visit aphis.usda.gov/hungrypests/slf.

For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities visit 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, emergency food distribution 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.

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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, NJ – March 10, 2022 – With gas prices on the rise, the Union County Board of Commissioners advises residents on simple ways to improve the fuel efficiency of their vehicles, without paying for additives or special products that may not work as claimed.

“When gas prices go up, it is common to see advertisements for additives or products that supposedly boost fuel efficiency. Don’t fall for a scam. Drivers can make a substantial improvement in their miles per gallon by observing a few common sense rules of the road,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams.

A shift in driving habits can potentially increase fuel efficiency by double digits for gas or diesel vehicles, depending on the driver’s previous practices.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency notes that just three basic habits make the biggest difference in the fuel efficiency of gas or diesel cars:

1. Follow the posted speed limit
2. Avoid sudden starts and stops
3. Never idle the engine when parked

EPA also advises these helpful measures:

• Minimize excess weight by removing unnecessary items from the trunk or cargo area
• If available, use the cruise control or “eco” settings
• Use the AC and other accessories only when needed

Keeping up with the vehicle’s routine maintenance schedule and checking the tires for proper inflation can also help with fuel conservation.

Drivers who can use alternative modes of transportation can trim their fuel costs by carpooling or sharing rides for shopping and other errands, shopping locally, using mass transit, and walking or biking when possible.

Taking advantage of local opportunities for recreation, entertainment and cultural appreciation can also help. Visit ucnj.org to see a season-by-season, week-by-week list of activities and programs in Union County parks and other venues in Union County.

For an overview of all transportation modes in Union County visit The ConneXion at ucnj.org/connect.

Quick links to all environmental programs and activities hosted by Union County are available at The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.

For more details about fuel-saving habits for drivers, visit the U.S. Department of Energy at  https://afdc.energy.gov.

The EPA also provides additional guidance on maximizing the mileage for hybrid and all-electric vehicles at epa.gov/greenvehicles.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution 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.

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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, NJ – March 10, 2022 – Union County residents can bring their personal documents and sensitive papers to the first two free paper shredding events of 2022, sponsored by the Union County Board of County Commissioners. The events will take place, rain or shine, on Saturday, March 26 and Sunday, March 27, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools campus, located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.

Please note that the events may close earlier than 1:00 p.m. if the shredding trucks are filled to capacity.

“The free shredding service makes it easy and convenient for Union County residents to help prevent identity theft, while also supporting our countywide recycling efforts. We encourage everyone who needs to dispose of sensitive, personal documents to participate as we kick off our 2022 recycling program,” said Commissioner Board Chair Rebecca Williams.

The two shredding events are drive-up only. Drivers can follow the signs from the Raritan Road entrance to the shredding site at the rear of the campus.

Drivers must remain in their cars while staff unloads their papers, which will be shredded on site in a mobile shredding truck.

Participants are reminded pre-shredded paper is not accepted at these events. Damp or wet paper will not be accepted.

Bindings, large plastic or metal clips, and other paraphernalia should be removed.

For the complete schedule 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.

Union County’s free shedding events are for personal, sensitive documents only. Residents can recycle magazines, junk mail and other waste paper with their municipal recycling program. For local information, contact a municipal recycling coordinator.

For the latest news and updates on all municipal and countywide recycling programs in Union County, download the free Recycle Coach app. More information is available at ucnj.org/recycling/recycle-coach-app.

Quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities are available at ucnj.org/green-connection.

The mobile paper shredding program is paid for through Recycling Enhancement Act Grant funds, which are applied for by Union County and received from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution 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.

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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, NJ – March 10, 2022 – In celebration of Autism Acceptance month, the Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs are pleased to invite special needs residents and their families to a “Day Out with the Red Bulls” on Saturday, April 9th at 4:00 p.m. at Red Bull Arena.

Participants will be attending the Red Bulls game against CF Montreal. The Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs will be providing a limited amount of tickets for the event. Tickets cost $30.00 per person and will include a $10.00 food voucher to be used at the venue. Union County residents can purchase their tickets online through the Union County secure registration website, ucnj.org/opdsn-reg or https://secure.rec1.com/NJ/union-county-nj/catalog.

“In 2022, Union County will continue to make every effort to support our initiatives geared towards connecting our communities and to that end, the Commissioner Board is proud to support the ‘Day Out with the Red Bulls,” said County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams. “The Red Bulls are known for creating inclusive spaces, and we hope a strong contingent of Union County fans will be present in the stands to cheer for our local team on April 9.”

“This event is always a family fun outing, even allowing for some attendees the opportunity to walk onto the field,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados. “Union County is excited to provide our residents with an inclusive and exciting community activity in a welcoming environment. We encourage residents to connect with the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs to find out about other programs and activities that reflect our values as an inclusive community.”

Red Bull Arena is located at 600 Cape May Street in Harrison, New Jersey. The April 9^th match will see the Red Bulls face the CF Montreal.

The Commissioner Board’s support for Autism Acceptance Month is organized through the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs. For more information, residents can reach out to Jasmine Doughty-Whitous, Program Coordinator at jwhitous@ucnj.org or 908-527-4781.

The Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs is the first such office in New Jersey, established in 2018 in the Department of Human Services. The Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs hosts a variety of events and programs including special sessions at several Union County facilities.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution 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.

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