Author: corinnefiretto

The Union County Board of County Commissioners encourages residents and local businesses to prepare for New Jersey’s “Skip the Stuff” law, officially taking effect on August 1, 2026. Enacted in January 2026 as New Jersey Senate Bill 3195 (S3195), the law aims to reduce unnecessary plastic waste across the state by restricting food service businesses from automatically distributing single-use plastic utensils and condiments. These items will now only be provided when specifically requested by the customer.

“We are once again taking a major step towards building a more sustainable future and reducing plastic consumption in our State. Whether it looks like keeping reusable utensils in purses or office drawers, or making sure to request them from food vendors when placing an order, it’s important that residents plan ahead for these changes to ensure a smoother dining experience going forward,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “We encourage everyone to get prepared and to help spread the news about the new law to friends, family, and coworkers.”

The law applies to various food establishments across New Jersey, including restaurants, cafés and coffee shops, diners, food trucks, take-out and delivery services, drive-thru restaurants, and online ordering platforms. Its aim is to minimize litter, conserve resources, and reduce the significant number of unused single-use items that enter the waste stream each year.

The key changes under the new law are as follows:

• Single-use utensils and condiments may only be provided upon customer request for take-out and delivery orders
• Online ordering systems must default to “no utensils or condiments,” requiring customers to actively opt in
• Full-service dine-in restaurants with seating for 10 or more customers must provide reusable utensils for dine-in meals
• Self-serve dispensers may still be used if they dispense individual items rather than bundled cutlery packs

Residents and businesses are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new requirements prior to the law’s effective date. Residents are asked to request utensils or condiments.

To ensure compliance with public health and food safety standards, specific institutional and operational exemptions have been granted to certain establishments, including all public and private K-12 schools, County and State correctional facilities, healthcare facilities, and food court vendors. Pre-packaged food items with single-use utensils or condiments attached during manufacturing, as well as single-use sauce cups for dine-in service, are also exempt.

Businesses that fail to comply may receive a warning for a first violation, a $100 fine for a second violation, and a $250 fine for a third and subsequent violations within a period of 12 months. Funds collected through penalties will be deposited into the Clean Communities Program Fund, with municipalities or certified enforcement agencies permitted to retain up to 30% of collected penalty revenues.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recently announced the launch of its “Cut the Cutlery” campaign, aimed at helping businesses and consumers understand the new requirements and the environmental and financial benefits of reducing unnecessary single-use waste. “Cut the Cutlery” will also provide information and resources for food establishments during the transition, including training scripts, downloadable flyers, social media posts and more. Visit NJDEP| Get Past Plastic | Outreach Toolkit to learn more.

For more information on the “Skip the Stuff” program in Union County, visit ucnj.org/recycling/ or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs are pleased to announce that applications for the 2027 Local Arts Program Grant, commonly known as “LAP,” will be accepted beginning July 31, 2026.

The Union County Local Arts Program supports a wide variety of arts programming presented by organizations based in Union County and helps expand access to high-quality arts experiences for residents throughout the community.

“The Local Arts Program plays an important role in strengthening and enriching our communities by supporting the artists, organizations, and cultural institutions that bring creativity and inspiration to residents of all ages,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “From concerts and theater productions to workshops and educational programs, these grants help ensure that the arts continue to thrive throughout Union County. We encourage eligible organizations to apply and take advantage of this valuable funding opportunity.”

The Local Arts Grant is made possible by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Two grant opportunities are available through the program:

• General Operating Support Grants are available exclusively to nonprofit arts organizations. The maximum request amount is $15,000, and requests may not exceed 40 percent of the organization’s 2027 operating budget.

• Special Project Grants are available to both arts organizations and non-arts organizations, including nonprofits, libraries, and units of local government, to support a specific arts project such as a concert series, performance, exhibition, or arts education program. The maximum request amount is $4,500, and matching funds are required.

Programming must take place within Union County during calendar year 2027. Applications must be completed and submitted online through the grant portal. Funding decisions are based on factors including demonstrated artistic excellence, administrative capacity, professionalism, and community impact and outreach.

The deadline to submit a completed application is September 30, 2026.

First-time applicants must have a valid Union County mailing address. Full details including eligibility requirements are in the Local Arts Grant 2027 Guidelines, available at https://ucnj.org/cultural-funding/.

The Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs administers the Local Arts Program Grant, as well as the HEART Grant and the History Grant.

An interactive Grant Workshop providing information, guidance, and a question-and-answer session covering all three grant programs will be held virtually on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. via Zoom. Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to attend. Registration for the workshop is available at: https://ucnj.org/cultural-funding-zoom/.

For questions regarding the Local Arts Program or to obtain access to the grant portal, contact Local Arts Program Grant Coordinator Martha Sturm at msturm@ucnj.org. For information about all Union County programs and services, visit www.ucnj.org, call the Public Information Line at 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org, or use the online contact form.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners has approved lowering the threshold for County Project Labor Agreement (PLA) requirements from $5 million to $3 million, expanding the use of PLAs on additional public construction projects throughout Union County.

“Union County has always stood with working men and women, and lowering the threshold for our Project Labor Agreement requirements from $5 million to $3 million reflects that commitment,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph Bodek. “This change expands opportunities for our local skilled trades, strengthens labor standards, and ensures more County projects are built by the highly trained workforce that residents expect and deserve.”

Project Labor Agreements are pre-hire collective bargaining agreements that establish employment terms and conditions for construction projects, helping to promote labor stability, maintain project schedules, and ensure work is completed by a highly skilled workforce.

“The Union County Commissioners have taken an important step that will help ensure more public construction projects are completed on time, on budget, and with the highest standards of safety and quality,” said William Mullen, President of the New Jersey Building and Construction Trades Council. “Lowering the Project Labor Agreement threshold to $3 million is a smart investment in Union County’s workforce and taxpayers, and we commend the Commissioners for their leadership and commitment to delivering high-quality public infrastructure projects for residents.”

Lowering the threshold will allow more County projects to benefit from union labor, apprenticeship programs, and local workforce participation while supporting high-quality construction standards on public projects.

“This is a big win for working people in Union County. By lowering the Project Labor Agreement threshold to $3 million, the County is creating more opportunities for local union workers, opening more doors for apprentices, and making sure our public projects are built by the safest and most skilled workforce,” said Roc White, President of the Union County Central Labor Council. “I want to thank the Union County Commissioners for their leadership and for standing with working families. When we invest in union labor, we’re investing in our local economy, our communities, and the next generation of skilled tradespeople.”

The County expects the updated threshold to create additional opportunities for local union workers and apprentices while continuing Union County’s longstanding partnership with organized labor.

“The County of Union’s decision to lower the Project Labor Agreement threshold from $5 million to $3 million reflects strong, forward-thinking leadership and a clear commitment to smart public policy. By expanding the use of PLAs, the County is creating greater access to high-quality, well-trained local labor while ensuring projects are completed efficiently, safely, and on time, said Anthony Abrantes – Assistant Executive Secretary Treasurer of the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters. “This move will generate meaningful economic benefits for the entire community, supporting local businesses, providing cost certainty for government, and strengthening the region’s workforce pipeline. Most importantly, it creates more opportunities for Union County residents to access career pathways through registered apprenticeship programs and workforce development initiatives that deliver long-term value for both workers and the local economy.”

Additional details regarding implementation of the revised PLA requirements will be incorporated into future County procurement and bidding processes.

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds residents interested in running for their local board of education that candidate nominating petitions for the November 2026 School Board Election must be filed with the Union County Clerk’s Office no later than 4:00 p.m. on Monday, July 27, 2026.

Clerk Rajoppi strongly encourages prospective candidates to file their petitions well before the deadline to allow time for her office to review them and notify candidates of any issues or errors that may need to be corrected.

Clerk Rajoppi also reminds prospective candidates of a change in New Jersey law that took effect on February 3, 2025. Under the new law, the number of valid signatures required on a school board candidate nominating petition increased from 10 to 25. All petitions must now contain at least 25 valid signatures to qualify for placement on the ballot.

A video guide explaining the petition filing process is available at www.unioncountyvotes.com.

The Union County Clerk’s Office is located at 2 Broad Street, Room 113, Elizabeth, and is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For additional information, contact the office at 908-527-4996 or email ucvote@ucnj.org.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites seniors, their families, and caregivers to the upcoming Aging Services Kiosk (ASK) events this July to explore the wide range of senior programs and resources available. These events allow attendees to meet face-to-face with experienced professionals who can provide expert guidance and assistance with a variety of services, including form completion. Bilingual staff will be available on all dates to provide support in Spanish.

“Our Aging Services Kiosk serves as a mobile community hub, facilitating the conversation between seniors, caregivers, and Union County. This summer, and all year round, we welcome seniors to visit any of the convenient locations to ask questions, learn about available resources, and get the help they need as they navigate through these new stages of life,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “This is an incredible resource for seniors, and I urge them to stop by their local library and chat with one of our Aging experts to see why.”

The Aging Services Kiosk is operated explicitly by the Division on Aging, a branch of the Union County Department of Human Services. It offers adults aged 60 and older, along with their caregivers, a friendly and convenient avenue to discover valuable programs and services and speak individually with a Division on Aging professional.

Staff at ASK locations can help older adults and caregivers connect with various services, including home-delivered meals, respite care, home care, adult day care, and support services for caregivers. Any Union County senior or caregiver can visit any ASK kiosk, regardless of their hometown.  No appointment or pre-registration is needed. Below are the upcoming ASK events in July:

Tuesday, July 14th

Union Public Library

1980 Morris Avenue, Union

9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Thursday, July 23rd

Elizabeth Public Library – Main

11 South Broad Street, Elizabeth

9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

“We are especially grateful to the Division on Aging for its commitment to ensuring our senior community has access to fresh food and resources. They are the beating heart of these initiatives, and we are proud to continue supporting them in improving the quality of life of our residents,” said Commissioner James Baker, Liaison to the Advisory Council on Aging.

For more information about the ASK events and any other services for seniors in Union County, contact the Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection at 1-888-280-8226 toll-free or visit online at ucnj.org/dhs/aging.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that the 2026 seasonal recycling program will continue in July, featuring a variety of events designed to help residents recycle unwanted, expired, or hazardous items and to promote sustainable waste management practices in the community.

“We want residents to know that every celebration, barbecue, or beach day enjoyed this summer presents a new opportunity for them to responsibly recycle and care for their environment – we’re here to make it as easy and convenient to do so,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “I encourage residents to review the dates, plan ahead, and take advantage of this free resource.”   

Union County offers free mobile paper shredding events from March through October, giving residents a secure and convenient way to dispose of personal documents on-site. Events run from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., or until trucks reach capacity. Residents are encouraged to participate in the following July shredding event:

• Thursday, July 9th: Rahway River Park (Service yard across from swimming pool), 3 Parkway Drive, Rahway

Union County’s paper shredding events are for sensitive and personal documents only, including legal, medical, and financial records. No businesses are allowed to participate. Junk mail, advertisements, magazines, and all other waste papers not considered sensitive or confidential should be recycled through a municipal recycling program.

Please remove all bindings, large plastic or metal clips, and other items prior to the event (staples are permitted). Pre-shredded, damp, or wet paper will not be accepted.

Union County’s Scrap Metal Recycling Program also continues in July, providing residents with various opportunities to responsibly recycle various metal items, including refrigerators (with doors removed), metal cabinets, appliances, bicycles, aluminum scrap, and even air conditioners. The next scrap metal events of the season will take place on Thursday, July 2nd & Saturday, July 18th, from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at two convenient locations:

• Cranford: Emergency Services Building, 151 Kenilworth Boulevard
• Rahway: Rahway River Park (service yard across from swimming pool), 3 Parkway Drive

Union County’s next Household Hazardous Waste event will take place on Saturday, August 8th, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The event will be held at Kean University’s Kean Hall Lot, located at 1000 Morris Avenue in Union. At these events, residents can bring a variety of household chemicals for proper recycling or disposal. These items include, but are not limited to, oil-based finishes, motor oil, gasoline, propane tanks, pool chemicals, pesticides, fluorescent bulbs, and more. Latex (water-based) paint (wall paint), medical sharps, and welding gas/oxygen cylinders will not be accepted. Residents are advised to dry out latex paint at home using commercial paint hardener, sand, cat litter, or sawdust. Once hardened, it can be thrown in your household trash.

All Union County recycling events are contact-free and drive-up only. Residents must remain in their cars while staff unloads materials from their trunk.

For a complete schedule and more information on all recycling programs hosted by Union County, please visit ucnj.org/recycling/ or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889. Residents may also contact their municipal recycling coordinator for more details about recycling in their community. 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. Quick links to all environmental programs and activities hosted by Union County are available at The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners, in partnership with the Union County Sheriff’s Office, will be offering two free self-defense classes for women 18-23 on Wednesday, July 22^nd from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the John H. Stamler Police Academy, located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.

“As young adults head off to college, internships, travel opportunities, and summer jobs, it’s important that they feel prepared and confident navigating new environments,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “These classes are designed to provide practical self-defense skills, increase situational awareness, and help them feel empowered both on campus and in everyday life.”

Empower & Protect: College Bound Self-Defense Essentials for Women is designed to help young women feel more confident, aware, and prepared as they head into college life. Led by experienced law enforcement professionals, these hands-on sessions focus on practical self-defense techniques, situational awareness, and safety strategies for everyday situations on campus, while traveling, and during social activities. Whether you’re preparing to live away from home for the first time, looking to boost your confidence, or simply want to feel more secure in your daily routine, these classes provide valuable skills and knowledge you can carry with you wherever you go.

“Knowing how to recognize and respond to potentially unsafe situations is an important skill, especially for young adults as they prepare for college life, commuting, travel, and greater independence” said Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli. “Our instructors focus on realistic situations and simple techniques that can help participants react quickly and feel more confident in their everyday lives.”

Space is limited, and registration is required. These classes, which involve partnered practice, are identical – please sign up for only one session, and consider registering with a friend or family member. Comfortable workout attire is recommended, and shoes will not be permitted on the mats, so please plan accordingly. To participate in the hands-on portion, attendees must complete a waiver.

For more information or to register, please visit www.ucnj.org/women. To contact Jennifer Erdos at the Union County Office on Women, please call at 908-527-4216 or email Jerdos@ucnj.org.