Category: Public Info

Learn how to help the environment and teach about the importance of trees – no experience necessary.

Union County residents who are looking for a fun and rewarding civic service project can join the 4-H Master Tree Steward program and learn how to “speak for the trees.” Master Tree Stewards are community volunteers who visit 4^th grade classrooms each spring to present an interactive lesson on trees. No experience is needed. All training and classroom materials are provided by the Master Tree Steward program.

“The Master Tree Stewards program is a wonderful way for volunteers to make a meaningful impact right here in Union County,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “By sharing knowledge about trees and the environment with young students, you can help inspire the next generation to care for the natural world. It’s a simple, but powerful way to build a stronger and greener future.”

Each fall, the Master Tree Steward program offers a series of training sessions, consisting mainly of guided walks in nearby parks and nature reserves. Easy reading assignments, indoor classes, and a simple project are also part of the program. The entire program, including a tree identification guide, is covered by a $25.00 administrative fee.

Applicants who complete the series obtain a Master Tree Steward certificate and are qualified to teach lessons about trees to 4^th grade classrooms in the spring. The program provides a complete lesson plan along with posters, seeds and other supplies.

The 2025 fall training series will meet every Wednesday from September 3^rd to December 10^th, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., except for any holiday that falls on a Wednesday.

The 4^th grade classroom visit schedule takes place on Wednesdays from January to June. Certified Master Tree Stewards are requested to choose 6 dates for their visits. Each visit takes approximately one hour, typically from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

To apply, or for more information please contact Union County 4-H Youth Development at James Nichnadowicz at 908-654-9854 (ext.3), or jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org.

The Master Tree Steward program is run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, as part of a statewide program under the umbrella of the Rutgers New Jersey Agriculture Experiment Station. For information on all Extension programs in Union County, including Master Gardeners, Environmental Stewards and 4-H clubs for youth, visit ucnj.org/rce.

Please join the Union County Board of County Commissioners for our annual Juneteenth flag raising ceremony on June 19, 2025

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to continue offering seasonal recycling opportunities in July. Residents are welcome to participate in this free annual program, which allows for the safe and secure disposal of personal documents, scrap metal, and hazardous household items at designated drop-off locations throughout Union County.

“Our seasonal recycling programs have been highly successful in reducing waste, eliminating pollutants, and protecting our ecosystem thanks to the active participation and contributions of our residents,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “Your involvement matters, and encourages us to continue seeking new ways to make recycling easier and more accessible for all community members. By working together, we’ll continue to transform waste into opportunities, preserve vital natural resources, and ensure that Union County remains green and beautiful for generations.”

Residents are encouraged to securely shred personal documents at the upcoming mobile paper shredding event, taking place on Thursday, July 10th,from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. All documents are shredded on-site, and the shredded paper is taken to a recycling facility for processing. The event will be held in the lot adjacent to the Park Services yard (across the swimming pool) at Rahway River Park, located off St. George’s Avenue in Rahway. The event will conclude before 1:00 p.m., should the trucks fill up first.

This event is part of Union County’s annual paper shredding program, which runs each year from March through October. The shredding events are open to all residents, regardless of their municipality, and are intended for the disposal of personal and sensitive documents only. Residents can recycle magazines, junk mail, and other papers through their municipal recycling program. Please remove all bindings, large plastic or metal clips, and other paraphernalia prior to the event (staples are allowed). Pre-shredded, damp, or wet paper will not be accepted.

Union County’s Scrap Metal Recycling Program also continues in July, providing residents with an opportunity to recycle various metal items. Drop-off events will be held on Thursday, July 3rd, and Saturday, July 19th, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at two convenient locations:

• Cranford: Emergency Services Building, 151 Kenilworth Boulevard, Kenilworth
• Rahway: Rahway River Park (follow Park Drive, Rahway off St. George’s Avenue to service yard across from swimming pool)

Accepted items include refrigerators (with doors removed), metal cabinets, appliances, bicycles, aluminum scrap, air conditioners, and other metal household goods. The scrap metal program runs on the first Thursday and third Saturday of each month, April through November.

Union County’s next Household Hazardous Waste event will take place on Saturday, September 6th, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Kean University’s Kean Hall Parking 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 lightbulbs, and more. Latex (water-based) paint (wall paint) will not be accepted. Residents are advised to dry latex paint out at home using commercial paint hardener, sand, kitty 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 trunks.

Union County Recycling Programs are funded through Recycling Enhancement Act (REA) funds, which are applied for and received by the County of Union.

For a complete schedule and more information on all recycling programs hosted by Union County, please visit ucnj.org/recycle/ 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.

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying for mosquitoes Thursday, June 12, 2025, between the hours of 6:00PM to 11:00PM (Weather Permitting). Check below for a list of areas to be sprayed. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Union County Office of Mosquito Control at 908-654-9834 or 908-654-9835.

• Berkeley Hts. – Grant St. Area, Camptown Dr. Area
• Clark – King St. Area
• Fanwood – Fanwood D.P.W.
• Hillside – Harvard Av., Cornell Pl., John St. Area,
• Kennilworth – Dorset Dr. Area, Water Company Rd.
• Linden – Tremley Pt. Area, Range Rd., Bradford Ave., Lexington Ave., Marion Ave.
• Rahway – Elizabeth Av., Donald Ave. Area, Randolph Ave. Leesville Ave. Area, Midwood Dr. Area
• Scotch Plains – Frank St., Country Club Ln., Raritan Rd., South Ave., North Ave. Hetfield Ave.
• Springfield – Cottage Ln., Marion Ave. Area
• Summit – Kent Pl., Summit Recycling Center
• Union – Rahway Ave., Gifford Ct., Interlux Paint Property
• Winfield – U.C. Parkway Dr., Seafoam Ave.

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be Spraying County and City Parks Wednesday morning, June 11, 2025, between the hours of 3:00 A.M. to 7:00 A.M. (Weather Permitting). Check below for the list of Parks to be sprayed. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Union County Office of Mosquito Control at 908-654-9834 or 908-654-9835.

County Parks:

• Hillside – Conant
• Kenilworth – Lenape
• Roselle – Warinanco
• Scotch Plains – Ponderosa

Town Parks:

• Linden – Peach Orchard
• Plainfield – Milt Campbell
• Union – Biertuempfel
• Westfield – Tamaques

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites seniors and caregivers to the upcoming Aging Services Kiosk (ASK) events in June 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 several dates in June to provide support in Spanish.

“Our ASK events are held year-round to ensure that all older adults in our community, along with their caregivers, have access to vital resources and feel supported as they navigate these later stages of life,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “I encourage all seniors and caregivers who have not yet had the opportunity to attend, to visit one of our ASK events in June for a completely free consultation with one of our friendly experts.”

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 June:

Wednesday, June 11th

Garwood Public Library

411 Third Avenue, Garwood

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Wednesday, June 18th

(Bilingual staff available)

Westfield Memorial Library

550 East Broad Street

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Tuesday, June 24th

(Bilingual staff available)

Clark Public Library

303 Westfield Avenue, Clark

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Thursday, June 26th

Hillside Public Library

1409 Liberty Avenue, Hillside

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

“The Commissioner Board is proud to continue working hand in hand with the Division on Aging in our shared goal of empowering the senior community in Union County,” said Union County Commissioner James Baker, Liaison to the Advisory Council on Aging. “Whether you need help filling out forms, accessing healthy meals, transportation support, or anything else, we’re here to assist you in any way we can.”

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 the expansion of its textile recycling program. In addition to the original municipalities of Plainfield, Summit, and Scotch Plains, the county will now be collaborating with the Township of Cranford. This partnership aims to develop more sustainable solutions for reducing clothing and textile waste in our community.

“Since launching our textile recycling program a few months ago, we have already significantly reduced waste in our county, demonstrating the positive outcomes we can achieve when we come together to create a greener, more environmentally responsible community,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “Our collaboration with Cranford further expands our network of drop-off locations for recycling unwanted clothing and other items, making it easier and even more convenient for residents to participate in this innovative program.”

In February, Union County partnered with Helpsy, a leading sustainable clothing and textile recycling company, to launch a program that allows residents to drop off unwanted clothing, shoes, accessories, and household linens in any condition.  Plainfield, Summit, and Scotch Plains have been working with the County in the administration of this program (https://ucnj.org/press-releases/public-info/2025/02/18/union-county-launches-county-wide-sustainable-textile-recycling-program/), since its onset.

Since its launch, Union County, Helpsy, and partner municipalities have successfully diverted over 23,000 pounds of textiles from the waste stream.

The new Helpsy drop-off location for unwanted items is now set up at the Cranford Conservation Center, located at 210 Birchwood Avenue, between Orange Avenue and Cranford Avenue. The Center operates on Wednesdays from 9:20 a.m. to 3:20 p.m., Saturdays from 9:20 a.m. to 3:50 p.m., and Sundays from 9:20 a.m. to 3:50 p.m.

Helpsy extends the useful life of clothing by connecting clothes to the best end use: reuse or recycling (https://www.helpsy.com/).  Helpsy is a certified B Corporation and a Public Benefit Corporation with a mission to keep clothes out of the trash and to create honorable work.   

For more information regarding this Union County recycling program and other programs, please visit the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning homepage at https://ucnj.org/recycling/.

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying for mosquitoes Thursday, June 5, 2025, between the hours of 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM (Weather Permitting). Check below for a list of areas to be sprayed. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Union County Office of Mosquito Control at 908-654-9834 or 908-654-9835.

Berkeley Hts. – Grant St. Area, Camptown Dr. Area

Clark – Kennedy Dr., Fairview Rd., Ridge Rd., Avon Rd., Byron Pl., Emerald Pl.

Fanwood – Fanwood D.P.W.

Hillside – Harvard Av., Cornell Pl., John St. Area,

Kennilworth – Michigan Ave., Dorset Dr. Area

Linden – Tremley Pt. Area, Range Rd., Bradford Ave., Lexington Ave., Marion Ave.

Plainfield – Jefferson Av. Area.

Rahway – Leesville Av. Area, Elston St. Randolph Av., Elizabeth Av., Donald Ave. Area,

Roselle – Pine St., Holly Dr., Cherry St., Birch Dr. Area, Path by RXR Tracks

Scotch Plains – Frank St., White Oak Rd., Pheasant Ln., South Ave.

Springfield – Riverside Dr., Washington Ave., Battlehill Ave., Joanne Way

Summit – Kent Pl., Summit Recycling Center

Union – Hickory Rd., Rahway Ave., Fairway Dr.

Winfield – U.C. Parkway Dr., Seafoam Ave.

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying County and Town Parks Thursday morning, June 5 2025, between the hours of 3:00 A.M. to 7:00 A.M. (Weather Permitting). Check below for the list of Parks to be sprayed. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Union County Office of Mosquito Control at 908-654-9834 or 908-654-9835.

County Parks

• Clark – Oak Ridge Pk.
• Linden – Memorial Pk.
• Plainfield – Cedar Brook, Green Brook
• Rahway – Rahway Pk.

To watch the intro video by Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes Leon click HERE.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce the return of its free summer swim lesson program at the Rahway River Park Pool, offered in partnership with The Gateway Family YMCA. The program runs from July 1 through August 21, 2025, and includes age-specific classes for children ages 3 to 12, seniors age 65 and older, and adult water exercise participants.

“Learning how to swim is a critical life skill that every child should have access to—regardless of background or income,” said Commissioner Chair Lourdes Leon. “By offering these lessons at no cost, we’re not only helping kids and seniors stay safe and active, we’re breaking down barriers and making sure every Union County resident has the chance to thrive. This is what equitable, community-centered government looks like.”

Class sizes are limited to ensure a safe and personalized experience. Youth and senior swim classes are capped at 6 participants per session, while the adult water exercise class is capped at 30 participants.

Class Schedule & Details:

Youth Beginner Classes (ages 6–12 & 3–5)

Held Thursdays: July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 and August 7, 14, 21

• 9:05 AM – 9:45 AM: Ages 6–12
• 9:50 AM – 10:30 AM: Ages 3–5
• 10:35 AM – 11:15 AM: Ages 6–12

Youth Basic Classes (ages 3–5 and 6–12)

• Tuesdays, July 1 – August 19:
  • 6:45 PM – 7:25 PM: Ages 6–12
• Thursdays, July 3 – August 21:
  • 9:05 AM – 9:45 AM: Ages 3–5
  • 6:45 PM – 7:25 PM: Ages 6–12

Senior Swim Classes (age 65+)

• Tuesdays, July 1 – August 19:
  • 6:00 PM – 6:40 PM
• Thursdays, July 3 – August 21:
  • 9:50 AM – 10:30 AM

Adult Water Exercise (all adults)

• Wednesdays, July 2 – August 20:
  • 9:00 AM – 9:40 AM
  • Maximum of 30 participants per class

Classes will be held at Rahway River Park Pool, located in Rahway, NJ. Registration is required and will be available online later this month. Residents are encouraged to sign up early due to limited space in each class.

To qualify, participants must reside in low-income households and provide proof of eligibility during enrollment. Acceptable qualifying criteria include participation in programs such as TANF, SNAP, the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program, Medicare Part D, SSI, Head Start or Early Head Start, WIC, Section 8 Housing, LIHEAP, Pell Grants, or living in a Qualified Census Tract (QCT). Seniors aged 65 and older automatically qualify. Please note: registration will not be confirmed without proof of eligibility.

To view updated registration details and sign up when available, please visit: ucnj.org/swim. For more information, contact the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4900.