Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce the 2017 schedule of its free scrap metal recycling events. A wide variety of metal goods, from household appliances to gutters and sheds, are included in the program.

“This countywide service is a win-win for our municipalities and the environment,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “By keeping metal out of the waste stream our local governments save on waste disposal costs, and we recover valuable resources.”

The scrap metal recycling program is available for use by households, commercial establishments, nonprofit agencies and other organizations.

Starting on Thursday, April 6, and running through November, the program will be available on the first Thursday and the third Saturday of each month (excluding holidays) from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.

This month the program will be on Saturday, April 22 due to the Easter holiday. 

Scrap metal from any municipality may be brought to either of the following drop-off centers:

• Cranford: Emergency Services/Traffic Enforcement, 151 Kenilworth Boulevard
• Rahway: Service Yard in Rahway Park (near pool), St. Georges Avenue

Acceptable items for recycling include aluminum scrap, aluminum cans, 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 & dryers, window frames (no glass), and wire hangers.

In the event of extreme bad weather, individual recycling events may be cancelled.

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

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Photo (cropped): US Department of Agriculture.

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 – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that the first paper shredding event of 2017 is scheduled for Saturday, April 1 in Scotch Plains. The event is free and open to all Union County residents.

“Union County’s mobile paper shredding event helps residents fight identity theft by providing a convenient and secure way to dispose of confidential documents,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce Bergen. “As part of our County recycling program, it also complements our green initiatives in support of environmental conservation.”

The April 1st shredding event will take place at the Union County Vocational Technical Schools campus at 1776 Raritan Road, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., rain or shine.  It will conclude before 1:00 p.m. if the shredding trucks reach capacity.

Two other free paper shredding events are also coming up in April.  Shredding will be offered at Warinanco Park on Friday, April 7 in the parking lot across from the Warinanco Ice Skating Center, and in Cedar Brook Park on Friday, April 28.  Both events run from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., rain or shine.

Paper shredding trucks will visit other communities throughout Union County through spring, summer and fall.

For a full schedule of 2017 free paper shredding events, including directions, visit the Union County website at ucnj.org/recycling.

All Union County residents are welcome to use the mobile paper shredding service. There is a limit of four 10-pound bags or boxes per person (paper bags are preferred).

Documents should not be bound, and plastic binders and paper clips should be removed. Paper that is wet or damp will not be accepted.

The shredding events are intended for personal documents only. Residents should continue to recycle non-confidential papers and magazines with their municipal recycling program.

Documents are put into 96-gallon containers provided by the shredding company. The items are then dumped onto a conveyor belt and shredded on site. Participants are welcome to view the shredding process via a closed-circuit television. The shredded documents are then recycled, shipped to paper mills and used as pulp.

The mobile shredding program is funded through New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Recycling Enhancement Act Grant Funds.

For more information about all Union County recycling events and programs call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889 or visit online at ucnj.org/recycling.

For quick links to many other Union County environmental programs visit The Green Connection online at ucnj.org/green-connection.

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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 Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen and Vice Chairman Sergio Granados present a resolution to Valerie Latona and Dave Contract of Westfield commending them on their effort to remind the community that even during divisive times the nation continues to be bound by love; love of country, love of friends and neighbors and love of communities.

In February, for Valentine’s Day, the couple invited friends and neighbors to post hearts on their fence, each with its own message of love, hope and inspiration. There are now more than 300 hearts, each with its own positive message, posted on their fence, a symbol of unity in the community and the nation.

The Freeholder Board noted its support and appreciation to Valerie Latona and Dave Contract and requested to add their names to the fence, to demonstrate their support and commitment to this project.

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announced that the drawing for ballot positions for the June 6, 2017 Primary Election will be held on Monday, April 17^th at the County Courthouse, 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth beginning at 3:00 p.m.

“Anyone interested in the primary election process is encouraged to attend,” said Ms. Rajoppi.  “This year voters will decide on a Gubernatorial candidate for the Democratic and Republican Parties. In addition all legislative Senate and Assembly seats will be on the ballot along with county candidates for Sheriff and Freeholder.”

The date for the ballot drawing is set by state law. Because that date falls on Good Friday, a state holiday, the law mandates the drawing be moved to Monday, April 17.

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Visit the County Clerk’s new elections website, unioncountyvotes.com.

Connect with Union County on social media.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders would like to remind you of several free recycling events coming up this month. 

Union County will host three Mobile Paper Shredding Events in April.  The first is  Saturday, April 1^st at the Union County Vocational Technical School located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains, followed by Friday, April 7th in Warinanco Park in Roselle in the skating center parking lot and then on Friday, April 28^th at Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield.  All events run from 9 am to 1 pm or until the truck(s) get filled.  Residents can bring up to four bags of confidential documents for shredding.

On Saturday, April 22^rd, there will be a Household Hazardous Waste Program at the Union County Vo-Tech School located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.  The event will be held from 9 am to 2pm.  Items for drop off include old pesticides & herbicides, pool chemicals, gasoline, oil-based paints and deck stain. 

On Saturday, April 29^rd, there will be a Computer and Electronics Recycling Event at the Union County Vo-Tech School located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.  The event will be held from 9 am to 1pm.  Items for drop off include televisions, computers, monitors, printers, fax machines and DVD players. 

Union County’s Scrap Metal Recycling program also starts up again this month.  The events are the first Thursday and Third Saturday of each month so Thursday, April 6^th and Saturday, April 22^nd (this event was moved to the fourth Saturday due to the holiday).    There are two (2) locations in Union County for residents to drop off their metal for recycling, one in Cranford and Rahway.  All locations will be open from 9 am to 12 pm.  Residents can drop off old appliances, microwaves, air conditioners, and metal lawn furniture to name a few.

Please visit www.ucnj.org/recycling for more information or directions.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders will sponsor its first Household Hazardous Waste Collection event of 2017 on Saturday, April 22^nd. 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 22^nd 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.       

The Union County Freeholder Board, through the Union County Workforce Business Innovation Center, is pleased to once again announce United Airlines will be holding its annual “United Summer Assist Program,” a summer employment program for people 18 to 24 years old. Those interested in signing up for the informational program on March 29th can contact Henri Baptiste at 908-355-4444 or via e-mail baptiste@ucc.edu

Spring has sprung and the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites you to investigate the wonders of the spring season at Trailside Nature and Science Center.  Located in the scenic 2065-acre Watchung Reservation, the Trailside center offers a wide variety of programs for children, adults and families in April, May and June.  The Visitor Center houses 4,500 square feet of interactive, child-friendly exhibits featuring a towering 34 foot American beech tree exhibit which fills the building’s atrium. Visit the Night Theater, the Lenape Native American wigwam and the Wetland Habitat with live fish and turtles. 

“There is something for everyone who has an interest in nature,” states Freeholder Chairman Bruce Bergen, “Trailside is the perfect place to visit and have fun while learning about the natural world around them.”

Parents with children up to age three can enjoy TODDLER TIME, a series of workshops that incorporate sensory hikes, stories, crafts and activities to acquaint adults and children with the natural world.  Due to popular demand, this workshop series is now offered weekly on Thursdays, from 9:30-10:30 am and again at 11:15 am to 12:15 pm and on Fridays, from 10:00-11:00 am.  Families will delight to learn about animal mothers, numbers in nature, ladybugs, Earth Day and much more. 

For children, ages 3 or 4, with an adult, Trailside offers TWO OF US, an interactive program that encourages nature discovery through hikes and other indoor/outdoor activities with a parent. This program is offered on Tuesdays from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. or Wednesdays from

10:00 to 11:00 a.m.  Among the many topics explored this spring will be Masters of Music, Lucky Ladybugs, the 3 R’s and Wet-n-Wild.

SMALL FRY DAYS, a drop-off program for children ages 4-6, is offered on Tuesdays, from 9:45 to 11:00 a.m. This workshop series is designed to foster an awareness and appreciation of the natural world through hikes, explorations and nature related activities.  Participants in this educational workshop series will learn how opossums survive in the wild, the lifecycle of a ladybug, the water cycle and how wildlife mothers care for their babies.

Children in the 1^st to 3^rd grades can take part in AFTERSCHOOL EXPLORATIONS, a drop-off program designed to acquaint children with nature explorations, hikes and outdoor activities.  Children enrolled in this workshop series meet on Thursdays at 3:30-4:45 p.m.  Learn interesting facts about why trees are important to people and wildlife, the different mammals, birds, reptiles and insects that live in the Watchung Reservation and ways to go green for Earth Day.  In one of the many workshops, youngsters will investigate the stories about the legendary constellations of Orion the Hunter, Draco the Dragon and the Big Dipper.

Trailside’s spring workshops are held April, May and June.  Registrants can sign up for the series or choose only those topics that are of interest.  Pre-registration is required and the fee is $10.00 per class for Union County residents and $12.00 per class for out-of-county residents.  Walk-ins can be accommodated if space permits.  A new online registration system designed to make access to our Parks and Recreation services easy and convenient has been adopted.  Register online at www.ucnj.org/trailside and create a new account and password.

To see our spring brochure with a complete listing of workshops offered; including, dates, times and fees for children’s workshops, family programs, teacher training, Trailside Talks and special events visit us on the web at www.ucnj.org/trailside or call 908-789-3670.  Trailside Nature & Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.           

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Recreation are pleased to announce the 2017 Wildlife Photography Contest at Trailside Nature & Science Center.  Amateur photographers, ages six through adult, are invited to enter their original photographs of wild animals in their natural habitat.

“Wild animals are challenging photographic subjects and the Wildlife Photography Contest is a great opportunity for people of all ages to put their skills to the test and attempt to capture animals in their natural habitat,” stated Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.

Last year the winners of the Wildlife Photography Contested included George Valladares of Clark in the adult category for ages 18 and older for his photo of a Carolina Wren, Aram Vlahogiannis of Rutherford in the 12 – 17 year old category for his Diamondback Terrapin photo and Keith Mann of Scotch Plains in the 6 – 11 year old category for his photo of an Eastern Gray Squirrel.

Only images of wildlife species native to the United States are eligible for submission.  Images of exotic wildlife, pets or domestic animals will not be considered.  Individuals may enter a maximum of two photographs.   Entries must be un-matted, un-framed 5” X 7” black and white or color prints.  Entries must be received or postmarked no later than Friday, April 14, 2017.

Photographs entered into the Wildlife Photography Contest will be judged by local professional photographers for originality, composition, technical excellence and artistic merit.  Participants can enter one of three age groups; 6 – 11, 12 – 17 or 18 and older.  Four winners in each age group will have their photographs published in Trailside’s 2018 calendar.  Winners will be announced on Sunday, April 30, 2017 during Trailside’s Wild Earth Fest event. 

To obtain a brochure with the complete list of rules and entry form for the Wildlife Photography contest, call Trailside at 908-789-3670 or visit www.ucnj.org/trailside.   Trailside Nature & Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.