Ammunition and fireworks accepted – August event only
“Mercury Bounty”$5.00 gift card for residents turning in mercury thermostats
Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is offering a simple, easy way for everyone to pitch in and help the environment. Residents can safely dispose of unwanted household chemicals and other designated household items, from old mercury thermostats to automobile tires, by bringing these items to the next free Household Hazardous Waste recycling event on Saturday, August 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The event will take place at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools campus, at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.
“The household hazardous waste program enables every Union County resident to make sure that household items containing toxic chemicals are safely and properly disposed,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “With everyone pitching in together, the result of our effort is safer homes and a cleaner environment for our families, friends and neighbors.”
Residents only need to drive to the site with their household special wastes and workers at the site will unload the vehicles.
The Union County Police Bomb Squad will also be on hand to collect unwanted ammunition and fireworks from residents.
The August 4 event continues Union County’s “Mercury Bounty” take back program through a partnership with the company Covanta. Covanta provides a $5.00 Home Depot gift card to any resident who turns in a mercury-containing thermostat.
“Covanta is proud to continue their partnership with Union County for this important mercury take back event,” said Covanta’s Director of Environmental Science and Community Affairs Kenneth Armellino.
Household hazardous waste accepted at the recycling event 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.
Please note that latex, or water-based paints will not be accepted. Residents should dry the paint out and discard with their regular garbage.
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.
The household hazardous waste collection will be held rain or shine for all Union County residents only, not for businesses. Proof of Union County residency is required.
For more information, call the Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889. For a complete list of the materials that will be accepted on August 4th as well as all recycling event dates and locations, visit ucnj.org/recycle.
Union County’s recycling programs support the goals of “Chairman Granados’s 2018 Moving Union County Forward “Plant a Seed” initiative for environmental stewardship and individual empowerment.
For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities visit The Green Connection 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.
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