The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites all residents to bring old or unwanted metal goods to Union County’s first free scrap metal recycling drop-off dates of the 2024 season, beginning this April. A wide variety of metal items, 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.
“The countywide program serves as a valuable resource to assist in addressing the gaps in scrap metal recycling across Union County. By increasing our efforts to recycle more and reduce waste, we can effectively contribute to the betterment of our community as a whole,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “We encourage residents to attend the nearest scrap metal event for their unwanted or old scrap goods.”
Scrap metal drop-off will be accepted Thursday, April 4th and Saturday, April 20th 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)
Scrap metal from residents in any Union County municipality may be brought to either of these sites. In addition to April’s scrap metal events, May scrap metal events are scheduled for Thursday, May 2nd and Saturday, May 18th. To receive schedule alerts, and to stay up to date with Union County and local recycling programs, residents are invited to download the free Recycle Coach mobile app.
At scrap metal events, residents must remain in their vehicles at all times. Materials should be placed in trunk, cargo area or truck bed and be easily accessible to staff to remove from vehicle.
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.
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. Quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities are available at The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.