Household Hazardous Waste Drop Off in Scotch Plains, NJ

Union County will hold its last free Household Hazardous Waste collection of 2026 on Sunday, October 25, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The drop off is at the Union County Vocational-Technical School, West Hall/Police Academy Lot, 1776 Raritan Road, Scotch Plains. Union County Life shares the details so residents in every Union County town can clear out unwanted chemicals before the season ends.

Accepted items include oil based paints and finishes, motor oil, gasoline, propane tanks, pool chemicals, and pesticides. The full list is at ucnj.org/recycling/household-special-waste. For questions, call the Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9890.

The Union County Police Department Bomb Squad will be on site to collect unwanted ammunition only. Fireworks will not be accepted. Store any fireworks in a dry place at home until the county arranges a disposal option.

County collections resume in spring 2027. Residents who miss the October 25 event have two other options. Middlesex County is holding a collection on Sunday, November 15, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Middlesex College, 2600 Woodbridge Avenue in Edison. Union County residents must arrange this ahead of time with Bureau Chief Stuart Newman at 908-654-9892 or stuart.newman@ucnj.org. The Morris County Utilities Authority also runs a permanent facility at 168 Gold Mine Road in Flanders, by appointment only. It charges $2 per pound for people who don’t live in Morris County.

Residents can also store household hazardous waste safely at home until spring. Stay informed about Union County news and announcements on Union County Life.

Photo Credit: UCNJ.org

FAQ:

Q: When is the last household hazardous waste drop off in Union County this year?
A: The final 2026 event is Sunday, October 25, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.

Q: Does it cost anything to drop off household hazardous waste?
A: No. The October 25 Union County event is free for county residents.

Q: Where exactly is the drop off in Scotch Plains?
A: Use the West Hall/Police Academy Lot at the Union County Vocational-Technical School, 1776 Raritan Road, Scotch Plains.

Q: What can I bring, and is anything not accepted?
A: Bring household chemicals like motor oil, gasoline, propane tanks, pool chemicals, and pesticides. The Bomb Squad will take ammunition, but fireworks will not be accepted.

Q: Who can use the drop off, and where can I get more Union County recycling news?
A: The program is for Union County residents, with no sign up needed for the October 25 event. Union County Life covers county recycling, public works, and local news at unioncountylife.com.