2026 Scrap Metal Disposal Schedule
Maria Torres · Union County Life
What You Can Dispose Of
Old motor oil in the garage. Half-empty cans of pesticides. A propane tank you're not using. A box of fluorescent bulbs from the basement. These are the items that can't go in regular household trash—and Union County has a free program to get rid of them safely.
The county's Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Program accepts:
Motor oil and oil-based finishes
Gasoline
Propane tanks
Pool chemicals
Pesticides
Fluorescent bulbs
And more
Two events remain in 2026.
August 8: Kean University, Union
Saturday, August 8
Kean University, Kean Hall Lot
1000 Morris Avenue, Union
9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
October 25: UC VoTech, Scotch Plains
Sunday, October 25
UC VoTech West Hall/Police Academy Lot
1776 Raritan Road, Scotch Plains
9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Both events run rain or shine.
How It Works
Drive up. Stay in your vehicle. Staff will unload materials from your trunk or cargo area. No contact. No getting out of the car. It's designed to be simple and safe.
All events are free for Union County residents.
What's Not Accepted
Latex (water-based) paint is not accepted. Medical sharps and welding gas/oxygen cylinders are also not accepted.
If you have latex paint at home, you can harden it using paint hardener, sand, cat litter, or sawdust, then dispose of it in regular household trash once it's solidified.
Getting Reminders
To stay on top of upcoming events, visit ucnj.org/recycling or download the Recycle Coach app to set reminders for future hazardous waste drop-offs.
FAQ
Q: What household hazardous materials does Union County accept?
Motor oil, oil-based finishes, gasoline, propane tanks, pool chemicals, pesticides, fluorescent bulbs, and other hazardous items. Check ucnj.org/recycling for a complete list.
Q: Is latex paint accepted?
No. Latex (water-based) paint is not accepted at these events. You can harden latex paint at home using paint hardener, sand, cat litter, or sawdust, then dispose of it in regular household trash once it's solidified.
Q: When and where are the next two events?
Saturday, August 8 at Kean University, 1000 Morris Avenue, Union, and Sunday, October 25 at UC VoTech, 1776 Raritan Road, Scotch Plains. Both run 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Q: Do I have to stay in my car?
Yes. Events are drive-up and contact-free. Remain in your vehicle while staff unload materials from your trunk or cargo area.
Q: Is the program free?
Yes. The Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Program is free for all Union County residents.
Q: Will the events run if it rains?
Yes. Both events run rain or shine.
Q: What about medical sharps or welding cylinders?
Medical sharps and welding gas/oxygen cylinders are not accepted at these events. Contact your local health department or hazardous waste facility for proper disposal options.
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