Free Recycling Events This October

The Union County Board of County Commissioners reminds residents of several free recycling and waste disposal events taking place throughout October 2026. With upcoming dates through the end of the month, residents still have opportunities to participate in paper shredding, household hazardous waste disposal, and scrap metal recycling programs.

All events will be held rain or shine, with ample signage posted to direct residents to appropriate drop-off locations. For more information and to access the Recycle Coach app for event reminders and county recycling information, residents can visit www.ucnj.org/recycling.

Paper Shredding — Final 2026 Events

Paper shredding events continue at two locations. The second and final shredding event of the 2026 season takes place Friday, October 23, at Wheeler Spray Park Parking Lot, 234 West Simpson Avenue, Linden. For GPS directions, use 248 West Stimpson Avenue.

Both shredding events are drive-up only, with a limit of 10 pounds of paper or four bags or boxes per vehicle. Events may end early if shredding trucks reach capacity.

Paper shredding is intended for confidential materials, including medical records, legal documents, and financial documents. Business documents will not be accepted. Residents should place junk mail, flyers, magazines, and other non-sensitive paper with regular municipal recycling.

Household Hazardous Waste — Final Event

The final Household Hazardous Waste event of the 2026 season takes place Sunday, October 25, at West Hall/Police Academy Parking Lot at the Union County VoTech, 1776 Raritan Road, Scotch Plains, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The event is drive-up only.

Accepted items include pesticides and herbicides, pool chemicals, gasoline, motor oil and other automotive fluids, propane tanks, oil-based paints, and deck stains.

Latex, acrylic, and enamel wall paints are water-based and will not be accepted. Residents should dry these completely and dispose of them with regular household garbage.

Resident-generated tires are accepted, with a limit of eight tires per household, including car tires, bicycle tires, and other small equipment tires. Truck tires will not be accepted.

Scrap Metal Recycling Still Available

Scrap Metal Recycling events continue through mid-October at two locations: County Emergency Services Yard at 151 Kenilworth Boulevard, Cranford, and Rahway River Park, 3 Parkway Drive, off St. Georges Avenue, Rahway. The next scrap metal event takes place Saturday, October 17, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Accepted items include air conditioners, refrigerators with doors removed, metal cabinets, metal gutters, and other scrap metal items.

Plan Ahead

With October events wrapping up at the end of the month, residents with items to recycle should take advantage of these final opportunities. The Union County Board of County Commissioners encourages residents to download the Recycle Coach app for the latest information about recycling events and to plan accordingly.

FAQ

Q: When are the remaining free recycling events in October 2026?

A: Scrap Metal Recycling takes place Saturday, October 17. Paper Shredding (final 2026 event) is Friday, October 23. Household Hazardous Waste (final 2026 event) is Sunday, October 25. All events are drive-up only.

Q: What can I shred at the paper shredding events?

A: Paper shredding is for confidential materials including medical records, legal documents, and financial documents. Business documents are not accepted. Junk mail, flyers, magazines, and other non-sensitive paper should go with regular municipal recycling. Limit: 10 pounds or 4 bags/boxes per vehicle.

Q: What items are accepted at the Household Hazardous Waste event?

A: Accepted items include pesticides, herbicides, pool chemicals, gasoline, motor oil, other automotive fluids, propane tanks, oil-based paints, and deck stains. Latex, acrylic, and enamel wall paints (water-based) are not accepted; dry them completely and dispose with regular garbage. Up to 8 tires per household are also accepted (car, bicycle, small equipment tires only).

Q: Where can I find more information about Union County recycling events?

A: Visit www.ucnj.org/recycling for complete information. Residents are encouraged to download the Recycle Coach app for the latest event information and reminders.

Q: Are these events rain or shine?

A: Yes, all events will be held rain or shine. Ample signage will be posted at all events to direct residents to appropriate drop-off locations.

Q: What scrap metal items are accepted?

A: Accepted scrap metal items include air conditioners, refrigerators with doors removed, metal cabinets, metal gutters, and other scrap metal items. Scrap metal events take place at the County Emergency Services Yard in Cranford and Rahway River Park.