Message from Councilwoman Elizabeth Stamler | April 17, 2026

Every spring, we gather to give away items that are no longer needed or wanted, rather than discarding them in the trash. This simple act has far-reaching benefits, contributing to a litter-free Scotch Plains and more conscious consumption habits.

It’s the perfect opportunity for residents to declutter responsibly while helping others find useful items ranging from small electronics and sporting goods to toys, backpacks, purses, and small appliances.

This year, the “FreeCycle” event will be held Saturday, April 18, as part of Scotch Plains’ Earth Day celebration. The day begins with a community clean up, set for 8 a.m. Anyone who wants to volunteer to pick up litter and debris around town can register here via Community Pass.

Then, join us for the FreeCycle Market at 11 a.m. where people “shop” for free items at Jerseyland Park, 2354 Beryllium Road, until 1 p.m. (Rain date for both events is April 25.)  

When we throw away items we no longer need, they typically end up sitting in landfills, breaking down over time and emitting harmful gases that warm our atmosphere. FreeCycling takes a different approach — it keeps these items in use longer, cutting down on the demand for new production and all the environmental strain that comes with it.

Making new products consumes enormous amounts of energy, water, and raw materials, each taking a toll on our natural world. By finding new uses for things we already have, FreeCycling shrinks that footprint and supports a circular economy where much less goes to waste in Scotch Plains.

Our annual FreeCycle event offers more than environmental benefits — it's a chance for neighbors to connect, trade stories, offer one another advice, and sometimes walk away with something unexpected. That kind of community exchange is hard to put a price on.

I hope you'll see FreeCycle as something bigger than clearing out clutter. Come join us in making a real difference — for our community today and for the generations who will inherit it.

The event is proudly hosted by Scotch Plains Parks & Recreation in collaboration with the Scotch Plains Green Team. To learn more, or to volunteer, please call 908-322-6700, ext. 223 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  Please note the deadline to register to drop off items has passed. But please come to shop!

Scotch Plains, and our very active Green Team, is eager to spread the word about litter clean-ups and any other way we can prioritize resource conservation and waste reduction throughout our region.

For example, I also invite you to participate in a multi-site clean-up event along the Green Brook on Saturday, May 2, from 9:30 a.m. to noon.  Registration is required, as organizers have planned for numerous activities in nine municipalities in Middlesex, Somerset and Union counties. Locally, we will be meeting at the Cinemark of Watchung on Route 22 west. We are invited to park in the movie theater lot, near the Green Brook.

Gloves, trash bags and supplies will be provided. But we are urged to wear waterproof boots and clothing. And please assume you will get a little bit muddy – a small price to pay for helping ensure a litter-free environment.