Free Recycling Events This August

The Union County Board of County Commissioners would like to remind residents about several free recycling events taking place throughout August.

• Ample signage will be posted at all events to direct residents to the appropriate drop-off locations. All events will be held rain or shine.
• For additional information, please visit www.ucnj.org/recycling.
• Residents are also encouraged to download the Recycle Coach app for the latest information and reminders about Union County recycling events.

Scrap Metal Events – Thursday, August 6 and Saturday, August 15

The next Scrap Metal Recycling events of the 2026 season will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at two locations:

• County Emergency Services Yard: 151 Kenilworth Boulevard, Cranford
• Rahway River Park: 3 Parkway Drive, off St. Georges Avenue, Rahway

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

Household Hazardous Waste Event – Saturday, August 8

The next Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) event of the 2026 season will take place at Kean University’s Kean Hall Parking Lot, 1000 Morris Avenue, Union Township.

• Time: 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• 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. These paints should be dried out completely and disposed of with regular household garbage.

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

Paper Shredding Event – Sunday, August 16

Union County will host a Paper Shredding Event at Kean University’s Kean Hall Parking Lot, 1000 Morris Avenue, Union Township.

• Time: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Limit: 10 pounds of paper or four bags or boxes per vehicle
• Drive-up only

The event may end early if the shredding trucks reach capacity. Business documents will not be accepted.

The shredding program is intended for confidential and sensitive materials, including medical records, legal documents, and financial documents. Junk mail, flyers, magazines, and other non-sensitive paper should be placed with your regular municipal recycling.