Need To Get Rid Of Paint Cans, Pesticides? Ocean County Collecting Household Hazardous Waste

If you have old paint cans or gasoline to get rid of from your home, Ocean County will be holding its household hazardous waste collection program again in 2026.

The first collection event is scheduled for March 22 at the Lakewood Department of Public Works, and is one of six collection dates scheduled for the year. See the schedule and more details at the bottom of this article.

The program was started in 1989, and "it has proven to be an essential service for our residents," said Frank Sadeghi, director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners.

The program is open to all Ocean County residents and you can go to any of the six dates — you are not required to live in the town hosting the collection.

It is not open to businesses or other institutions.

You must register to participate. Registration can be completed online or by calling 732-506-5047. Proof of residency is also necessary.

The county has contracted with Radiac Environmental Services for the collections, with a disposal cost of $0.9889 per pound. In 2023, the program collected 362,425 pounds of waste, incurring a disposal cost of $383,808.

Residents also have year-round options for certain materials at municipal and county recycling centers. These items include used paint, batteries, antifreeze, and waste oil.

Drop-off locations include the Ocean County Northern Recycling Center in Lakewood and the Southern Recycling Center in Manahawkin, open Monday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Residents should check with their municipal recycling centers for specific item acceptance.

For further information, email ocrecycles@co.ocean.nj.us or call 732-506-5047.