Free Bulk Trash Drop-Offs Planned For Hazlet

HAZLET, NJ — Improvements to bulk trash disposal are underway in Hazlet.

Beginning next spring, the township will offer bulk item drop-off to homeowners at no fee. Currently, township residents pay private trash companies to haul away unwanted bulk items, such as mattresses or old wood fencing, according to a news release from the township.

Under the newly announced plan, in 2023 the township’s Department of Public Works will hold two bulk drop-off events per recycling zone. The drop-offs will be held once in April and once in September so homeowners will have two opportunities to get rid of unwanted bulk items.

The drop-off site will be the Hazlet Swim & Tennis Club parking lot, 1766 Union Ave., and will take place on a weekend day, probably a Saturday, according to the township.

Some examples of accepted bulk waste are furniture, carpeting, mattresses, box springs and wood fencing.

Residents would apply for a coupon through Town Hall, to be presented at drop-off as proof of eligibility.

The Township Committee is also investigating a plan to provide bulk item pickups curbside at residents' homes in 2024, but that would require the purchase of a truck, the news release said.

Township Administrator Rob Bengivenga is sourcing a new multi-purpose rear-loading garbage truck. Due to current supply chain disruptions, the expected waiting period is one year for a new truck, the news release said.

Demand for bulk pick-up came up in the township’s Municipal Waste Survey last year. The survey, completed by 1,319 households, asked residents if they were interested in moving towards a town-wide trash service, rather than privately contracted service.

Results from the survey showed that 75 percent of the respondents were satisfied with their privately-contracted trash service. The Township Committee continues to analyze the financial and quality of life benefits of contracting with a town wide vendor, the news release says.