UNION COUNTY, NJ — Union County residents have a few more chances this season to safely get rid of sensitive papers, scrap metal and household hazardous waste through free county programs scheduled in October.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners announced the final mobile paper shredding and household hazardous waste events of the 2026 season, along with two October scrap metal recycling dates.
All three programs are free for Union County residents. The county said the events are contact-free and drive-up only, and residents must remain in their vehicles while staff removes materials from their trunks.
"These events make it easier for residents to clear out unwanted materials and dispose of them properly," said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. "Whether you have sensitive documents, scrap metal or household chemicals to get rid of, I encourage you to check the October schedule and take advantage of these free programs before the season ends."
The final two shredding events will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine, or until the shredding trucks reach capacity.
They are scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Berkeley Heights Municipal Building parking lot, 29 Park Avenue, Berkeley Heights, and Friday, Oct. 23, at John Russell Wheeler Park, 234 W. Stimpson Avenue, Linden.
For GPS directions to the Linden site, the county said to use 248 W Stimpson Ave.
The shredding program is for Union County residents only and is not open to businesses.
There is a limit of four bags or boxes per vehicle, and each bag or box may weigh no more than 10 pounds. Only confidential or sensitive personal documents will be accepted.
The county said magazines, junk mail and other nonsensitive papers should go through municipal recycling programs.
Residents should remove bindings, large plastic or metal clips and other nonpaper materials before arriving, though staples are permitted. Pre-shredded, damp or wet paper will not be accepted.
Scrap metal recycling will be available from 9 a.m. to noon on Thursday, Oct. 1, and Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Emergency Services Complex, 151 Kenilworth Boulevard in Cranford, and the Rahway River Park Service Yard, 3 Parkway Drive in Rahway.
Residents may use either location on either date. Accepted items include refrigerators and freezers with doors removed, household appliances, bicycles, aluminum scrap, air conditioners, microwaves, washers, dryers, stoves, metal fencing, tire rims and wire hangers.
The final household hazardous waste event of the season will take place Sunday, Oct. 25, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools' West Hall/Police Academy parking lot, 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.
Accepted materials include oil-based paints and finishes, motor oil and filters, gasoline, propane tanks, pool chemicals, pesticides and fluorescent bulbs.
According to the county, the events are funded through Recycling Enhancement Act grants received through the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
More information is available at ucnj.org/recycling or by calling 908-654-9889.
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