Free Household Hazardous Waste Event Coming To Somerset County

BRANCHBURG, NJ — Somerset County residents will be able to drop off household hazardous waste for free on Saturday at the Branchburg Township Public Works Garage, 34 Kenbury Road in Branchburg.

The drive-up event will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine.

The Somerset County Division of Solid Waste Management said the site will close for the day if collection trucks fill before 2 p.m.

Proof of Somerset County residency is required, and acceptable forms include a current driver's license, valid lease agreement, tax bill or another bill with a Somerset County address.

Pre-registration is not required, but businesses and commercial vehicles are not permitted to participate.

The county described proper disposal of household hazardous waste as part of keeping Somerset County healthy, safe and environmentally conscious.

Residents who recycle only accepted materials and bring hazardous items to the right drop-off locations help prevent contamination, protect local waterways and support a cleaner community.

The county also included a reminder about latex and acrylic paint.

"FACT — This is true," the notice states in response to whether acrylic and latex paint can be placed in the trash.

The notice says latex and acrylic paints are no longer considered hazardous by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and should be air-dried, mixed with kitty litter or paint hardeners, and then placed in the trash.

Items that will be accepted include automotive fluids such as motor oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid and brake fluid, along with banned or expired pesticides.

Residents can also bring wet-cell car batteries and rechargeable or button cell batteries, fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent light bulbs, ammonia-based cleaning products, gasoline, kerosene, mercury switches, oil-based paints, pool chemicals, propane tanks, and small party-sized helium tanks.

The county said accepted materials are limited to 10 gallons per category where applicable.

The county said staff will assist residents with accepting and processing common hazardous items, unloading materials and returning empty receptacles after items are received.

Items that will not be accepted include acrylic or latex and water-based paint, tires, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, electronics including computers and televisions, gas cylinders, infectious waste and smoke detectors.

At the household hazardous waste drop-off event in April, Somerset County staff and partners collected 24.721 tons of hazardous waste.

The county said materials accepted at hazardous waste events differ from those accepted during First Saturday of the Month drop-offs, and residents should review program guidelines before attending.

More information is available at somersetcountynj.gov, by calling 908-231-7109 or by emailing solidwaste@somersetcountynj.gov.