First Saturday and E-Waste Recycling Drop-Off Events to be held on February 7

(For Immediate Release – Somerset County, NJ): Residents are invited to safely dispose of unwanted recyclables and electronic waste at the First Saturday and E-Waste Drop-Off events on Saturday, February 7, 2026. 

At the events held in January, 529 residents were in attendance. 

As participation continues to grow, residents are reminded to take extra care when preparing materials for drop-off.

Recycling begins well before materials reach the curb. Residents are encouraged to place clean, dry materials in the correct bucket to help ensure that items can be properly processed. Those using the 20‑gallon blue bucket program should place rinsed containers, glass jars and bottles, along with cans directly in the bucket. Cardboard and newspapers should be bundled separately using string or twine

For residents using the dual stream tote program, rinsed plastics, glass, and metal belong in the yellow‑lid commingled tote. Flattened cardboard, chipboard, and paper go in the green‑lid paper tote.

Avoid placing trash or food waste in recycling containers. Consistent sorting supports a healthier and environmentally conscious community for all. 

To encourage continued awareness, following is a brief myth‑or‑fact for residents to consider.

Myth or Fact: Caps can stay on plastic bottles while recycling.

MYTH — This is False! Caps must be removed before placing bottles into the yellow-lid tote for the dual stream tote program and the 20-gallon blue bucket program.

Proof of Somerset County residency is required. Accepted documents include a valid driver's license, lease, tax bill, or utility bill. Businesses and commercial vehicles are NOT permitted. Pre-registration is not required.

FIRST SATURDAY

The First Saturday Drop-off will take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Somerset County Recycling Center, located at 40 Polhemus Lane, Bridgewater, NJ 08807. Residents must stay inside their vehicles while staff unload all recyclable materials.

Items Accepted: Drop-off up to eight tires – with or without rims, scrap metal, used motor oil, oil filters, antifreeze, and the usual curbside materials, including plastic bottles, and food containers marked #1 through #7. Accepted chipboard items include gift, shoe, shirt, and all retail boxes, as well as cereal, cookie, pasta, cake and cracker boxes without the plastic liners, poster board, backing from writing pads, and empty dried-out steel paint cans.

Items NOT Accepted: Somerset County does NOT accept textiles at First Saturday of the Month Drop-off. Residents should continue to recycle used textiles at any local charity donation bin.

For more information, contact the Somerset County Recycling Center at (732) 469-3363 or visit www.somersetcountynj.gov/recycle.

ELECTRONIC WASTE DROP-OFF

The Electronic Waste Drop-off event runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the South County Public Works Garage, located at 410 Roycefield Road, Hillsborough, NJ 08844. Residents should expect to remain in their vehicles unless otherwise instructed by staff.

Items Accepted: Computers, monitors, televisions, printers, scanners, cameras, DVD players, e-book readers, VCRs, phones, circuit boards, modems, cables, wiring, power supplies and controllers

Items NOT Accepted: Batteries are not accepted. Residents can recycle household hazardous waste, including lithium and rechargeable batteries, at scheduled Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off events. For a full list of accepted items, contact the Somerset County Division of Solid Waste Management at (908) 231-7109 or send an email to solidwaste@somersetcountynj.gov.

Use the free Recycle Coach app to get personalized and up-to-date recycling information. To download the app, visit https://bit.ly/SCRecycleCoach2025.

To learn more about Somerset County, register for free email alerts at somersetcountynj.gov/subscribe or follow us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube.

About Somerset County

The County of Somerset is committed to excellence and innovation in public service, promoting the well-being of all residents and communities by providing effective, efficient, and responsive leadership.

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