3-10-2026 8:53pm

Somerset County to Host Free Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Event March 14

Donnella Tilery Editor

(For Immediate Release – Somerset County, NJ): The Somerset County Division of Solid Waste Management will host a free household hazardous drop off for residents on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the Bernards Township Public Works Garage, located at 277 South Maple Ave, Basking Ridge, NJ, 07920. The drive-up event runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine. If collection trucks fill before 2 p.m., the site will close for the day. The last Household Hazardous Waste drop-off event of 2025 was a success, with Somerset County staff and partners collecting items from 767 vehicles.

Proper disposal of household hazardous waste plays a vital role in keeping Somerset County healthy, safe, and environmentally conscious. When residents recycle only accepted materials and bring hazardous items to the appropriate drop-off locations, they help prevent contamination, protect local waterways and support a cleaner community for everyone. To encourage continued awareness, following is a brief myth‑or‑fact for residents to consider.

Myth or Fact: Prescription and over-the-counter medications cannot be recycled.

FACT — This is True!

These are not recyclable materials. Residents should instead bring unwanted or expired medications to Somerset County’s Household Hazardous Waste events or to 24/7 Project Medicine Drop boxes located at participating municipal police departments. Sheriff’s Officers and representatives from Somerset County’s Health Department will be on-site to ensure a safe and efficient experience for residents.

“Safe, secure disposal of unused medications is a straightforward way residents can protect their families and reduce the risk of diversion and accidental poisonings. I’m proud that our officers work alongside with the Somerset County Solid Waste Management Division and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration to staff Project Medicine Drop,” said Somerset County Sheriff Darrin J. Russo. “These collections provide a convenient, no‑cost option for people to turn in unwanted prescriptions and over‑the‑counter medicines.”

For more information about Project Medicine Drop, visit our website at www.somersetcountynj.gov/medwaste.

Proof of Somerset County residency is required. Acceptable forms include a current driver's license, valid lease agreement, tax bill, or any other bill with a Somerset County address. Pre-registration is not required. Businesses or commercial vehicles are NOT permitted to participate.

Residents will be assisted in accepting and processing common hazardous items. Staff will also help with unloading and returning empty receptacles after items are received. The following items will be accepted (up to 10 gallons per category where applicable):

Automotive fluids such as motor oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid, and brake fluid.
Banned or expired pesticides.
Wet-cell car batteries.
Fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent light bulbs.
Ammonia-based cleaning products.
Gasoline, kerosene, mercury switches.
Oil-based paints and pool chemicals.
Propane tanks and rechargeable or button-cell batteries.

The following items WILL NOT be accepted:

Tires.
Air conditioners and dehumidifiers.
Electronics (including computers and televisions).
Gas cylinders.
Infectious waste.
Latex-based paint.
Smoke detectors.

Materials accepted at hazardous waste events differ from those accepted on the First Saturday of the Month drop-offs. Residents are encouraged to review guidelines specific to each program before attending.

For more information or to inquire about properly recycling electronic waste and disposal guidelines, visit https://www.somersetcountynj.gov/government/public-works/recycling/household-hazardous-waste-days, call (908) 231-7109, or email solidwaste@somersetcountynj.gov.

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.