Raritan NJ
10-15-2026 11:16am

Residents Can Safely Dispose of Household Hazardous Waste Items October 17

(For Immediate Release – Somerset County, NJ): Residents are invited to attend the final Household Hazardous Waste event of the year on Saturday, October 17, 2026, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the South County Public Works Garage, located at 410 Roycefield Road in Hillsborough. A new lineup of Household Hazardous Waste events will be available in 2027.

As of October, Somerset County staff and partners have collected a total of 93 tons of hazardous materials from nearly 800 vehicles that participated in the events.

The drive-up and drop-off event, which is hosted by the Somerset County Division of Solid Waste Management, will be held rain or shine. If collection trucks fill before 2 p.m., the site will close for the day.

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 as cooler weather approaches, the following is a brief myth‑or‑fact for residents to consider.

Myth or Fact: Oil filters, motor oil, coolant, gasoline, and other automotive fluids are all hazardous materials.

FACT — Each of these items are considered hazardous. Residents can safely dispose of all these hazardous items at any Household Hazardous Waste drop-off event.

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):

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

The following items WILL NOT be accepted:

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

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.

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