Sheriff Michael G. Mastronardy | Ocean County website
Sheriff Michael G. Mastronardy | Ocean County website
Ocean County has announced the dates for its annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection program, set to begin in April. This initiative allows residents to safely dispose of hazardous materials such as paint thinners, pool chemicals, and gasoline.
Deputy Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners Frank Sadeghi stated, "Our first collection date this year is scheduled for April 6 at the Lakewood Department of Public Works." He emphasized that there will be six collection dates throughout the county. "Our residents can attend any location," he added. "We move the collection around the County to make sure accessing the program is convenient as possible so that hazardous items are disposed of properly."
The scheduled collection events will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on these dates and locations:
- April 6: Lakewood Department of Public Works
- May 24: Stafford Township Department of Public Works
- June 21: Manchester Township Department of Public Works
- September 6: Toms River Fraternal Order of Police Lot
- October 12: Jackson Township Municipal Lot
- November 2: Long Beach Township Department of Public Works
The program is open to all Ocean County residents, but businesses and institutions cannot participate. Registration is required and can be completed online or by phone. Proof of residency must be presented.
Acceptable items include aerosols, auto products, cleaning products, compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs), fire extinguishers, pesticides/herbicides, mercury switches/devices (thermostats), stains/thinners, polyurethanes, and polishes. Items not accepted include electronics, oxygen tanks, asbestos, radioactive materials (smoke detectors), infectious wastes, explosives (fireworks, gunpowder), scrap metal and unknown materials.
Materials should be in their original containers except for oil and gasoline. Each household can bring up to 200 pounds of dry materials and 20 gallons of liquid material with no container larger than five gallons.
Radiac Environmental Services has been contracted to manage collections at a disposal cost of $1.059 per pound. Last year’s program collected over 303,994 pounds at a cost exceeding $385,000.
John P. Kelly, Director of the Board said: "The Ocean County Board of Commissioners started this program in 1989... It has been very successful over the years... I am pleased we can continue to bring this service to our citizens."
Residents are reminded they can also dispose certain items like used paint and batteries at municipal recycling centers or regional recycling centers year-round.