Ocean County to collect household hazardous waste in Stafford Township

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The collection program allows residents to
safely dispose of household hazardous waste.

Ocean County's annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection program is back, making it easier for residents to dispose of hazardous items such as cleaning products and pool chemicals that have been left sitting in garages or basements. Residents interested in getting rid of the hazardous waste can safely dispose of the materials at the Stafford Township Public Works Garage, located on Haywood Rd., on Saturday, May 31, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Accepted materials for the program include paints, thinners, solvents, pool chemicals, pesticides and herbicides, aerosol cans, auto products, toilet and drain cleaners, silver polishes, oven cleaners, photographic chemicals, rug and upholstery cleaners, polishes and bleaches, waste oil and used gasoline. Residents can drop off a maximum of 200 pounds of dry material and 20 gallons of liquid. No containers over five gallons will be accepted.

During last year's program, 253,654 pounds of household hazardous waste was collected and safely disposed of. The collection of the cost was $91,669.

The county is using resources from the State Recycling Enhancement Act Tax Fund to operate the free public program. Collection points will be held in different towns in the county from May through October. Residents can attend any date or location they choose, but registration is required. To sign up for the Stafford Township site, call 609-978-0913.

— Kelley Anne Essinger

This article was published in The Forked River Gazette.