Ocean County Hazardous Waste Collection Runs Monthly

High volumes of unused household cleaners, pool chemicals, insecticides and other toxins at Ocean County's household hazardous waste collection days prompts an augmented schedule through October.

Ocean County Household Hazardous Waste Collection (Ocean County Public Information)

Collections are scheduled each month, according to Freeholder James F. Lacey, liaison to the recycling program. The next takes place this Saturday, June 6, at the Stafford Township Public Works Garage on Haywood Road, 9 AM until 3 PM.

According to Lacey, the April collection in Lakewood drew 229 residents. "We have scheduled monthly collection dates to increase the convenience of the program," Lacey said in a news release. "Giving our residents the ability to dispose of household hazardous waste monthly through most of the year has provided easier access."

The County's contract with Elizabeth-based Clean Venture costs about 40 cents per pound. In 2014, more than 284,000 pounds of toxins collected cost $107,183, officials said.

Residents are permitted up to 200 pounds of dry material and 20 gallons of liquids. The maximum size of a container is five gallons.

Acceptable items are paints, thinners, boat paints, solvents, pool chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, aerosol cans, auto products, toilet and drain cleaners, silver polishes, oven cleaners, photography chemicals, rug and upholstery cleaners, polishes, bleaches, waste oil and used gasoline.

There is no charge for the service, but registration is required. For the June 6 collection, reach Stafford Township public works at 609-978-0913.

The remainder of the schedule, and numbers to call for registration, are: