TOMS RIVER – Ocean County's free Household Hazardous Waste Collection program kicks off April 10 with its first stop in Lakewood Township.

"I am happy to announce that we have set up the first three dates for the 2022 Household Hazardous Waste Collection program," said Ocean County Commissioner Barbara Jo Crea, liaison to the Ocean County Department of Solid Waste Management. "This program has helped our residents safely dispose of household hazardous materials for over 30 years.

"It has grown in popularity and importance as we all embrace the importance of our environment and also safety," she said.

The program is open to all residents of Ocean County, but businesses and institutions are not eligible. Pre-registration is required, and can be done online at www.co.ocean.nj.us/recycle, or by calling 732-506-5047, if preferred. Proof of residency will also be required.

The following collection dates are scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.:
• April 10 – Lakewood Township Public Works, 1 America Avenue
• May 7 – Stafford Township Public Works, 320 Haywood Road
• June 11 – Manchester Township Public Works, 1360 Route 70

During the 2021 Household Hazardous Waste collection events, Ocean County collected over 130 tons of hazardous waste. Last year, over 2,900 households participated in the program, which was a 24 percent increase from 2020.

"We take great pride in our environment in Ocean County and this helps reduce the potential for environmental damage," said the Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners John P. Kelly. "I commend the Ocean County Department of Solid Waste Management as it works with the Board to provide programs such as this, and I encourage residents to take advantage of these opportunities to help get rid of household hazardous waste safely."

The items that can be dropped off include: paints/thinners, batteries, solvents, aerosols, pool chemicals, pesticides/herbicides, cleaning supplies, waste oil, gasoline, fire extinguishers, propane tanks, mercury switches/devices (thermostats) and compact fluorescent light bulbs.

Items that are not accepted include: electronics, cylinders (oxygen tanks), asbestos, radioactive materials (smoke detectors), infectious wastes, explosives (fireworks, gunpowder, boat flares) and unknown materials.

All materials, with the exception of oil and gasoline, should be in the original containers. A limit of 200 pounds of dry materials and 20 gallons of liquid material is allowed per household. No containers larger than five gallons are accepted.

In addition, municipal recycling centers and the county's recycling centers allow for year-round drop off a host of materials including used paint and waste oil. Residents can use the drop offs located at the Ocean County Northern Recycling Center in Lakewood, or the Ocean County Southern Recycling Center located in Manahawkin from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Crea noted additional collection dates for 2022 will be announced in the future.

For more information, visit http://www.co.ocean.nj.us/OC/SolidWaste/.