Household Hazardous Waste Management

The BCUA operates a Household Hazardous Waste ("HHW") Management and Disposal Program for all Bergen County residents and Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generators (CESQG's). These events provide a location for the proper disposal of household-generated hazardous waste and CESQG waste.

Click here for additional information.

What is HHW?

HHW is defined as any municipal solid waste, generated by a private residence in a community, that is either a listed hazardous waste, or exhibits certain hazardous characteristics. These characteristics are defined by state regulation, and are based upon the ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, and toxicity of the material.

Residential HHW Program

From residents, the BCUA will accept items such as paints, automotive products, pesticides, aerosols, flammable materials, etc. that are used around your home on a daily basis. Placing these items in your trashcan is not an environmentally sound way to dispose of them. Using them up completely is the preferred alternative. To help our environment, more and more communities are asking citizens - on a voluntary basis - to take a few extra steps in the handling and disposal of these hazardous waste items. There is no charge for Bergen County residents to dispose of household hazardous waste material at this program.

The BCUA urges you to participate in this program, which offers a safe alternative for disposal of these materials and helps us create a cleaner and healthier environment in our communities.

Residential procedures to participate in the BCUA's Household Hazardous Waste Management and Disposal Program

• If a material is labeled explosive, or you believe a material is explosive, please contact your local police department directly.
• Please be certain that when you are transporting containers of household hazardous waste materials, the containers are adequately sealed to prevent accidental spills. To prevent leakage or breakage, pack containers separately in absorbent material, triple bag, or use a box or other container to assure proper safety. Place your box or other container in the trunk of your vehicle to prevent spillage in case of sudden stops. Also, each item must be clearly labeled as to its content and bring the materials in the original, sealed containers. Bring rags to clean up any spills, and dispose of the rags at the collection site.
• Once you arrive at the collection location, directional signs will guide you, and BCUA personnel will be available to assist you.

Hazardous Waste Collection Dates

• The collection programs are held in Moonachie, Paramus and Mahwah.  If you must dispose of household hazardous waste prior to the next collection event, please refer to the Alternate Disposal Options section at the bottom of this page.  Please click on BCUA Calendar for an upcoming schedule of household hazarous waste events. 

Examples of Household Hazardous Waste the BCUA IS Accepting:

From Your House

• Aerosols
• Appliance and Flashlight Batteries
• Button Cell - Mercury Batteries (camera, calculator, hearing aid, watch, etc.)
• Bug Sprays
• Disinfectants
• Drain Cleaners
• Chlorine Bleach
• Dyes
• Fire Extinguishers
• Floor Care Products
• Floor Wax
• Fluorescent Lamps
• Furniture Polish
• Mercury Thermostats/thermometers
• Oven Cleaners
• Polish Removers
• Spray Dust Cleaners
• Smoke Detectors (Click here for additional information.)
• Spot & Stain Removers
• Toilet Cleaners
• Upholstery/ Carpet Cleaners

From Your Workshop

• Alcohol
• Paints:
  • Automobile
  • Marine
  • Model
  • Oil & Latex
  • Primer
  • Stripper
  • Waterproof
• Creosote
• Cutting Oils
• Driveway Sealers
• Glues
• Linseed Oil
• Mineral Spirits
• Naphtha
• Paint Brush Cleaners
• Polyurethane Coatings
• Rust Removers
• Shellacs
• Lacquers
• Turpentine
• Thinners
• Varnish
• Wood Stain & Preservatives

From Your Garden

• Algaecides
• Ant & Roach Powder
• Bug Sprays, Sticks & Creams
• Fertilizer
• Fly Strips
• Fungicides
• Garden Dusts & Sprays
• Herbicides
• Insecticides
• Rat & Rodent Poison
• Weed Killer

From Your Garage

• Antifreeze
• Auto Batteries or Battery Acid
• Brake Fluid
• Car Wax with Solvents
• Diesel Fuel & Gasoline
• Engine Cleaners
• Fuel Oil
• Motor Oil & Additives
• Gas & Diesel Additives
• Kerosene
• Metal Polishers
• Oil Filters
• Transmission Fluid & Additives

Miscellaneous

• Artists' Paint & Mediums
• BBQ Propane Cylinders
• Chemistry Kits
• Fiberglass Epoxy
• Gun Cleaning Solvents
• Lighter Fluids
• Moth Balls and Flakes

UNACCEPTABLE HAZARDOUS WASTE

Some types and quantities of hazardous wastes are unacceptable. Those listed below are currently beyond our capabilities. If your household contains any of these materials and you wish to dispose of them, please secure a contractor from the yellow pages under "Waste Reduction, Removal & Disposal Services" heading, or contact our Hazardous Waste Hotline at (201) 807-5825 for advice and information.

• Unlabeled wastes or containers with unknown contents
• Regulated medical waste (as defined by the NJAC 7:26-3A)
• Radioactive Material
• Explosives or ordnance materials - Contact your local Police Department
• Containers larger than five (5) gallons
• Non-Friable Asbestos - Contact the BCUA for a disposal package which includes a complete listing of disposal facilities.  Click here for NJDEP-Guidance Document For Management of Asbestos http://www.state.nj.us/dep/dshw/rrtp/asbestos.htm
• Automobile Tires - Contact your local municipality or service station or click the BCUA Calendar to see currently scheduled tire collection dates
• Computer or electronic equipment - Click the BCUA Calendar to see currently scheduled collection dates.
• Containers with less than 1" of material or empty containers - These can go into the regular trash.
• Alkaline Batteries - Non-rechargeable alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, and 9 volt) produced by manufacturers like Energizer and Duracell as well as less common manufacturers will no longer be accepted for recycling after January 1, 2010.  Alkaline batteries are not classified as a hazardous waste.  In 1996, the federal government banned the use of mercury in alkaline batteries.  Alkaline and heavy duty carbon and zinc batteries should be thrown out in the regular garbage.

General Tips

• Always read labels carefully before buying and using hazardous products. Be aware of their uses and dangers. If directions are unclear, contact the manufacturer before using.
• Buy alternative household products that are not toxic. Look for "non-toxic" on the label.
• Keep unused portions in their original containers with labels intact and readable. Knowing the contents could be a lifesaver in case of accidental poisoning.
• Store hazardous materials in a place inaccessible to children and pets.
• Reduce your waste and save money by purchasing only material you need and will use.
• Avoid mixing different products. Mixing can sometimes cause explosive or poisonous chemical reactions.
• Always use hazardous products in well-ventilated areas. Wear protective gloves when warranted. Many hazardous products have dangerous fumes that can burn your skin or irritate your eyes, nose and throat.
• Look up the phone number of the poison control center and place it near or on your phone in case of actual or suspected poisoning.

Rechargeable Battery Recycling

• The following are classified as rechargeable batteries: Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd), nickel metal hydride (Ni-Mh), Lithium Ion (Li-ion), Nickel zinc (Ni-Zn), and small sealed lead (Pb)
• Rechargeable batteries are found in cordless power tools, cellular and cordless phones, laptop computers, digital cameras, two-way radios, camcorders, and remote controlled toys.  Rechargeable batteries resemble alkaline batteries.  The label on the battery will indicate if it's rechargeable.
• Many retailers, including hardware stores, camera shops, and home improvement centers, who sell rechargeable batteries (from cell phones, cordless phones, cameras, video cameras, etc.) also collect spent batteries for recycling at their stores, so contact local retailers to see if they participate in this program.Go to www.rbrc.org to learn more about rechargeable batteries and cell phones.

Motor Oil Recycling

• Many municipalities collect motor oil for recycling,  For more information about the services offered by your municipality, click here to go to the municipality section of the Bergen County Website.
• If your town does not accept motor oil, many service stations that perform oil changes will accept your used motor oil (possibly for a nominal fee). Please call your local service station for guidelines for the acceptance of used motor oil.
• All Jiffy-lube stations will take up to 10 gallons of motor oil at no charge. You must bring the used motor oil in closed containers, during business hours, and take the empty containers away with you.
• All Bridgestone and Firestone Tire and Service Centers will accept up to 2 gallons of motor oil at no charge. You must bring the used motor oil in closed containers, during business hours, and take the empty containers away with you.
• Call Earth's 911 at 1-800-CLEANUP, or visit their website at www.18oocleanup.org, for a list of used motor oil collection centers near your home. Earth's 911 is a public/private partnership for environmental protection.
• The American Petroleum Institute's website, at www.recycleoil.org, also helps you find motor oil collection centers.

Computer and Electronics Recycling

The BCUA operates a NJDEP approved Computer and Electronics Recycling Depot for all Bergen County residents. All types of computer and electronic equipment are collected, by appointment only, for recycling. Click here more information on this program.

Propane Tank Disposal

• Many local propane filling stations and retailers, including home improvement centers, will accept your old propane tanks for recycling (possibly for a nominal fee) or trade-in for a new tank. Contact local filling stations or retailers to see if they participate in this program

Helium Tank Disposal - Click here for helium tank disposal information

Syringe Disposal Guide - Click here for syringe disposal information

Fluorescent Lamp Disposal - Click here for information on fluorescent lamp disposal from the NJDEP

What is a CESQG/Business Disposal

• A CESQG is a business whose hazardous waste generation limits do not exceed: 100 kilograms (220 lbs.) of non-acutely hazardous waste and/or 1 kilogram (2.2 lbs.) of acutely hazardous waste in a calendar month.
• CESQG's will be allowed to dispose of up to 220 lbs. of hazardous waste at the collection site. CESQGs must register prior to delivery by calling (201) 807-5825 to receive a registration packet. The registration form will determine if the business meets the disposal requirements set forth by local, State and Federal regulations.
• CESQG's will be charged a disposal fee depending on the quantity and types of materials delivered. Disposal fees will be determined prior to delivery and in accordance with pre-registration information. A disposal price quote will be provided to the CESQG prior to the event date.
• In accordance with Federal and State environmental law, the BCUA cannot accept wastes from large quantity generators.
• Please call the HHW Hotline at (201) 807-5825 any time of day for a schedule of events.  Click here for hazardous waste registration and service inventory form.
   

What should I do with medications? 
Click here for DEP guidelines for the proper disposal of household medication


ALTERNATIVE DISPOSAL OPTIONS

• Residents may deliver Household Hazardous Waste to the Morris County permanent HHW site in Mount Olive, NJ for a fee. For more information, please contact the Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority at (973) 829-8006
  
  or
   
• Bergen County residents can contact a private contractor to remove household hazardous waste from your home.  Below is a listing of private contractors for your use. Market information mentioned is by no means the only markets available to the County of Bergen.  Vendors on this list do not constitute a recommendation nor are the listed companies endorsed by the BCUA.
• Clean Venture/Cycle Chem
  201 South First Street
  Elizabeth, New Jersey 07206
  908-354-0210
   
• Radiac Research Company
  261 Kent Avenue
  Brooklyn, New York 11211
  718-963-2233
   
• Disposal Consultant Services, Inc.
  743 Route 206
  Hillsborough, NJ  08844
  908-874-7888
   
• Onyx Environmental Services
  1 Eden Lane
  Flanders, NJ  07836
  800-426-2382
   
•  S &W  Waste Inc.
  115 Jacobus Ave.
  South Kearny, NJ  07032
  973-344-4004
   
•  Care Environmental Corp.
  10 Orben Drive
  Landing, NJ  07850
  973-398-5100