January 29, 2025| Community, Environment
By: Andrew Dollberg
Disposing of household hazardous waste properly is vital for protecting public health and our local environment. Household hazardous waste is any waste produced in and around the home that is flammable, toxic, corrosive, or reactive. These materials—including cleaners, gasoline, batteries, certain paints, solvents, pesticides, and electronics—can harm public health and pollute local waterbodies if not disposed of properly.
As winter fades, and we prepare upcoming spring cleaning projects, it's best to plan now for both how and when to dispose of hazardous waste that we may have. Both Morris County and Sussex County have organized special household hazardous waste collection days to help safely handle and dispose of these materials. These events are free for the residents of the respective counties to utilize.
The Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority (MCMUA) will host four hazardous waste events in 2025, each at a different location across the county. The dates, times, and locations are as follows:
Saturday, May 17, 2025, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Jefferson Township D.P.W.
1033 Weldon Road, Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849
Saturday, June 21, 2025, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Chatham High School
255 Lafayette Avenue, Chatham Township, NJ 07928
Saturday, September 20, 2025, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Pequannock Valley Park
Marvin Road, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444
Saturday, November 8, 2025, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
County College of Morris - Parking Lot #1
214 Center Grove Road, Randolph, NJ 07869
Click HERE for more information from MCMUA, including a list of acceptable and unacceptable materials.
The Sussex County Municipal Utilities Authority (SCMUA) hosts two free hazardous waste events annually on the first Saturday of June and November, from 7:00 AM-2:00 PM. The dates, times, and location are as follows:
Saturday, June 7, 2025, 7:00 AM-2:00 PM
SCMUA Solid Waste Facility
34 State Rt 94, Lafayette, NJ 07848
Saturday, November 1, 2025, 7:00 AM-2:00 PM
SCMUA Solid Waste Facility
34 State Rt 94, Lafayette, NJ 07848
Sussex County residents will be allowed to bring up to 100 pounds of dry waste, and up to 10 gallons of liquid waste per vehicle to the SCMUA facility. More information can be found HERE, including a list of acceptable and unacceptable materials.
Utilizing hazardous waste disposal programs helps reduce pollution, and contamination of water sources ensuring harmful materials are handled in compliance with safety regulations. Remember, each step in proper waste management contributes to a healthier, cleaner, and safer community.
