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.

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.

Examples of Household Hazardous Waste the BCUA IS Accepting:

From Your House

From Your Workshop

From Your Garden  

From Your Garage  

Miscellaneous

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.

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.

Household and Rechargeable Battery Recycling

Many municipalities collect household batteries for recycling. Contact your municipal recycling coordinator to see if your town participates in this program.  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.

Motor Oil Recycling

Many municipalities collect motor oil for recycling.  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. Go to www.bcua.org for more information.

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

What is a CESQG?

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.

Directions to the Collection Event Sites:

Bergen Community College
400 Paramus Road
Paramus, NJ 07652

Directions to Bergen Community College:

From the North (Via Route 17) - Turn right off Route 17 South onto Ridgewood Avenue (West) to Paramus Road. Turn left onto Paramus Road and continue approximately 2 miles to college; proceed around jug handle to main entrance.

From the East - Take Route 4 West to Paramus Road (Paramus Road is ¾ mile past Route 17 intersection.) Turn right onto Paramus Road and proceed north approximately 2 miles to College entrance on right.

From the South (Via Route 17) - Take Route 17 North to Century Road exit, second exit to the right, and proceed around cloverleaf over Route 17 onto Century Road (West). Continue to Paramus Road and turn right onto Paramus Road to College entrance on right.

From the West - Take Route 4 East to Paramus Road (exit under underpass). Turn right onto Paramus Road and proceed north approximately 2 miles to College entrance on right.

Bergen County Utilities Authority
Foot of Empire Blvd.
Moonachie, NJ

Directions to the Bergen County Utilities Authority

Traveling Route 17 North - Exit at Moonachie/Wood-Ridge exit. Make right at light onto Moonachie Ave. Pass Teterboro Airport (on your left) and continue going straight until road ends into BCUA facilities. Follow green and white computer and electronic recycling program signs. 

Traveling Route 17 South - Exit at Moonachie/Wood-Ridge exit (exit is by The Fiesta). Make left at light onto Moonachie Avenue. Pass Teterboro Airport (on your left) and continue going straight until road ends into BCUA facilities. Follow green and white computer and electronic recycling program signs

Bergen County Campgaw Mountain Reservation *NEW LOCATION*
200 Campgaw Rd.
Mahwah, NJ

Directions to Bergen County Campgaw Mountain Reservation:

Traveling Route 17 North - Take into Mahwah. Take Route 202 (Ramapo Valley Road) exit. Make left at stop sign. Pass Ramapo College on left. Make left onto Darlington Avenue; bear right at fork onto Campgaw. The Reservation is about a half mile on the right.

Traveling Route 208 West - Take into Oakland. Take Rt. 202/Ramapo Valley Road North. Right onto Darlington, bear right at fork onto Campgaw. The Reservation is about ½ mile on the right.

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