Somerset County
Home MenuPlease DO NOT dispose of hazardous waste or batteries in your recycling container. Improper disposal is dangerous to our employees, vehicles, facility and environment.
“Operation Secure Shred” is sponsored by The Somerset County Board of County Commissioners, in cooperation with the County Department of Public Works. All events run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or until the trucks are filled, rain or shine.
Proof of Somerset County residency is required (current driver's license, valid lease, tax bill or any other bill with a Somerset County address). Residents can bring a combination of up to six bags, containers or boxes per trip. No businesses allowed. No commercial vehicles allowed. For more information, call 908-203-6018 or email PublicWorks@somersetcountynj.gov.
The following recyclable items are not accepted: junk mail, photos, x-rays, magazines and newspapers.
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2026 OPERATION SHRED EVENTS |
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| DATES | LOCATIONS | |||
| MARCH 21 |
Somerset County Public Works Garage - North County Facility, 411 Chimney Rock Road, Bridgewater, NJ 08807 |
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| APRIL 11 |
Somerset County Public Works Garage - South County Facility, 410 Roycefield Road, Hillsborough, NJ 08844 |
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| MAY 16 |
Somerset County Public Works Garage - North County Facility, 411 Chimney Rock Road, Bridgewater, NJ 08807 | |||
| JUNE 27 |
Somerset County Public Works Garage - South County Facility, 410 Roycefield Road, Hillsborough, NJ 08844 | |||
| JULY 18 | Somerset County Public Works Garage - North County Facility, 411 Chimney Rock Road, Bridgewater, NJ 08807 |
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| AUGUST 22 | Somerset County Public Works Garage - South County Facility, 410 Roycefield Road, Hillsborough, NJ 08844 |
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| SEPTEMBER 26 | Somerset County Public Works Garage - North County Facility, 411 Chimney Rock Road, Bridgewater, NJ 08807 |
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| OCTOBER 24 | Somerset County Public Works Garage - South County Facility, 410 Roycefield Road, Hillsborough, NJ 08844 |
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| NOVEMBER 21 | Somerset County Public Works Garage - North County Facility, 411 Chimney Rock Road, Bridgewater, NJ 08807 | |||
Residents from all 21 Somerset County municipalities can have personal documents shredded at as many free, on-site mobile paper-shredding events as they wish to attend. Residents do not have to reside in the town hosting an event to participate.
Documents are commercially shredded safely, privately, and properly by trained, licensed, and bonded document destruction specialists. Staples and paperclips do not have to be removed. Residents can bring documents in up to six boxes, containers, or bags per visit and may stay and watch as their documents are shredded. Residents will be asked to take back their receptacles.
Operation Secure Shred is sponsored by the Somerset County Board of County Commissioners in cooperation with the county Department of Public Works. For more information, call 908-203-6018 or email PublicWorks@somersetcountynj.gov.
For tips on managing your personal documents and information, click to read our "To Shred or Not To Shred" brochure.
Somerset County has partnered with Recycle Coach download below.
Recycle coach is a FREE app and equips every individual with the most efficient and convenient way to stay informed when it comes to their trash and recycling management. With trash and recycling reminders straight to your smartphone; an instant search sorting guide; educational activities and more – the Recycle Coach app is sure to make trash and recycling collection days easy.
OR use Recycle Coach below without downloading the app.
NOTE: If you do not see the full address list or calendar, click on the grey bar above 2 times to reload the page
Rafael F. Jimenez, Director of Recycling
| Phone: | 732-469-3363 | |
| Fax: | 732-469-6229 | |
| Mail: | 40 Polhemus Lane, Bridgewater, NJ 08807 | |
| Email: |
- Collects recyclable materials from county residents, public schools, municipal and county facilities.
- Recyclables are processed into marketable post-consumer commodities.
- Provides First Saturday of the Month Recycling Drop-Off Program to county residents.
Racquel Hinds, Manager of Solid Waste
| Phone: | 908-231-7109 | |
| Fax: | 908-707-1749 | |
| Mail: | 20 Grove Street, P. O. Box 3000, Somerville, NJ 08876 | |
| Email: |
- Responsible for planning, implementing, and monitoring of solid waste disposal methods for the county.
- Conducts periodic Household Hazardous Waste disposal programs.
- Coordinates the Adopt-A-Road and Backyard Composting Programs for Somerset County.
- Recycling Coordinator establishes prices through quoting of commodities in the various markets. Designs and implements special recycling programs throughout the county. Assists municipal recycling coordinators in program operations.
Somerset County to Host Free Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Event April 25
If collection trucks fill before 2 p.m., the site will close for the day.
The Somerset County Division of Solid Waste Management will host a free household hazardous drop off for residents on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the Warren Township Public Works Garage, located at 1 Bardy Road, Warren, New Jersey, 08844. The drive-up event runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine. If collection trucks fill before 2 p.m., the site will close for the day. At the Household Hazardous Waste drop-off event in March, Somerset County staff and partners collected 18.152 tons of hazardous waste.
Proper disposal of household hazardous waste plays a vital role in keeping Somerset County healthy, safe, and environmentally conscious. When residents recycle only accepted materials and bring hazardous items to the appropriate drop-off locations, they help prevent contamination, protect local waterways, and support a cleaner community for everyone. To encourage continued awareness as warmer weather approaches, the following is a brief myth‑or‑fact for residents to consider.
Myth or Fact: Pesticide containers can be placed in curbside recycling bins.
MYTH — This is False!
These items are not accepted in curbside pickup. They are considered hazardous and must be disposed of through Somerset County’s Household Hazardous Waste drop-off events.
Proof of Somerset County residency is required. Acceptable forms include a current driver's license, valid lease agreement, tax bill, or any other bill with a Somerset County address. Pre-registration is not required. Businesses or commercial vehicles are NOT permitted to participate.
Residents will be assisted in accepting and processing common hazardous items. Staff will also help with unloading and returning empty receptacles after items are received. The following items will be accepted (up to 10 gallons per category where applicable):
- Automotive fluids such as motor oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid, and brake fluid.
- Banned or expired pesticides.
- Wet-cell car batteries and rechargeable or button cell batteries.
- Fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent light bulbs.
- Ammonia-based cleaning products.
- Gasoline, kerosene, mercury switches.
- Oil-based paints and pool chemicals.
- Propane tanks and small party-sized helium tanks.
The following items WILL NOT be accepted:
- Latex/Water-based paint.
- Tires.
- Air conditioners and dehumidifiers.
- Electronics (including computers and televisions).
- Gas cylinders.
- Infectious waste.
- Smoke detectors.
Materials accepted at hazardous waste events differ from those accepted on the First Saturday of the Month drop-offs. Residents are encouraged to review guidelines specific to each program before attending.
For more information or to inquire about properly recycling electronic waste and disposal guidelines, visit https://www.somersetcountynj.gov/government/public-works/recycling/household-hazardous-waste-days, call (908) 231-7109, or email solidwaste@somersetcountynj.gov.
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About Somerset County
The County of Somerset is committed to excellence and innovation in public service, promoting the well-being of all residents and communities by providing effective, efficient, and responsive leadership.