TOMS RIVER – From old pool chemicals to gasoline, many household hazardous items end up stored for years in basements, garages, and sheds.

Beginning this spring, Ocean County is giving residents a safe and responsible way to dispose of these materials through its free Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program.

The first collection will take place March 22 at the Lakewood Department of Public Works, launching six collection dates scheduled throughout the county. Residents can find the full schedule and details about the program on the Ocean County Department of Solid Waste's website, www.co.ocean.nj.us/recycle.

"The Ocean County Board of Commissioners established this program in 1989, and it has proven to be an essential service for our residents," said the Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners Frank Sadeghi, liaison to the Ocean County Department of Solid Waste Management. "Residents can attend any collection location, regardless of where they live. By rotating sites throughout the county, we make it easier for people to properly dispose of these materials instead of keeping them stored at home or disposing of them incorrectly."

The program is open to all residents of Ocean County, but businesses and institutions are not eligible. Registration is required, and can be done online or by calling 732-506-5047, if preferred. Proof of residency is also required.

Ocean County has contracted with Radiac Environmental Services to oversee the collections at a disposal cost of $0.9889 per pound. In 2025, the program collected 362,425 pounds of household hazardous waste, at a disposal cost of $383,808.

Residents are also reminded that they can bring many items to their municipal recycling centers and the county's regional recycling centers that allow year-round drop off of some materials. Those items include used paint, batteries, antifreeze, and waste oil. Residents can use the drop-offs located at the Ocean County Northern Recycling Center in Lakewood, or the Southern Recycling Center located in Manahawkin from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Residents can check with their municipal recycling centers for information on what items can be dropped off.

 Click here to see the full schedule.