The Union County Board of County Commissioners reminds residents that Union County’s free drop-off recycling program for scrap metal begins this year on Thursday, April 7. A wide variety of metal goods, from household appliances to gutters and sheds, are accepted at two countywide collection sites in Cranford and Rahway twice a month from April to November.

“We encourage everyone to check their homes and yards for broken or unwanted metal items, and bring them to our collection sites. It’s an easy, effective way to help conserve valuable resources,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams.

Scrap metal will be accepted Thursday, April 7 and Saturday, April 16 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at two drop-off centers:

• Cranford:  Emergency Services Building, 151 Kenilworth Boulevard
• Rahway: Rahway River Park (follow Park Drive, Rahway off St. Georges Avenue to service yard across from swimming pool)

Residents from any Union County municipality may use either of these sites.

Acceptable items for recycling include air conditioners, aluminum scrap, aluminum siding, bicycles, brass, copper, dishwashers, electric fans, fencing (chain/wire), freezers, gutters, irons, lawn furniture, metal cabinets, metal sheds, microwaves, pots and pans, railings, refrigerators, stoves, tire rims, toasters, washers and dryers, window frames (no glass), and wire hangers.

The scrap metal collection sites are drive-through only. Residents must remain in their vehicle at all times. Items for drop-off should be placed in the trunk or cargo area where they are easily reached by staff.

The next scrap metal events will take place on Thursday, May 5 and Saturday, May 21.

For more information, upcoming dates and directions to all Union County recycling programs and locations, visit the Bureau of Recycling and Planning website at ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

To stay up to date with all Union County and local recycling programs in a convenient mobile format, download the free Recycle Coach app.

Quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities are available at The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.