By: Richard L. Smith
Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. is encouraging residents to safely dispose of hazardous household items during the upcoming county collection event.
According to a statement released by county officials, the Essex County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Essex County Public Works Department.
The event is sponsored by the County of Essex and the Essex County Utilities Authority.
Residents can bring a wide range of hazardous materials for safe disposal, including pesticides, herbicides, paint thinners, oil-based paints and stains, pool chemicals, propane tanks, automotive fluids such as antifreeze and motor oil, photographic chemicals, lithium and NiCad batteries, fluorescent bulbs, mercury-containing items, gasoline, kerosene, household cleaning fluids, fire extinguishers, driveway sealer, and aerosol spray paints.
All items must be in containers of five gallons or less or weigh no more than 10 pounds.
Items not accepted include latex paint (which can be dried and disposed of with regular trash), unlabeled or unidentifiable materials, asbestos, regulated medical or infectious waste, commercial or industrial waste, empty containers, explosives or highly reactive materials, standard household batteries such as AA, AAA, C, D, and 9-volt, as well as smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms.
County officials say the event offers residents a safe and environmentally responsible way to dispose of potentially hazardous household items.