Household Hazardous Waste
The BCUA operates a Household Hazardous Waste ("HHW") Management and Disposal Program for all Bergen County residents. These events provide a location for the proper disposal of household-generated hazardous 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, signs will guide you, and BCUA personnel will be available to assist you.
Hazardous Waste Collection Events
Collections are held in Moonachie, Paramus and Mahwah. If you must dispose of household hazardous waste prior to the next collection event, please click here for alternate disposal options.
2024 Household Hazardous Waste Collections
Bergen County Utilities Authority
(Entry via Empire Road in Moonachie only. Absolutely NO entry via Mehrhof Road in Little Ferry.)
Foot of Empire Blvd., Moonachie
- Saturday, March 9, 2024
- Saturday, November 16, 2024
Bergen County Campgaw Reservation
200 Campgaw Rd., Mahwah
- Saturday, May 11, 2024
- Saturday, July 20, 2024
- Saturday, September 7, 2024
Bergen Community College
(Entry via Paramus Road only)
400 Paramus Rd., Paramus
- Sunday, April 7, 2024
- Sunday, June 9, 2024
- Sunday, October 20, 2024
Residents must stay in their vehicles at all times. Please have your materials in your trunk, cargo area or truck bed, easily accessible to our staff, who will remove it from your vehicle.
The BCUA sponsored recycling events can no longer return to participants any item(s) once it’s removed from the vehicle. This includes gasoline and motor oil containers. Please plan accordingly.