THE BERGEN COUNTY UTILITIES
AUTHORITY (BCUA)
HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE
298 Mehrhof Road, Little Ferry, N.J. 07643
Telephone: (201) 641-2552
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.
Click to access BCUA Home Page.
Residential HHW Program
From residents, the BCUA will accept items that are used around your home on a daily basis. There is no
charge for Bergen County residents to dispose of Household Hazardous Waste material at the BCUA’s
collection events.
Hazardous Waste Collection Events
The collection programs are held in Moonachie, Paramus and Mahwah. If you must dispose of
Household Hazardous Waste prior to the next collection event, please refer to the ALTERNATE
DISPOSAL OPTIONS section below.
EXAMPLES OF HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE THE BCUA ACCEPTS
From Your House:
 Aerosols
 Appliance and Flashlight Batteries
 Button Cell - Mercury Batteries (camera,
calculator, hearing aid, watch, etc.)
 Bug Sprays
 Disinfectants
 Drain Cleaners
 Chlorine Bleach
 Dyes
 Fire Extinguishers
 Floor Care Products
 Floor Wax
 Fluorescent Lamps
 Furniture Polish
 Mercury Thermostats/thermometers
 Oven Cleaners
 Polish Removers
 Spray Dust Cleaners
 Smoke Detectors
 Spot & Stain Removers
 Toilet Cleaners
 Upholstery/ Carpet Cleaners
From Your Workshop:
 Turpentine/Paint brush cleaners/Thinners
 All Paint and Stains
 Varnish/Finishes/Lacquers/Preservatives
 Rust removers
From Your Garden:
•
Algaecides
•
Ant & Roach Powder
•
Bug Sprays, Sticks & Creams
•
Fertilizer
•
Fly Strips
•
Fungicides
•
Garden Dusts & Sprays

Weed Killer
•
Herbicides & Insecticides
From Your Garage:
•
Antifreeze
•
Auto Batteries or Battery Acid
•
Brake Fluid
•
Car Wax with Solvents
•
Diesel Fuel & Gasoline
•
Engine Cleaners
•
Fuel Oil, Motor Oil & Additives
•
Gas & Diesel Additives
•
Kerosene
•
Metal Polishers
•
Oil Filters
Miscellaneous:
•
BBQ Propane Cylinders
•
Chemistry Kits
•
Fiberglass Epoxy
•
Gun Cleaning Solvents
•
Lighter Fluids
UNACCEPTABLE HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE
If your household contains any of these materials and you wish to dispose of them, please contact
the BCUA Hazardous Waste Hotline at (201) 807-5825 for advice and information.
•
Unlabeled wastes or containers with unknown contents.
•
Regulated medical waste (as defined by the NJAC 7:26-3A).
•
Radioactive Material.
•
Explosives or ordnance materials - Contact your local Police Department.
•
Containers larger than five (5) gallons.
•
Non-Friable Asbestos - Contact the BCUA for a disposal package which includes a complete
listing of disposal facilities.
•
Automobile Tires - Contact your local municipality or service station to see currently
scheduled tire collection dates.
•
Computer or electronic equipment.
•
Containers with less than 1" of material or empty containers - These can go into the regular
trash.
•
Alkaline Batteries - Non-rechargeable alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, and 9 volt) produced
by manufacturers like Energizer and Duracell as well as less common manufacturers will no
longer be accepted for recycling after January 1, 2010. Alkaline batteries are not classified as
a hazardous waste. In 1996, the federal government banned the use of mercury in alkaline
batteries. Alkaline and heavy duty carbon and zinc batteries should be thrown out in the
regular garbage.
General Tips:
•
Always read labels carefully before buying and using hazardous products. Be aware of their
uses and dangers. If directions are unclear, contact the manufacturer before using.
•
Buy alternative household products that are not toxic. Look for "non-toxic" on the label.
•
Keep unused portions in their original containers with labels intact and readable. Knowing the
contents could be a lifesaver in case of accidental poisoning.
•
Store hazardous materials in a place inaccessible to children and pets.
•
Reduce your waste and save money by purchasing only material you need and will use.
ALTERNATIVE DISPOSAL OPTIONS
•
Residents may deliver Household Hazardous Waste to the Morris County permanent HHW site
in Mount Olive, New Jersey for a fee. For more information, please contact the Morris County
Municipal Utilities Authority at (973) 829-8006
•
Bergen County residents can contact a private contractor to remove Household Hazardous
Waste from your home. Please refer to the BCUA website for a listing of private contractors:
Click to access BCUA Home Page.
•
Information about upcoming BCUA HHW collection events can be found on the BCUA’s website:
Click to access BCUA Home Page. The D.P.W. Office can also provide information and flyers
about the events. Flyers are also posted on the D.P.W./Recycling Center bulletin board located
in the Borough’s lobby.