County center set September dates for recycling hazardous items, tires

By: centraljersey.com
The Somerset County Division of Solid Waste Management has several special recycling and disposal events planned for September, including a composting workshop in Hillsborough Sept. 14.
The division is working with the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Somerset County to co-sponsor the backyard-composting workshops, scheduled for 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 14, at the Somerset County Training Academy, 402 Roycefield Road.
The $50 registration fee includes attendance in the workshop, a compost bin and backyard composting literature. Registration is requested by Sept. 8.
Participants will learn how to compost kitchen and yard debris into a "black gold" organic material for use in the yard and garden and for houseplants.
Composting reduces the amount of discarded garbage, acts as a natural fertilizer by returning nutrients to the soil, improves soil aeration and reduces soil diseases. It also helps to conserve the earth’s resources.
The program also will include a brief presentation titled "Cut It and Leave It," and other environmentally friendly lawn-care strategies.
For more information and to register, contact Melissa Harvey, recycling coordinator, at 908-231-7109 or [email protected].
The division is also partnering with the Manville Department of Public Works to collect old scrap tires, with or without rims.
County residents can drop off up to eight tires per household from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sept. 15, 16 and 17 and from 8 a.m. to noon on Sept. 18 at the Manville DPW, at 10 Gladys Ave. The program is free.
The tire drop-off program is funded through a grant from the state Department of Environmental Protection.
Tires also may be dropped off at the county Recycling Center, located at 40 Polhemus Lane in Bridgewater, as part of the First Saturday of the Month drop-off program. The next drop-off dates are Sept. 11, Oct. 2, Nov. 6 and Dec. 4, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For more information, call the Manville Department of Public Works at 908-725-5512.
The Somerset County Recycling Center, located at 40 Polhemus Lane, will be closed Sept. 6, in observance of the Labor Day holiday. The monthly Saturday Drop-off will be held 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 11, instead. No household hazardous waste will be accepted at the Saturday Drop-off, but can be taken to the Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off event, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sept. 11, from at the Branchburg Township Public Works Garage, located at 34 Kenbury Rd., Branchburg. No registration is necessary, but proof of residency is required. The program is free to county residents.
The last Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off day for 2010 will be Oct. 23 at South County Public Works Garage in Hillsborough.
For a complete listing of recyclable items, recycling events and much more, visit www.co.somerset.nj.us/recycle.html or call the Somerset County Recycling Center at 732-469-3363.
Canned goods and non-perishable food donations also can be brought to the Saturday event. Items will be delivered to the Food Bank Network of Somerset County. Perishables and foods in glass containers are not accepted by food banks.