Pumpkin Recycling Program For Union County Residents

WESTFIELD, NJ — As the Halloween festivities continue in full swing this weekend, Union County is encouraging residents to make the aftermath a little greener by recycling their pumpkins.

Beginning on Nov. 3 and lasting through Nov. 28, multiple sites across the county will be designated "pumpkin drop-off sites" to safely recycle the jack-o-lanterns. Other gourds will also be accepted.

Candles and decorations must be removed. Other food waste is prohibited from being dropped off.

Residents from anywhere in Union County can use any of the locations listed. When the program is done, the CORe facility in Elizabeth will handle a specialized recycling procedure that converts food waste into organic slurry.

This will then be used to enhance the development of biogas and other renewable items at local wastewater plants.

Below is a list of locations and times available for drop-off:

• Berkeley Heights: Department of Public Works facility at 29 Park Ave. next to Town Hall on Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on the first and third Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. to noon.
• Elizabeth: 523 Trenton Ave. on Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Kenilworth: 401 Sheridan Ave. on Fridays from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and the second Saturday of the month from 7:30 a.m. to noon.
• Plainfield: 95 Rock Ave. on Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. with drop-off only until 2:45 p.m.
• Union Township: 1 Swanstrom Place E. on Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Westfield: 1300 Lamberts Mill Rd. on Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Questions can be directed to the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

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