Paint, Propane and Old TVs Before a Morris or Essex County Move

Every garage and basement has a shelf of things nobody wants to move: half-empty paint cans, a propane tank from the grill, pool chemicals, old motor oil, and a TV that stopped working years ago. These items should not ride on a moving truck, and many of them cannot go in the trash either. Here is how to clear them out the right way if you live in Morris or Essex County.

Why they cannot go on the truck

For moves between states, the federal booklet Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move says that federal law forbids you to ship hazardous materials in your household goods boxes or luggage without informing your mover (49 CFR Part 375, Appendix A). For any move, local or long distance, flammable and corrosive products are a real danger in a closed truck. Set them aside before moving day, and tell us about anything you are not sure of. Our article on items moving companies do not move lists the usual suspects.

Morris County: the MCMUA program

The Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority (MCMUA) runs a year-round household hazardous waste facility at its Mount Olive transfer station (MCMUA hazardous waste). What to know:

It works by appointment only, on select Tuesday and Friday mornings and most Saturday mornings, from 9 to 10 a.m.
It is free for Morris County residents bringing household hazardous waste. There is a charge for propane cylinders.
The MCMUA also holds one-day disposal events in the spring and fall for Morris County residents. Electronics are not accepted at those one-day events.
Accepted items include oil-based paints and stains, solvents and paint thinners, pesticides, pool chemicals, gasoline and kerosene, motor oil and filters, car batteries and propane cylinders.
Questions go to the MCMUA at (973) 285-8394.

Latex (water-based) paint is different. The MCMUA says latex paint is not hazardous and is not taken at its hazardous waste programs. Dry it out by stirring in an absorbent material such as cat litter, then put the dried can in your household garbage with the lid off (MCMUA hazardous waste).

Essex County: two drop-off days a year

Essex County holds Household Hazardous Waste Recycling Days at the Essex County Public Works Facility, 99 W. Bradford Avenue, Cedar Grove. In 2026 they were on Saturday, May 2 and Saturday, October 3, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (West Caldwell notice; Essex County flyer). The rules:

Free for Essex County residents, who must show proof of residency. Not for businesses.
Stay in your vehicle and put the items in the trunk. Containers are not returned.
Accepted items include oil-based paints and stains, paint thinners, pool chemicals, automotive fluids, car batteries, barbecue-type propane tanks and fluorescent bulbs.
Not accepted: latex paint, household batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V), smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, unlabeled materials and empty containers.

For the next date, ask your town or the Essex County Utilities Authority at 973-792-9060 (Essex County flyer). If your move comes before the next county date, ask your town’s public works office what it suggests.

Old TVs, computers and printers

Under New Jersey’s Electronic Waste Management Act, computers, laptops, monitors, TVs, tablets and mobile phones may not go in the garbage, and desktop printers and fax machines were added to that list in 2018 (MCMUA e-waste). In Morris County, the MCMUA takes these items for recycling at its Mount Olive facility, and many town recycling depots and stores accept them too (MCMUA e-waste). In Essex County, the county held a free Computer and Electronics e-Waste Recycling Day on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the same Cedar Grove site (Essex County e-waste notice).

Furniture and bulky items

Bulk rules are set by each town, and they are often tighter than people expect. Livingston takes five bulky items per pickup, Fairfield takes four, and Parsippany asks movers-out to hire a private hauler for large items. Our town guides for Livingston, Caldwell, West Caldwell and Fairfield and Parsippany-Troy Hills have the details.

A simple timeline

Six weeks out: walk the garage, basement and shed and make three piles: move, give away, dispose.
Four weeks out: book an MCMUA appointment or mark the Essex County date, and find your town’s bulk days.
Two weeks out: recycle old electronics and put out bulk items on the right days.
Moving week: keep anything flammable away from the boxes, and point it out to the crew when they arrive.

Common questions

Can I put old paint in the trash in Morris County?

Latex (water-based) paint can go in the household garbage once it is completely dried out, with the lid off. Oil-based paints, stains and thinners are hazardous and go to the MCMUA household hazardous waste program.

Is the Morris County hazardous waste drop-off free?

Yes for Morris County residents bringing household hazardous waste, by appointment at the Mount Olive facility. There is a charge for propane cylinders.

Can I throw away an old TV in New Jersey?

No. TVs, computers, monitors, laptops, tablets, mobile phones, desktop printers and fax machines may not go in the garbage in New Jersey. Take them to a county or town electronics recycling program or a store that accepts them.

Will movers take propane tanks or gasoline?

Hazardous materials should not ride on a moving truck. For interstate moves, federal law forbids shipping hazardous materials without informing your mover. Set them aside and use a county drop-off program instead.

Get your free written estimate

Call (201) 814-0200 or send the quote form on this page with both addresses, the floors, elevator or stairs, your date and your main items. You get a free written estimate before moving day. More about the company: company facts.

Sources

Town rules, dates and phone numbers change. We checked every official link on this page on October 11, 2026; confirm on the linked page before you rely on it.