Spring into E-CARE on March 23

Published on March 19, 2024

Get a head start on spring cleaning with Arlington's Environmental Collection and Recycling (E-CARE) event on Saturday, March 23. The free clean-out and drop-off event runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine, at Wakefield High School (1325 South Dinwiddie Street).

E-CARE is held twice a year for Arlington residents to safely dispose of old electronics and household hazardous materials (HHMs). More than 35 tons of HHMs and 12 tons of electronics were dropped off by over 1,300 residents at Fall E-CARE 2023 for environmentally safe disposal. The HHM Facility at the Water Pollution Control Plant also accepts drop-offs year-round (by appointment only).

Accepted materials include paint products (25-can limit); pesticides; motor oil and solvents; devices containing mercury; fluorescent bulbs; garden and swimming pool chemicals; old electronics; batteries; fire extinguishers; propane tanks; and some small metal items (returning to E-CARE for 2024). The full, extensive list of accepted (and unaccepted) items is available at www.arlingtonva.us/E-CARE. Please note that business and commercial wastes as well as bicycle donations will not be accepted at Spring E-CARE 2024.

E-CARE drop-off is offered exclusively to Arlington residents; expect proof of address to be requested at check-in.

Residents are encouraged to coordinate with neighbors on combining loads to cut down the number of trips to the E-CARE site. Vehicles should be packed in reverse order of drop-off: HHMs go first, then electronics. Place HHMs and electronics in separate cardboard boxes for easy handling and to prevent spills. The cardboard will be recycled.

E-CARE represents just one of the ways that Arlington County strives to be environmentally sustainable year-round. Check out local activities and events aimed at teaching about and protecting the planet leading up to and beyond Earth Day on April 22.