E-CARE
As of Oct. 2025, the Household Hazardous Materials (HHM) Facility's drop-off location has changed to 565 31st St S, in the surface lot across from the Water Pollution Control Plant.
The Arlington Environmental Collection and Recycling Event (E-CARE) is a biannual environmentally friendly drop-off event at which residents can safely dispose of household hazardous materials
(HHM) and old electronics. See list below.
Note: Medium-to-large appliances and those containing refrigerants (e.g., dehumidifiers, wine fridges, etc.) will not be accepted.
Before coming to E-CARE, talk to your neighbors. Combine items and save trips to the collection site. Business and commercial wastes will not be accepted. For Arlington residents only so bring ID. E-CARE is a rain-or-shine event.
When is the Next E-CARE?
Fall 2026 E-CARE: Saturday, Oct. 17
Location: 1425 N. Quincy St. (across from WLHS)
Event hours: 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. (rain or shine)
Year-round disposal alternatives: HHM | Metal, Appliances and Electronics | Inert Material
Accepted Materials
- Automotive fluids
- Batteries
- Bicycles and bike parts (returning for Fall 2026 E-CARE)
- Car care products
- Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs)
- Corrosives (acids/caustics)
- Fire extinguishers
- Flammable solvents
- Fluorescent tubes
- Fuels/petroleum products
- Halloween costumes (returning for Fall 2026 E-CARE)
- Household cleaners
- Lawn and garden chemicals
- Mercury
- Paint products (25-can limit)
- Photographic chemicals
- Poisons (pesticides)
- Printer ink/toner cartridges
- Propane gas cylinders (small hand-held or larger)
- Small metal items
- Smoke detectors
- Swimming pool chemicals
Unaccepted Materials
Electronics
Electronics including computers, printers, keyboards, scanners, copiers, cellphones and televisions (no large wooden console TVs) will be collected curbside from residential trash/recycling/yard waste customers with an online request for electronics pickup or by calling 703-228-5000 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. See below for fees involving old-style cathode ray televisions and computer monitors.
Items can also be dropped off at the Electronics Collection and Recycling Center.
There is a fee only for the old-style cathode ray televisions ($20) and cathode ray computer monitors ($15). All other screen and monitor drop-offs are free. Cash must be exact change. Checks should be made payable to “Arlington County Treasurer.”
Small Metal Items
Small metal items can be placed curbside with a scheduled pick-up or dropped off at the County's Earth Products Yard if not brought to E-CARE.
Mercury
We’ll collect household devices containing mercury (thermostats, thermometers, sphygmomanometers, manometers, barometers, hygrometers and liquid mercury). CFLs will also be collected on site.
Where Does It Go?
Bikes
Bicycles and bike parts will be collected by Bikes for the World at the Fall 2026 E-CARE on Saturday, Oct. 17. Bike and part donations will be taken before unloading HHMs, e-waste and small metal items. Please pack your vehicle accordingly.
Bikes for the World accepts serviceable and repairable bikes to be sent to countries where they are needed for basic transportation. For more information on donating year-round, call 703-740-7856 or visit their website.
Halloween Costumes
Arlington County’s Solid Waste Bureau invites you to donate your old costumes at one of two locations in fall 2026:
Guidelines for Donating Costumes
- Costumes should be in good or excellent condition. No rips, tears or stains, unless it’s part of the costume.
- Include all clothing and accessories that are part of the costume. We will not accept individual pieces.
- Clean costumes are appreciated (if they can be washed).
You can also stop by a costume swap event this fall and get a “new to you” costume! Donation of costumes is not required to attend costume swap events. Learn more.
HHM Drop-Off Guidelines
- Materials should be in their original containers or properly labeled.
- Leaking containers should be over-packed to prevent spills.
- Nonhazardous trash materials will not be accepted.
- Business and commercial wastes will not be accepted.
- Bring ID to verify residency.
- Materials are accepted only during posted event hours.
- Smoking isn’t allowed at the drop-off site.
Pro tip: Pack your vehicle in reverse order of E-CARE drop-off. Small metal items go in first, electronics and HHMs next. It’ll make unloading much faster.