Recycling and Trash

Compressed Gas Cylinders, Tanks, Cartridges, Aerosols

Return larger compressed gas tanks (more than 20 pounds each) to a local supplier.

Drop off small compressed gas tanks and cartridges (up to 20 pounds each) at Household Hazardous Waste (HHW).

All compressed gas containers, whether empty, full, or partially full, must be recycled at the Household Hazardous Waste drop-off sites at I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex. Do NOT place them in your recycling bin or at the curb for trash pickup. Do NOT dispose as scrap metal or “white goods”. Compressed gas containers are regulated as hazardous waste by the EPA. HHW staff will ensure that containers meet all applicable requirements for proper disposal.

Some examples of compressed gas containers include aerosol spray cans, cartridges (CO2, NO2, Oxygen, Helium) used in dispensers (e.g., helium, whipped cream, soda), fire extinguishers, helium tanks, inhalers, and small propane tanks like those used on gas grills.

Learn more about Household Hazardous Waste.

Household Hazardous Waste accepted at the I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex.

Appliances

LARGE:
- Handle refrigerators, stoves, washers, dryers and air conditioners carefully. Avoid damaging tubing and releasing refrigerant into the air. Do not include: gas tanks, propane or refrigerant tanks.
- If a private company collects your trash and recyclables, contact them to arrange for a special collection. If you have county trash and recycling service, call 703-802-3322, TTY 711 or schedule the collection online.
- Important: Remove all doors from large appliances before setting at the curb. Small children often play inside used appliances and may get trapped.
- Large, metal appliances are accepted at the White Goods/Metal Recycling Area of the I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex. In addition, several nonprofit building supply stores accept donations of new and/or gently used appliances.
SMALL:
- If new or gently used, consider donating it to charity. Small appliances are those that fit inside your trash disposal bin. If you do choose to dispose of the small appliance in the trash, first remove any batteries that are present and place the appliance inside your trash disposal bin. See batteries for more information.

Aluminum Cans

Recycle them empty and rinsed if possible. Cans can be recycled at the curb, and also at our two Recycling and Disposal Centers I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex.

Aluminum Foil, Pie Tins, etc.

Clean thoroughly and recycle curbside.

Ammunition

Call the Police Non-Emergency Number: 703-691-2131, TTY 703-877-3715.

Animal Waste

Double bag and dispose in regular trash.

Antifreeze

Take antifreeze (ethylene/propylene glycol – new or used) directly to the self-service antifreeze recycling area located near the Household Hazardous Waste facility. Antifreeze recycling is a do-it-yourself (DIY) self-service pour-off. Place all empty antifreeze containers in the trash cans provided in the area. DO NOT pour antifreeze into the self-service motor oil recycling tanks. Take contaminated antifreeze mixtures (motor oil/antifreeze mixture) to Household Hazardous Waste staff.

Learn more about Household Hazardous Waste

Household Hazardous Waste accepted at I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex

Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)

Take Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) ATF (new or used) directly to the self-service motor oil recycling area located near the Household Hazardous Waste facility. ATF is compatible with motor oil for recycling. Motor oil recycling is a do-it-yourself (DIY) self-service pour-off. Place all empty ATF containers in the trash cans provided in the area. DO NOT pour ATF into the self-service antifreeze recycling tanks.

Learn more about Household Hazardous Waste

Household Hazardous Waste accepted at I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex

Automotive Fluids

"Automotive Fluids”" include antifreeze, automatic transmission fluid (ATF), brake fluid, diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), motor oil (new or used), power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid.

Asbestos

Please contact the I-66 Transfer Station (703-631-1179, TTY 711) or the I-95 Landfill Complex (703-690-1703, TTY 711) for specific instructions on disposing of asbestos materials.

Ashes

After 24 hours have passed, all leftover hot ash material must be thoroughly dampened, cooled, and stored in a metal can that is used solely for ash storage. (Ashes that are two or three days old may appear to be safe, but can still retain enough heat to cause a fire.) After all procedures have been followed, you can place the container out for regular trash collection.

Inert Materials (Noncombustible)

Asphalt, Brick, Cement, Ceramic, Cinder Block, Concrete, Dirt, Drywall, Marble, Porcelain, Rock, Slate. Only a small amount (less than a wheelbarrow full) may be taken to the I-66 Transfer Station in Fairfax or the I-95 Landfill Complex in Lorton.

Bathtubs/Toilets/Sinks

If made of cast iron or metal, they can be taken to the White Goods/Metal Recycling Area of I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex. If made of porcelain or fiberglass, they can be taken to those facilities for disposal.

Bicycles

May be taken to either the I-66 Transfer Station or I-95 Landfill Complex. Reusable bikes are donated to a nonprofit organization and the rest are recycled.

Bleach (Bleach Solutions)

Bleach (Bleach Solutions) - Take to a Household Hazardous Waste Site. If container is empty, it can be disposed of in the trash. DO NOT mix bleach (bleach solutions), acids, or ammonia based products. Please keep separate.

Learn more about Household Hazardous Waste

Household Hazardous Waste accepted at I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex

Blood

If it is in liquid form, contact a biohazardous disposal company.

Boats/Cars/Trucks/Motorcycles

Not accepted for disposal. Call a junk dealer or automotive salvage company for curbside collection.

Books

Reduce the number of books you collect in the future by investing in an e-reader and/or checking out books from the library.

Reuse books by considering the following options:

Children’s Books can be used at day care centers, after-school programs, and hospitals.
Also consider donating to organizations that promote literacy for children and adults – either locally or nationally. Some of these organizations may have drop-off centers or will come pick up your books.
Overseas Donations – there are organizations that send books overseas to developing countries.
Senior Centers or Retirement Homes usually have libraries and could use books and magazines.
There are prison book programs and programs that send gently used books to American troops overseas.
Donate gently used books to charitable organizations.

A word about Library donations

In general Fairfax County libraries will only accept popular titles. Books should be clean and in good condition. It is wise to call in advance and ask for specific needs. Most local libraries cannot handle large volumes of donated books.

Recycle old books
Paperback books can be put in your recycling bin. Hard backed books cannot be recycled. However, you can rip out the pages in hard backed books and put those pages in your recycling bin. Magazines can be recycled.

Disposal of books
Books that are thrown away in the trash (not the recycling bin) do not go to a landfill. All trash in Fairfax County is burned in a waste-to-energy facility that generates electrical power.

Mixed Paper

Mixed Paper includes cardboard, newspaper, cereal boxes, catalogs, magazines, office paper, colored paper, junk mail, telephone books, paper grocery bags, photographs, juice boxes, and milk cartons.

To prepare mixed paper for recycling:

Empty beverage/soup containers and remove any plastic accessory that comes with it such as lids, caps, and straws. These should be put in the trash.
Keep clean and dry. No need to separate.
Do not include items with food residue. Put those in the trash.
Be sure to flatten all cardboard. Remove Styrofoam™ and plastic linings from boxes.

Shredded paper should never be placed in your curbside recycling bin. Please bag shredded paper to prevent litter and dispose of with your trash.

Brake Fluid

Take to a Household Hazardous Waste Site. If container is empty, it can be disposed of in the trash. Brake Fluid is NOT compatible with motor oil. DO NOT pour brake fluid into the motor oil recycling tanks.

Learn more about Household Hazardous Waste

Household Hazardous Waste accepted at I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex

Building Supplies

Consider donating or purchasing surplus or gently-used building supplies at non-profit organizations that assist in the construction of houses for people in need. Typical new or gently used items that these locations accept and sell include: lighting, doors and windows, kitchen cabinets, bricks, drywall, etc. Inventory is always changing and is based upon the donations that they receive.

Construction Debris

Pick-up truck-loads or small trailers will be accepted at I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex. Nothing larger (dump trucks, roll-off boxes, etc.) will be accepted. The drop-off centers are limited to small volumes generated by DIY and small contractors. View Disposal Companies for Specialized or Hazardous Waste

Carpet

Place in the trash.

Cartridges, Ink/Laser

Liquid or flammable cartridges need to be disposed of as household hazardous waste.
All others can be recycled at the Fairfax County Electronics Recycling facilities at the I-66 Transfer Station or the I-95 Landfill Complex. DO NOT dispose of ink & toner cartridges in the regular trash.
Some office supply stores accept used toner cartridges for recycling. Inquire at nearby stores to find out if they provide this service.

Learn more about Household Hazardous Waste

Household Hazardous Waste accepted at I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex

Cassettes, CDS, DVDs and Video Tapes

If Fairfax County Government picks up your trash and recycling, Cassette tapes, CDs, DVDs and video tape should be disposed of in the trash. Otherwise, contact your collection company for specific disposal/recycling guidelines.

VHS cassette tapes and magnetic recording tape are accepted at the electronics recycling area of the I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex. Please remove the tapes from their plastic outer case (i.e., leaving just the cassette or reel of tape), which can be disposed as trash.

Note, there are independent business and office supply stores that may offer recycling or shredding services for CDs, DVDs and jewel cases

Don’t know who collects your trash and recycling? Visit Who Picks Up My Trash

Chemicals, Solvents (Acetone, Turpentine, etc)

Take to Household Hazardous Waste Site. If container is empty, it can be disposed of in the trash. Acetone and Paint Thinner are NOT compatible with motor oil. DO NOT pour acetone, acetone mixtures or paint thinner into the motor oil recycling tanks.

Learn more about Household Hazardous Waste

Household Hazardous Waste accepted at I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex

Chemical, Acid/Alakai

Muriatic Acid ("Hydrochloric Acid"), Ammonium Hydroxide - Take to a Household Hazardous Waste Site. If container is empty, it can be disposed of in the trash. DO NOT mix acids, ammonia based products, or bleach. Please keep separate.

Learn more about Household Hazardous Waste

Household Hazardous Waste accepted at I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex

Cellular Phones

Take them to the electronics recycling drop-off at I-66 Transfer Station or I-95 Landfill Complex. You can also dispose of your cell phone in the trash – however if you choose to do so please remove the cell phone rechargeable battery before you throw. The rechargeable battery has to be recycled properly and can be taken to the e-cycling drop-off centers at I-66 or I-95. See Batteries.

Chemicals, Fuel

Charcoal Starter - Take to a Household Hazardous Waste site at I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex. If container is empty, it can be disposed of in the trash.
Diesel - Place in used motor oil tank at the I-66 Transfer Station or I-95 Landfill Complex.
Gasoline or Gasoline and Motor Oil Mixture - Take to a Household Hazardous Waste site at I-66 Transfer Station or I-95 Landfill Complex. If container is empty, it can be disposed of in the trash. Gasoline is NOT compatible with motor oil. DO NOT pour gasoline or gasoline mixtures into the motor oil recycling tanks. See also: Gas Grills and Gas Propane Tanks.
Kerosene - Pour into the used motor oil tank at the I-66 Transfer Station or I-95 Landfill Complex.
Motor Oil - Pour into the used motor oil tank at the I-66 Transfer Station or I-95 Landfill Complex. NEVER pour down storm drains.
Oil Drums - Take empty, metal oil drums to the White Goods/Metal Recycling Area of the I-66 Transfer Station or I-95 Landfill Complex. (Be certain to have poked holes into the ends of the drum first to ensure no oil remains.)
Oil Filters - Drain the oil from the filter immediately after removing it from your vehicle. (The filter should drain for a minimum of 24-hours.) After draining the filter, you may dispose of it in the trash.

Learn more about Household Hazardous Waste

Household Hazardous Waste accepted at I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex

Chemicals, Pesticides/Herbicides

Take to a Household Hazardous Waste site. Take empty aerosol cans to a Household Hazardous Waste site. Recycle other empty metal cans and plastic bottles at the curb.

Learn more about Household Hazardous Waste

Household Hazardous Waste accepted at I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex

Chemicals, Photographic

Diluted developers, fixers, etc. can be poured down the drain inside your home. NEVER pour products down storm drains.

Chemicals, Pool

Take to a Household Hazardous Waste site. If container is empty, it can be disposed of in the trash.

Learn more about Household Hazardous Waste

Household Hazardous Waste accepted at I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex

Christmas Trees

Licensed collectors are required by Code to collect and recycle real Christmas trees of less than 8 feet that have been set out separately at single family and townhouse communities for the first two weeks in January. Contact your collection company regarding their service.
Consider donating artificial trees in good condition to charitable organizations.
Fairfax County residents can drop off their trees at the I-66 Transfer Station or the I-95 Landfill Complex. There is a fee to recycle your tree. All ornaments, decorations (including tinsel) and stands must be removed prior to disposal.
Tree lights are accepted year-round at the electronic drop-off locations at these disposal sites.
Disposing of live Christmas trees, as well as other trash and yard waste, in Fairfax County parks is illegal and harmful to our environment.

Cigarette Butts

Don't Be a Litterbug: Put Your Butt Where It Belongs!

If you are going to smoke, please put your cigarette butts in the trash—not out the car window, not in the gutter, not on the lawn, and not in a stream.

Learn more at Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District Cigarette Butt Litter

Cleaning Products

Ammonia-based cleaners, drain cleaners and most bathroom cleaners can be poured down the drain inside your home. NEVER pour products down storm drains. These materials may also be taken to a Household Hazardous Waste site. Recycle empty plastic bottles or metal cans at the curb.
Polishes, rust removers and floor care products should be taken to a Household Hazardous Waste site. Take empty aerosol cans to a Household Hazardous Waste site. Recycle other empty metal cans and plastic bottles at the curb.

Learn more about Household Hazardous Waste

Household Hazardous Waste accepted at I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex

Clothing & Household Items

Consider holding a yard sale or donating to a charity or thrift shop.
For a list of organizations accepting charitable donations of clothing, search for donations and clothing in the Human Services Resource Guide.

Coal Tar Products

Take to a Household Hazardous Waste site.

Learn more about Household Hazardous Waste

Household Hazardous Waste accepted at I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex

Compressed Gas Cylinders, Cartridges

Contact local supplier regarding tanks larger than 20 pounds. (See Gas Propane Tanks.)

Drop off small compressed gas cartridges at Household Hazardous waste. (See Aerosol Cans.)

Computers/Monitors

Recycle at one of the county electronics drop-off locations at the I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex or donate for reuse. If disposing of it, contact your hauler for instructions. If you have county collection service, you must schedule a bulk special collection for computers/computer monitors. Learn more about handling Electronics or E-Waste

Confidential or Sensitive Documents

Cooking Oil

Waste cooking oil is accepted every day at the I-66 Transfer Station or the I-95 Landfill Complex. Take cooking oil directly to the Household Hazardous Waste facility for recycling! DO NOT pour cooking oil into the motor oil recycling tanks. Acceptable types of cooking oils include vegetable, peanut, canola, olive, and deep fryer oils. This is NOT intended for fats and grease. Please continue to “can the grease” and dispose of it in the trash. Visit Fats, Oils and Grease for more information. For additional information, call 703-324-5230, TTY 711.

Learn more about Household Hazardous Waste

Household Hazardous Waste accepted at I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex

Diapers

Dispose in regular trash.

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)

Take to a Household Hazardous Waste Site. If container is empty, it can be disposed of in the trash. DEF is NOT compatible with motor oil. DO NOT pour DEF into the motor oil recycling tanks.

Learn more about Household Hazardous Waste

Household Hazardous Waste accepted at I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex

Doors/Windows

Intact glass windows, sliding doors, glass sheets and mirrors can be taken to the I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex for disposal. Wood or metal without glass pieces can be placed into the trash. View details about disposal of glass. Metal frames can be taken to the White Goods/Metal Recycling Area of the I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex.

Televisions

Televisions are accepted for electronic recycling at the I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex. Learn more about handling Electronics or E-Waste

e-Cigarettes

Take e-cigarettes to a Household Hazardous Waste drop-off center.

Explosives

Explosives - Call the Police Non-Emergency Number: 703-691-2131, TTY 703-877-3715.

Fertilizer

Containing pesticides or herbicides, take to a Household Hazardous Waste site.
Not containing pesticides or herbicides, throw away in regular trash.

Learn more about Household Hazardous Waste

Household Hazardous Waste accepted at I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex

Fiberglass Insulation

Small quantities may be bagged and disposed of in regular trash. Large quantities may require a special collection. Contact your trash collector for details.

Fireworks

Legal fireworks - Soak in water until completely saturated and then throw away in regular trash.
Illegal fireworks - Call Fire Prevention Division, 703-246-4741, TTY 703-385-4419.

American Flag

If you have an American flag that is old, tattered or torn, you can properly dispose of it at a few county government locations. You will find flag disposal boxes located at the Fairfax County Government Center or I-66 and I-95 Disposal Centers. The American Legion collects flags and conducts a flag Retirement Ceremony at its site. All Fairfax County Police stations accept American flags and they are collected twice a year by Police Honor Guard for proper disposal. Visit Fairfax County Police Department for District Station information and addresses.

Flares

Soak in water until completely saturated and then throw away in regular trash.

Gardening Plastic Pots, Trays and Bags

Reduce
When feasible, opt for bare-root plants or plants sold in biodegradable containers.

Reuse clean pots for starting seeds, sharing plant divisions, or storing garden gear.

Recycle
If you buy plants at a nursery, ask whether the nursery will take back pots or plant trays for reuse. Other options: Drop off nursery plastic at stores that promote its recycling. In our area, major home improvement stores accept a variety of gardening materials for recycling. Please contact stores directly to find out if they accept plastic gardening pots, trays, empty plastic mulch and/or shopping bags.

Hazardous Waste Pharmaceuticals

Take hazardous waste pharmaceuticals including Nicotine, Nitroglycerin, Phenol (Chloraseptic Spray contains this), Epinephrine (EpiPen), Insulin or Insulin Pens (Contains M-Cresol), and Warfarin to a Household Hazardous Waste drop-off center.

Light Bulbs (Incandescent, Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL), Halogen, LED, Fluorescent Bulbs & Tubes)

Most light bulbs should be disposed of in normal trash.

Unbroken fluorescent, compact fluorescent (CFL) and light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs and tubes may be taken to a Household Hazardous Waste site.

For Broken fluorescent bulbs or tubes, use these safety precautions:

Do NOT use a broom or vacuum
Open a window and leave the room for at least 15 minutes
Wear disposable gloves, scoop up fragments with stiff paper or cardboard, wipe the area clean with a damp paper towel or disposable wet wipe, use sticky tape such as duct tape to pick up small pieces or powder.
Seal bulb particles and clean-up material in a glass jar or plastic bag and set out with regular trash.
The first time you vacuum the area where the bulb was broken, dispose of the vacuum bag or empty and wipe the canister clean.

Learn more about Household Hazardous Waste

Learn more about Universal Waste

Household Hazardous Waste accepted at I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex

Food & Beverage Cans (Metal)

Rinse to remove residue. Set out curbside with other recyclables. They are also accepted at all recycling drop-off centers, I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex

Refrigerant (Coolant)

Small containers (less than 16 ounces) may be taken to a Household Hazardous Waste site.
Larger containers - take to the White Goods/Metal Recycling area of the I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex.

Learn more about Household Hazardous Waste

Household Hazardous Waste accepted at I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex

Food Scraps

Fairfax County residents now have several options for managing their organic waste. Whether you decide to compost at home, contract for curbside collection, or take your organic matter elsewhere, know that you will be doing your part to make the environment be a safer, cleaner place for everyone. Learn more at Composting Organic Waste and Food Scraps Composting Drop Off.

Furniture

Includes furniture, carpet, mattresses and box springs. Donate to a charity if possible.If you choose to dispose of them, larger, heavier items may require a special collection. Contact your private hauler for instructions. If you have county collection service you must schedule a bulk special collection. Furniture, mattresses, etc. may also be taken to the I -66 Transfer Station or I-95 Landfill Complex for disposal.

Gas Grills

Gas Grills without tank - Take to White Goods/Metal Recycling Area of the I -66 Transfer Station or I-95 Landfill Complex.

Gas Tank from Car

Must be empty and cut in half. Take to White Goods/Metal Recycling area of the I -66 Transfer Station or I-95 Landfill Complex.

Glue

Solvent-based - Take to a Household Hazardous Waste site. If container is empty, and it is NOT an aerosol can, it can be disposed of in the trash.
Water-based - Dispose in regular trash.

Learn more about Household Hazardous Waste

Household Hazardous Waste accepted at I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex

Grocery Bags

Please take plastic bags to a grocery store that has a plastic bag recycling collection container to be recycled or place them in the trash. Plastic bags put in recycling get wrapped around the rollers and stop the conveyor belt. Workers then remove the bags by hand. Plastic bags that make it past the rollers contaminate the other recyclable materials.

Paper bags can be recycled with mixed paper at the curb.

For more information about plastic, visit Plastic.

Large amounts or Bulky Items

If you have county trash and recycling service, call 703-802-3322, TTY 711 or schedule the collection online. See detailed guidelines in the Trash and Recycling Collection Guidelines for Sanitary Districts. If a private company collects your trash and recyclables, contact them or an alternate junk removal service to arrange for a special collection.

Scrap Metal

Appliances, lawn mowers, metal sheds, wire fences, etc. Take to Metal Recycling/White Goods Area of the I-66 Transfer Station or I-95 Landfill Complex. Due to fire hazards, all motorized vehicles and small engine tools must be free of gas and oil and have the batteries removed. Visit Batteries and Gas Tanks for more information.

Matches

Soak in water until saturated, then dispose in regular trash.

Medicine

DO NOT flush unused medicine down the toilet unless the label specifically directs you to do so. Never pour products down storm drains. Follow the Health Department's instructions for Safe Disposal of Medicines.

Mercury Containing Products

(Thermometers, Switches, Other) - Take to a Household Hazardous Waste site.

Learn more about Household Hazardous Waste

Household Hazardous Waste accepted at I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex

Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK)

Take to a Household Hazardous Waste Site. If container is empty, it can be disposed of in the trash. MEK is NOT compatible with motor oil. DO NOT pour MEK or MEK mixtures into the motor oil recycling tanks.

Learn more about Household Hazardous Waste

Household Hazardous Waste accepted at I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex

Mineral Spirits

Take to a Household Hazardous Waste Site. If container is empty, it can be disposed of in the trash. Mineral Spirits is NOT compatible with motor oil. DO NOT pour mineral spirits or mineral spirits mixtures into the motor oil recycling tanks.

Learn more about Household Hazardous Waste

Household Hazardous Waste accepted at I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex

Moth Balls

Take to a Household Hazardous Waste site.

Learn more about Household Hazardous Waste

Household Hazardous Waste accepted at I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex

Motor Oil

Take motor oil (new or used) directly to the self-service motor oil recycling area located near the Household Hazardous Waste facility. Motor oil recycling is a do-it-yourself (DIY) self-service pour-off. Place all empty motor oil containers in the trash cans provided in the area. DO NOT pour motor oil into the self-service antifreeze tanks. Take contaminated motor oil mixtures to Household Hazardous Waste staff.

Learn more about Household Hazardous Waste

Household Hazardous Waste accepted at I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex

Nail Polish / Nail Remover

Take to a Household Hazardous Waste site. If container is empty, it can be disposed of in the trash.

Learn more about Household Hazardous Waste

Household Hazardous Waste accepted at I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex

Paint

Latex - let air dry and throw container in the regular trash. (Tip: You may pour the paint onto newspaper. Once it dries, roll up the newspaper and dispose of it in the regular trash.) Other options include using a latex paint hardener or kitty litter to solidify the latex paint. Once solidified, dispose of it in the regular trash. If you are unable to let the latex paint dry, you may take the container to a Household Hazardous Waste Site. Reusable FULL or near full cans of latex paint should be taken to Household Hazardous Site for donation to Habitat for Humanity. Notify staff of any reusable FULL or near full cans of latex paint for donation! View Video
Oil or Lead-based Paint - Take to Household Hazardous Waste Site. If container is empty, it can be disposed of in the trash. DO NOT attempt to dry out or solidify oil-based paint.

Learn more about Household Hazardous Waste

Household Hazardous Waste accepted at I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex

Pallets

Can be taken to the I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex for disposal.

Pizza Boxes

Dispose of in the trash.

Plastic Wrap

Used plastic wrap, or cling wrap, disposable plastic baggies and wrappers should be thrown in the trash. Do not place in recycling bin.

For more information about plastic, visit Plastic.

Poisons

Take to a Household Hazardous Waste site.

Learn more about Household Hazardous Waste

Household Hazardous Waste accepted at I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex

Power Tools

If the tool contains a rechargeable battery, please remove it. Take the battery to one of the listed locations for recycling or to a Household Hazardous Waste site for disposal. You may then take your metal power tool to the White Goods/Metal Recycling Area of the I-66 Transfer Station or I-95 Landfill Complex. Plastic power tools are not accepted.

Learn more about Household Hazardous Waste and batteries

Household Hazardous Waste accepted at I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex

Power Steering Fluid

Take power steering fluid (new or used) directly to the self-service motor oil recycling area located near the Household Hazardous Waste facility. Power steering fluid is compatible with motor oil for recycling. Motor oil recycling is a do-it-yourself (DIY) self-service pour-off. Place all empty power steering fluid containers in the trash cans provided in the area. DO NOT pour ATF into the self-service antifreeze recycling tanks.

Learn more about Household Hazardous Waste and batteries

Household Hazardous Waste accepted at I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex

Radioactive Materials

Call the Department of Public Safety Communications at 703-691-2131, TTY 703-877-3715.

Railroad Ties

Must be cut in 2-foot lengths. These are accepted at the I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex for disposal.

Refrigerant (Coolant)

Small containers (less than 16 ounces) may be taken to a Household Hazardous Waste site.
Larger containers - take to the White Goods/Metal Recycling area of I-66 Transfer Station or I-95 Landfill Complex.

Learn more about Household Hazardous Waste

Household Hazardous Waste accepted at I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex

Roofing Shingles

Tar shingles accepted for disposal at the I-66 Transfer Station or I-95 Landfill Complex. (See Asbestos.)

Sealant

Take sealant used for driveways and any other surface to the Household Hazardous Waste site. Take aerosol cans (even when empty) also to a Household Hazardous Waste site.

Learn more about Household Hazardous Waste

Household Hazardous Waste accepted at I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex

Septic Tank

Call Health Department Inspections at 703-246-2201, TTY 703-591-6435.

Shoe Polish

Dispose in regular trash.

Smoke Alarms

(Ionization and Photoelectric) Remove battery and dispose of smoke alarm in trash or send back to manufacturer. (See Batteries.)

Sod

Dispose in regular trash. (See Yard Waste.)

Stains (Oil-Based & Water-Based)

Oil-Based Stain - Take to Household Hazardous Waste Site. If container is empty, it can be disposed of in the trash. DO NOT attempt to dry out or solidify oil-based stain.
Water-Based Stain - let air dry and throw container in the regular trash. Other options include using a latex paint hardener or kitty litter to solidify the water-based stain. Once solidified, dispose of it in the regular trash. If you are unable to let the water-based stain dry, you may take the container to a Household Hazardous Waste Site.

Learn more about Household Hazardous Waste

Household Hazardous Waste accepted at I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex

Styrofoam™

Packaging peanuts can be recycled at some stores. Call 1-800-828-2214, TTY 711 for locations. Dispose of other Styrofoam™ items in trash.

Toluene

Take to a Household Hazardous Waste Site. If container is empty, it can be disposed of in the trash. Toluene is NOT compatible with motor oil. DO NOT pour toluene or toluene mixtures into the motor oil recycling tanks.

Learn more about Household Hazardous Waste

Household Hazardous Waste accepted at I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex

Trash

Bagged trash can be taken to the I-66 Transfer Station or I-95 Landfill Complex for disposal.

Tree Stumps

Must be free of most dirt. Stumps can be taken to the I-66 Transfer Station or I-95 Landfill Complex for disposal.

Varnish

Take to Household Hazardous Waste Site. If container is empty, it can be disposed of in the trash.

Learn more about Household Hazardous Waste

Household Hazardous Waste accepted at I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex

Windshield Washer Fluid

Take to a Household Hazardous Waste Site. If container is empty, it can be disposed of in the trash. Windshield washer fluid is NOT compatible with motor oil; windshield washer fluid often contains METHANOL – a flammable liquid! DO NOT pour windshield washer fluid into the motor oil recycling tanks.

Learn more about Household Hazardous Waste

Household Hazardous Waste accepted at I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex

Wood & Lumber (See Pallets, See Railroad Ties)

Paneling, pressure-treated or nonpressure treated wood can be taken to the I-66 Transfer Station or I-95 Landfill Complex for disposal. Must not exceed eight feet in length.

Wood Preservers

Take to a Household Hazardous Waste site.

Learn more about Household Hazardous Waste

Household Hazardous Waste accepted at I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex

Xylene

Take to a Household Hazardous Waste Site. If container is empty, it can be disposed of in the trash. Xylene is NOT compatible with motor oil. DO NOT pour xylene or xylene mixtures into the motor oil recycling tanks.

Learn more about Household Hazardous Waste

Household Hazardous Waste accepted at I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex

Lava Lamp

Lava lamps should not be disposed of in the regular trash because they often contain an alcohol (ethanol) or carbon tetrachloride in older types. Both chemicals are hazardous.

To dispose lava lamps, bring them to one of the county's Household Hazardous Waste Collection Sites at the I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex.

Lava lamps in good condition can be taken to a charitable organization.

Document Destruction (Shredding)

Look online for local document shredding companies. Office supply stores also provide shredding service.

Public Feedback on Solid Waste Plan - Coming Soon

Fairfax County is updating their 20-Year Solid Waste Management Plan to better reflect the County's zero waste and sustainability goals. In August, we will seek public feedback on the proposed plan strategies. Please watch this space for more information and a link to the survey.

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Thirty-One Days of Plastic Free Living?

July 2, 2024 Have you ever thought about seeing how long you can go without buying plastic products? Perhaps 31 days. Throughout the month of July, the Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services is encouraging everyone to avoid buying products made of and packaged in plastic.

Public Works and Environmental Services Alert:

Clean Communities

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