Arlington To Host Free Electronics, Hazardous Waste Recycling Event

ARLINGTON, VA — Arlington County residents looking to clear out old electronics, leftover paint, batteries and other household clutter can dispose of those items for free at an upcoming recycling event.

The county's fall Environmental Collection and Recycling Event, known as E-CARE, will take place on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1425 N. Quincy St., across from Washington-Liberty High School. The event will be held rain or shine.

E-CARE is offered twice a year to help residents safely dispose of household hazardous materials, electronics and other items that should not go into regular trash.

What Can You Bring?

Accepted items include:

• Old electronics
• Paint products (limit of 25 cans)
• Pesticides and solvents
• Motor oil
• Batteries
• Fluorescent light bulbs
• Mercury-containing devices
• Garden and swimming pool chemicals
• Smoke detectors and fire extinguishers
• Propane tanks
• Small metal items

The event will also accept bicycles, bike parts and related items for Bikes for the World, a nonprofit that helps provide affordable transportation overseas.

Residents can also donate gently used Halloween costumes for distribution within the Arlington community. Costumes must be in good or excellent condition, with no rips, tears or stains unless they are part of the costume. All accessories and costume pieces should be included.

Business and commercial waste will not be accepted.

What To Know Before You Go

The free drop-off event is for Arlington County residents only. Participants must bring a photo ID or a recent utility bill to prove residency.

County officials encourage residents to combine trips with neighbors or family members to reduce traffic at the collection site.

Electronics and hazardous materials should be packed in separate cardboard boxes to prevent spills and make unloading easier.

During the spring 2026 E-CARE event, more than 1,200 participants dropped off 24 tons of hazardous household materials, 15 tons of electronics and more than one ton of scrap metal.

Can't Make The Event?

Residents who cannot attend can still dispose of many accepted materials throughout the year.

Arlington's Household Hazardous Materials Facility at the Water Pollution Control Plant accepts materials year-round, with appointments required except on Saturdays.

Gently used Halloween costumes can also be dropped off through Nov. 6 at the Solid Waste Bureau, 4300 29th St. S., from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The county also maintains a searchable online database called "Where Does It Go?" to help residents determine how to dispose of thousands of household items.