703-342-6361
TTY 711
Daniel Brooks,
Hazardous Waste Manager
All aerosol cans, 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. All types of aerosol cans are compressed containers, which are regulated as hazardous waste by the EPA.
Drop off small compressed gas cartridges (CO2, NO2, Oxygen, Helium), those typically used in dispensers (e.g., helium, whipped cream, soda) at Household Hazardous Waste drop-off sites.
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.
Clean thoroughly and recycle curbside.
Call the Police Non-Emergency Number: 703-691-2131, TTY 703-877-3715.
Double bag and dispose in regular trash.
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
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”" include antifreeze, automatic transmission fluid (ATF), brake fluid, diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), motor oil (new or used), power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If it is in liquid form, contact a biohazardous disposal company.
Not accepted for disposal. Call a junk dealer or automotive salvage company for curbside collection.
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:
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 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:
Shredded paper should never be placed in your curbside recycling bin. Please bag shredded paper to prevent litter and dispose of with your trash.
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
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.
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
Place in the trash.
Learn more about Household Hazardous Waste
Household Hazardous Waste accepted at I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex
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
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
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
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.
Learn more about Household Hazardous Waste
Household Hazardous Waste accepted at I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex
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
Diluted developers, fixers, etc. can be poured down the drain inside your home. NEVER pour products down storm drains.
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
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
Learn more about Household Hazardous Waste
Household Hazardous Waste accepted at I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex
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
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.)
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
Shred and recycle with paper. See a list of upcoming shredding events.
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
Dispose in regular trash.
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
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 are accepted for electronic recycling at the I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex. Learn more about handling Electronics or E-Waste
Take e-cigarettes to a Household Hazardous Waste drop-off center.
Explosives - Call the Police Non-Emergency Number: 703-691-2131, TTY 703-877-3715.
Learn more about Household Hazardous Waste
Household Hazardous Waste accepted at I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex
Small quantities may be bagged and disposed of in regular trash. Large quantities may require a special collection. Contact your trash collector for details.
Learn more about Household Hazardous Waste
Household Hazardous Waste accepted at I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex
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.
Soak in water until completely saturated and then throw away in regular trash.
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.
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.
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:
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
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
Learn more about Household Hazardous Waste
Household Hazardous Waste accepted at I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex
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.
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 without tank - Take to White Goods/Metal Recycling Area of the I-66 Transfer Station or I-95 Landfill Complex.
Small tanks, such as those used on gas grills (up to 20 pounds), can be taken to the White Goods/Metal Recycling Area of the I-66 Transfer Station or I-95 Landfill Complex. Larger tanks must be returned to supplier.
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.
Learn more about Household Hazardous Waste
Household Hazardous Waste accepted at I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex
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.
Small thin-metaled tanks accepted at the White Goods/Metal Recycling Area of the I-66 Transfer Station or I-95 Landfill Complex. Larger tanks should be returned to supplier.
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.
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.
Soak in water until saturated, then dispose in regular trash.
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.
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.
(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
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
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
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
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
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
Learn more about Household Hazardous Waste
Household Hazardous Waste accepted at I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex
Can be taken to the I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex for disposal.
Dispose of in the trash.
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.
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
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
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
Call the Department of Public Safety Communications at 703-691-2131, TTY 703-877-3715.
Must be cut in 2-foot lengths. These are accepted at the I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex for disposal.
Learn more about Household Hazardous Waste
Household Hazardous Waste accepted at I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex
Tar shingles accepted for disposal at the I-66 Transfer Station or I-95 Landfill Complex. (See Asbestos.)
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
Call Health Department Inspections at 703-246-2201, TTY 703-591-6435.
Dispose in regular trash.
(Ionization and Photoelectric) Remove battery and dispose of smoke alarm in trash or send back to manufacturer. (See Batteries.)
Dispose in regular trash. (See Yard Waste.)
Learn more about Household Hazardous Waste
Household Hazardous Waste accepted at I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex
Packaging peanuts can be recycled at some stores. Call 1-800-828-2214, TTY 711 for locations. Dispose of other Styrofoam™ items in trash.
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
Bagged trash can be taken to the I-66 Transfer Station or I-95 Landfill Complex for disposal.
Must be free of most dirt. Stumps can be taken to the I-66 Transfer Station or I-95 Landfill Complex for disposal.
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
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
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.
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
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 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.
TO REPORT ENVIRONMENTAL CRIMES: Visit Calling Non-Emergency or 911 (Department of Public Safety Communications) for instructions.
FREE disposal of household hazardous waste is available to Fairfax County residents only.
Hazardous wastes from businesses are regulated separately and may not be brought to the Household Hazardous Waste Program.
Visit Commercial Hazardous Waste
Learn more about Very Small Quantity Generator program
Residents may take their household hazardous waste to one of the permanent collection sites.
Household hazardous waste refers to used or leftover contents of consumer products that contain materials with one of the four characteristics of a hazardous waste: toxicity, ignitability, corrosivity or reactivity. (See Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Household Hazardous Waste Management for more information.) Household hazardous waste should not be disposed of in the regular trash.
The Fairfax County Household Hazardous Waste Program accepts hazardous materials from residents free of charge and disposes or recycles them according to all local, state and federal regulations.
Household hazardous waste is best managed when it is collected separately from regular municipal solid waste so that it can be sent to facilities capable of properly disposing of hazardous wastes. If handled properly, the likelihood that these potentially-harmful compounds will enter the environment is significantly decreased.
The safest way to dispose of household hazardous wastes is to carefully pack them up and bring them to one of the county's Household Hazardous Waste Collection Sites at I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill complex.
For more information, visit Recycle or Trash? Index of Residential Materials
EnviroPod Episode 8 features Dan Brooks, Assistant Complex Manager, I-66 Transfer Station, and Host Scott Coco, helping residents to dispose of paint, fertilizer, pesticides and other Household Hazardous Waste by bringing these leftover items to the I-95 Landfill in Lorton or to the I-66 Transfer Station on West Ox Road, where Dan and his colleagues dispose of these noxious chemicals in environmentally friendly ways.
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.
