E-CARE

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 materialsE-CARE junk (HHM) and old electronics. See list below.

Note: Bicycle donations will not be collected at Fall E-CARE 2024. 

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 2024 E-CARE: Saturday, Oct. 5, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Wakefield High School, 1325 S. Dinwiddie St.

Access drop-off routing from South Dinwiddie east of Wakefield. See map(PDF, 587KB) .

Year-round disposal alternatives: HHM | Metal, Appliances and Electronics | Inert Material 

Accepted Materials

  • Automotive fluids
  • Batteries
  • Car care products
  • Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs)
  • Corrosives (acids/caustics)
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Flammable solvents
  • Fluorescent tubes
  • Fuels/petroleum products
  • 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 (returning to E-CARE for 2024)
  • 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?

Not Taken at E-CARE: Bikes

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, call 703-740-7856.

Empty paint cans

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.