To find how to dispose of your item, search for it below.
| Name | Examples | Disposal Method(s) | Preparation | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sheet Glass | auto glass, drinking glasses, glassware, mirrors, shower doors, window glass |
| Wrap in several layers of newspaper to keep from breaking, tape at edges and label as "glass." | If the glass is intact, you may be able to drop this item off for reuse at a store like the Habitat for Humanity ReStore. |
| Mirror |
| Wrap in several layers of newspaper to contain any breakage and provide additional safety for collection before placing in trash cart. | ||
| Mirror |
| Wrap in several layers of newspaper to contain any breakage and provide additional safety for collection before placing in trash cart. | ||
| Eye Glasses | lenses, eye glasses, eye wear |
| Wrap in paper to keep from breaking and to provide additional safety for collection before placing in trash cart. | Locate a take-back program or donation program in area. |
| Tanks | helium, CO2, propane, oxygen, fire extinguishers |
| Whenever possible, return helium, propane and other tanks to the vendor or supplier for reuse. Otherwise, tanks should be taken to the Household Hazardous Facility. | Tanks are no longer accepted through residential curbside collection services. |
| Plastic air pillows | air pillows, plastic packaging, plastic air pillows |
| We are unable to collect plastic air pillows in the blue recycling cart. However they can be disposed of as trash or taken to a mailing facility such as UPS to be reused. You can also release the air and combine with other plastic bags, liners and films for return to a grocery store. | |
| Insulation |
| We are unable to collect large amounts of insulation. Contact a private hauler to dispose of insulation. | ||
| Bubble Wrap |
| We are unable to collect bubble wrap in the blue recycling cart. However it can be dropped off with plastic bags at supermarkets, disposed of as trash or taken to a mailing facility such as UPS to be reused. | ||
| K Cups | Keurig, K-cups, K cups, single use coffee |
| We are unable to accept K-Cups in our recycling program at this time. Place in your trash cart for collection. | |
| Toys | toys |
| Unless toys are entirely made of one material, they cannot be recycled at the curb. If they are in good condition you may be able to donate them to a charitable organization or thrift store. Otherwise, place them in your trash cart. | |
| basketball hoop | hoop, sports equipment, backboard |
| Unit must be dismantled to separate material types. Separate weighted base and backboard from pole. Pole can be no longer than 6 feet for pickup. Pole and metal hoop are eligible for curbside collection but must be scheduled in advance of weekly trash day. | Residents not eligible for curbside collection should check with their waste collector or building manager. |
| Tires | auto tires |
| Two or fewer tires only. Remove the rims. Tires whose rims exceed 16 ½ inches will not be collected. | Locate a take-back program or donation program in area. |
| Branches | bamboo, branches, brush, trees, wood branches |
| Tree limbs should be bundled (cut no more than 4 feet in length and 2 inches in diameter) and weigh less than 50 lbs. Bundles should be no more than 24 inches in diameter. If you have more than three bundles, schedule a brush pickup online. Branches must be 18 inches or less in diameter and 10 feet or less in length. Don't mix brush with lumber or other materials to avoid non-collection. | Contact a tree removal company for large stumps or full-sized trees. |
| Food Cans (full) |
| Trash Cart | Donate to local food banks or churches. | |
| Toner Cartridges | toner, toner, tonr, toner cartridges, printer cartridges |
| Toner cartridges are not eligible for curbside recycling. A number of companies such as GreenDish, Recycle for Breast Cancer, Staples and T3 Toner offer take back recycling programs. | Available to all residents. |
| Windshields | Windshield |
| To prevent employee injuries, box windshields, or wrap in plastic wrap/paper prior to placing in trash cart. | |
| Juice box |
| Throw the straw in the trash and place the empty box in the blue recycle cart. | ||
| Cleaning Products (full) | cleaning, bleach, Tilex, Bam |
| There is no curbside collection for this material. Schedule a drop-off at the Household Hazardous Materials Facility. Read the back of the packaging to see if it contains hazardous material. Not all cleaning products do. If not, you can dispose of them in the your recycling cart once empty. | Available to all residents. |
| Hazardous light bulbs | Fluorescent Light Bulb Tube or Lamp, Neon, Mercury Vapor (HID), Metal Halide (HID), High-pressure Sodium (HID) |
| There is no curbside collection for household hazardous waste. Schedule an appointment at the Household Hazardous Materials facility and drop it off during normal Saturday operating hours 9am-3pm or schedule a weekday drop-off appointment. | Examples: Fluorescent, Neon, Mercury Vapor (HID0, Metal Halide (HID), High-pressure Sodium (HID), compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) |
| Herbicides | herbicides, chemicals |
| There is no curbside collection for household hazardous waste. Schedule a drop-off at the Household Hazardous Waste Facility by calling 703-228-6832. | Available to all residents |
| Paint | Paint, paint primer, paint primers, primer |
| There is no curbside collection for household hazardous waste. Schedule a drop-off at the Household Hazardous Waste Facility by calling 703-228-6832. | Available to all residents |
| Paint Thinners | Paint, paint thinners, thinner |
| There is no curbside collection for household hazardous waste. Schedule a drop-off at the Household Hazardous Waste Facility by calling 703-228-6832. | |
| Facial Tissue | facial tissue, Kleenex, napkins, paper towels |
| The cardboard tube inside the paper towels, or the paperboard container holding the facial tissues can be recycled. | |
| Dirt | Sod, Dirt, sand |
| Sod and dirt are not accepted in your trash and recycling cart. The Solid Waste Bureau accepted one truckload of CLEAN sod or dirt per month. Schedule an appointment by calling 703-228-6570 or visiting us online. Learn more here. Dirt or sod mixed with yard waste, grass, concrete, or branches will not be accepted. | Available to all residents |
| Cooking Oil and Grease | cooking grease, cooking oils, fats, oils, grease |
| Small quantities of oil can be mixed with kitty litter or normal household trash, double bagged, and then placed in your trash cart. You can also seal small quantities in a coffee can or similar container. Do not pour cooking oil or grease down the drain. | Larger quantities require a Household Hazardous Material Drop-off appointment. |
| Mattress | box spring, futon, mattress, matterss, mattresses |
| Set curbside for trash collection, unless item can be dismantled and separated from metal pieces. Items must be able to fit in the back of the trash truck. Most standard mattresses (including king sized) are acceptable. | Residents not eligible for curbside collection should check with their waste collector or building manager. |
| Fertilizer | Fertilizer, formaldehyde |
| Schedule an appointment at the Household Hazardous Materials facility. | Available to all residents |
| Electronics | computers, computer batteries, computer equipment, computer monitors, copiers, fax machines, laptops, office equipment, peripherals, printers, printer cartridges, toner, calculators, camera, cellphones, gaming devices, hand tools, MP3 players, power tools, circuit boards, power supplies, cords, plasma tv, wires, cables |
| Schedule a pickup online. Place items at the curb next to your recycling cart on the scheduled pickup date. Small and loose materials should be placed in a small rigid container labeled "E-WASTE." There is a $20 fee for CRT TV units and a $15 fee for each Computer Monitor. | Residents not eligible for curbside collection can schedule an appointment at our Household Hazardous Materials Drop off facility. Fees may apply. Additionally, there are multiple electronic recycling companies in the area that will pick up or allow for drop off of electronic materials. |
| Car Batteries | car batteries, lead-acid batteries |
| Schedule a drop-off at the Household Hazardous Materials Facility. If you receive curbside collection, you can also schedule a pickup online. | |
| Chemicals | anti-freeze, antifreeze, automatic chemicals, auto grease, brake fluid, gasoline, mercury thermometers, motor oil, pesticides, pool chemicals, solvents, solvent-based glues, spa chemicals, transmission oil, hazarouds, hazardous |
| Schedule a drop-off at the Household Hazardous Materials Facility. | Locate a take-back program in area. For auto-chemicals, locate a take-back program with local automotive supply or repair shops. |
| Hazardous Materials | anti-freeze, antifreeze, automatic chemicals, auto grease, brake fluid, gasoline, mercury thermometers, motor oil, pesticides, pool chemicals, solvents, solvent-based glues, spa chemicals, transmission oil, hazarouds, hazardous |
| Schedule a drop-off at the Household Hazardous Materials Facility. | Locate a take-back program in area. For auto chemicals, locate a take-back program with local automotive supply or repair shops. |
| Milk carton | milk, carton, jug, milk container, leche, Tetrapak, juice carton |
| Rinse and place in recycling cart. Any plastic cap should be removed and thrown in the trash. | |
| Clothes Hangers (Metal, Wood) |
| Return wire hangers to a local dry cleaner. Wood hangers may be placed in your trash cart. | Available to all residents | |
| Drywall | Drywall, Sheetrock, debr, sheerock, wallboard |
| Residents should privately dispose at their own expense. Small amounts of drywall may be bagged and placed in your trash cart. We are unable to collect large amounts of drywall and sheetrock. | Residents not eligible for curbside collection should check with their waste collector or building manager. |
| Automotive Fluids | automotive fluids, oil, gasoline, gas |
| Residents of Arlington County should take household quantities of automotive fluids to the Household Hazardous Materials Facility. | |
| Prescriptions | prescriptions, pills, drugs, vitamins |
| Remove unused or expired prescription drugs from the original container, mix with household trash and bag before placing in your trash cart. Contact your pharmacist for more details. | Locate a drug take-back program in area or through your pharmacy. |
| Aluminum | aluminum foil, chafing dishes, foil pie pans, steel cans, steel can lids, soda cans, tin cans, tin can lids, aluminum cans |
| Remove residue and rinse containers before placing in recycling cart. | If you are not an Arlington County curbside customer, consult your waste company or building manager. |
| Plastic Container | juice jug, milk jug, yogurt cups, juice bottle, milk bottle (plastic), milk container, yogurt container, juice container |
| Remove residue and rinse containers before placing in recycling cart. | |
| Soda Bottles | plastic bottles, plastic jars, plastic tubs |
| Remove residue and rinse containers before placing in recycling cart. | Locate a take-back program or donation program in area. |
| Fencing (wood) | fence posts |
| Remove or hammer flat any nails/screws. Bundle in lengths not exceeding 4 feet and 50 lbs. | Residents not eligible for curbside collection should check with their waste collector or building manager. |
| Flooring | bamboo flooring, boards, composite wood, lumber, painted wood, paneling, treated wood, wood ladder |
| Remove or hammer flat any nails/screws and bundle in lengths not exceeding 4 feet and 50 lbs. | Locate a take-back program or donation program in area. Residents not eligible for curbside collection should check with their waste collector or building manager. |
| Bathtub | porcelain bathtub, plastic bathtub, washtub |
| Remove metal legs. A porcelain bathtub that weighs under 500 lbs. busted up can be collected curbside. Remove metal band that surrounds tub and metal legs. | Locate a take-back program or donation program in area. |
| Paint Cans (Empty) | Paint, paint cans, empty paint cans |
| Remove lids from empty latex paint cans and allow any residue to dry out. Then place in your trash cart with the lid still removed from the paint can. Paint cans must be less than 25 percent full and must be dried/hardened. Let paint air dry in can; pour onto newspaper to dry; or mix with a chemical paint hardener (purchase at a hardware store), sawdust, mulch or kitty litter. Put the container of dried/hardened paint in a trash bag and place in trash cart. | Residents not eligible for curbside collection should check with their waste collector or building manager. |
| Large Rigid Plastic Items | large, rigid plastic items like playhouses, buckets, children's toys, sturdy containers, rigid plastics, toys, plastic trash can, trash can |
| Remove any metal components. Items must be able to fit in the back of the recycling truck. Set curbside beside your recycling cart if the item is too large to go inside cart. | Residents not eligible for curbside collection should check with their waste collector or building manager. Locate a take-back program or donation program in area. |
| Flower Pots & Tray |
| Remove any metal components from plastic flower pots and rinse before placing it in your cart. Ceramic flower pots are NOT accepted in the blue recycling cart. | Residents not eligible for curbside collection should check with their waste collector or building manager. | |
| Refrigerator | Refrigerator, refridgerator, fridge, ice box |
| Refrigerators are eligible for a metal/appliance pickup for residential curbside customers. They can be scheduled online or by phone at 703-228-6570 and are picked up for a fee ($10). The $10 fee will show up on your next utility bill. | |
| Carpet | carpeting, carpet padding, rugs, carpet |
| Please roll and secure in lengths not exceeding 4 feet with a weight limit of 50 lbs. | Carpet exceeding the length and weight limits, must be collected by a private hauler. Residents not eligible for curbside collection should check with their waste company or building manager. |
| Outdoor Furniture (Plastic) | plastic outdoor chairs, Plastic tables, lawn furniture |
| Plastic outdoor furniture must be able to fit in the back of the recycling truck. Set curbside beside your recycling cart if the item is too large to go inside cart. Remove any metal or wood pieces prior to collection. | Locate a take-back program or donation program in area. |
| Food Packaging | chip bags, food wrap, nutritional bar wrappers, candy wrappers, granola bar wrappers, shrink wrap, saran wrap |
| Plastic film such as saran wrap, chip bags, individual snack packaging, cannot be recycled. | Residents not eligible for curbside collection should check with their waste collector or building manager. Residents participating in Arlington County Government collection can place items listed in the trash cart or take any plastic film (saran wrap, Ziploc bags, newspaper bags, etc.) to a local grocery store. |
| Egg cartons | Egg cartons, egg containers |
| Plastic and paper egg containers may be placed in the recycling cart. For Styrofoam/foam egg cartons, check with local farmers or grocery stores for reuse, or place in the trash cart, | |
| Styrofoam | foam, packing peanuts, Styrofoam, peanuts, |
| Place packing peanuts in a sealed bag to prevent spillage. Large pieces of Styrofoam can be broken down, bagged and placed in your trash cart. | You may be able to donate Styrofoam peanut to Mail Boxes Etc., UPS, or a similar store for reuse. |
| Ivy | Ivy, Vines |
| Place ivy in your organics cart. Do not place materials in plastic bags. Plastic bags are not accepted. | Residents not eligible for curbside collection should check with their waste collector or building manager. |
| Wood chips | wood pieces |
| Place in yourorganics cart. Do not place materials in plastic bags. Plastic bags are not accepted. | Residents not eligible for curbside collection should check with their waste collector or building manager. |
| Fuse | old fuse |
| Place in your trash cart. | |
| Vegetable bed debris | Corn stalks, tomato plants |
| Place in your organics cart. Do not place materials in plastic bags. Plastic bags are not accepted. | Residents not eligible for curbside collection should check with their waste collector or building manager. |
| Pine cones | Pine cones, pine needles |
| Place in your organics cart. Do not place materials in plastic bags. Plastic bags are not accepted. | Residents not eligible for curbside collection should check with their waste collector or building manager. |
| Clothes Hangers (Plastic) | clothing hangers (plastic), plastic hangers, |
| Place in your blue recycling cart. | Locate a take-back program or donation program in area. |
| Junk Mail | Junk mail, mail, envelopes, letters, paper |
| Place in your blue recycling cart. | |
| Non-hazardous light bulbs | incandescent lamps or bulbs, LED bulb light or lamp, halogen bulbs or lights, Christmas bulb or light |
| Place in trash in a manner that prevents breakage or in a container to contain broken glass to prevent potential cut or puncture. | Examples: Incandescent, halogen, LED |
| Insulated packaging | cardboard shipping box, box, shipping box, moving box, moving boxes, large boxes, cardboard |
| Place in trash cart. Insulated packaging is made from multiple material that are too difficult to separate for recycling. | |
| vinyl records | records, music |
| Place in trash cart. | Vinyl records of value can be sold to dealers or donated to organizations like the Friends of the Arlington Public Library, which holds used book and music sales. |
| Blinds | venetian blinds, window treatments |
| Place in trash cart. | Locate a donation program in the area. |
| Floppy Disks | floppy disks, tapes |
| Place in trash cart. | Locate a take-back program or donation program in area. |
| Plastic Cutlery | plastic utensils, plastic plates, plastic solo cups, compostable utensils, cutlery, fork, spoon, knife |
| Place in trash cart. | |
| Binders |
| Place in trash cart. | Locate a take-back program or donation program in area. Staples and Office Depot have seasonal collection programs | |
| coffee grounds |
| Place in trash cart. | Compost at home. | |
| vacuum |
| Place in trash cart or schedule a metal/appliance pick up | ||
| Vacuum |
| Place in trash cart or <a href="http://topics.arlingtonva.us/reportproblem/"schedule a metal/appliance pick up | ||
| Juice pouch |
| Place in the trash cart. | ||
| Cassette tape | cassette, cassettes, tape, tapes, music tape, music cassette, VHS, video tape |
| Place in the trash cart. | |
| HDPE - Tyvek | roofing material, hazardous waste suits, tyvek suit, siding, house wrap |
| Place in the trash cart. | Residents not eligible for curbside collection should check with their waste collector or building manager. |
| Sharps | needles, syringes, sharps |
| Place in hard plastic container such as detergent bottle, cap securely and place in trash cart. Do not put this container in your recycling. If you need more information, contact your local pharmacist. | Residents not eligible for curbside collection should check with their waste collector or building manager. |
| PVC Pipes | PVC pipes |
| Place in blue recycling cart. | Residents not eligible for curbside collection should check with their waste collector or building manager. |
| Hay/Straw | Hay/Straw |
| Place hay and straw in your organics cart. Do not place materials in plastic bags. Plastic bags are not accepted. | Residents not eligible for curbside collection should check with their waste collector or building manager. |
| Grass | grass clippings |
| Place grass in your organics cart. You can also grasscycle by leaving grass clippings on your lawn after mowing. Grasscycling is an environmentally and financially friendly option for you lawn care. Do not place materials in plastic bags. Plastic bags are not accepted. | Residents not eligible for curbside collection should check with their waste collector or building manager. |
| Flowers | Flowers |
| Place flowers material in your organics cart. Do not place materials in plastic bags. Plastic bags are not accepted. | Residents not eligible for curbside collection should check with their waste collector or building manager. |
| Dethatching material | Dethatching material |
| Place dethatching material in your organics cart. Do not place materials in plastic bags. Plastic bags are not accepted. | Residents not eligible for curbside collection should check with their waste collector or building manager. |
| Dead plants | Dead plants |
| Place dead plants in your organics cart. Do not place materials in plastic bags. Plastic bags are not accepted. | Residents not eligible for curbside collection should check with their waste collector or building manager. |
| CFL Light Bulb | bulbs, CFLs, fluorescent tubes, Compact Fluorescent Lamp |
| Place bulbs inside a Ziploc bag or in a container in a manner that prevents breakage. Drop off at the Household Hazardous Materials Facility or a library location (e.g. Aurora Hills, Central, CHP). | Drop-off at HHM Facility during normal Saturday operating hours 9am-3pm or schedule a weekday drop-off appointment. |
| bamboo | bamboo trimmings |
| Place bamboo in your organics cart. Do not place materials in plastic bags. Plastic bags are not accepted. | Residents not eligible for curbside collection should check with their waste collector or building manager. |
| Acorn | Acorn |
| Place acorns in your organics cart. Do not place materials in plastic bags. Plastic bags are not accepted. | Residents not eligible for curbside collection should check with their waste collector or building manager. |
| Pizza boxes | Pizza delivery box |
| Pizza boxes can be recycled if they are relatively clean. If they have excess grease or food, they must be placed in the trash cart. | |
| Gift bags | present bags, gift bags, birthday, christmas |
| Paper gift bags can be placed in your recycling cart. Please remove any bows or accessories with glitter. | Consider saving and reusing gift bags. |
| Aerosol Cans (empty) | hairspray, aerosol cans, olive oil cans, spray paint |
| Only empty aerosol should be placed in your blue recycling cart. | If you are not an Arlington County curbside customer, consult your waste company or building manager. |
| Automotive | cars, trucks, vans, automotives, vehicle, car, automobile, truck, motorcycle, cr, autmble |
| Not accepted through the Arlington County curbside recycling program. | There are a number of human service organizations that accept vehicle donations as well as area junk yard or scrap yard facilities. |
| Bags (Plastic) | bread bags, bubble wrap, dry cleaner bags, grocery bags, newspaper bags, plastic bottles, shopping bags, shrink wrap, Ziploc bags, empty pet food bags, plastic bag, plastic bags |
| Not accepted through the Arlington County curbside recycling program. | Combine bags with other bags or place liners or plastic film inside other plastic bags. Many Arlington grocery stores such as Whole Foods, Costco, Safeway, Harris Teeter and Giant collect and recycle plastic bags. Look for the specially marked containers when you are out in the County. Or, reuse your bags during your next visit to store. Plastic film may also be taken to grocery stores throughout the County. |
| All Purpose Household Cleaners | window cleaner, Windex, 409, all purpose cleaner |
| Must be empty. Rinse empty bottles and use the rinse water like you used the product. | Read the ingredients on the back of the container to ensure products do not contain hazardous materials. |
| Pill bottles (empty) | aspirin containers, liquid medication bottles, prescription pill bottles, pill bottle, medication bottle, prescription |
| Must be empty. Remove name and additional information from bottles. Another option: The Animal Welfare League of Arlington seeks donations of plastic pill bottles. | Repurpose to use as a travel container. |
| Motor Oil Bottles (Liquid, Used) | motor oil filters, motor oil bottles |
| Must be empty. | |
| Motor Oil Bottles (Used) | motor oil containers |
| Must be empty. | |
| Glue | Elmer's, glue, |
| Must be dry or securely contained to prevent spillage. | |
| Gutters | aluminum gutters, copper gutters |
| Must be scheduled online and must be cut to lengths less that eight (8) feet. | |
| Wrapping Paper | gift wrap, gift wrapping, gift paper, Christmas wrapping, Christmas paper, Birthday wrapping, Birthday paper, holiday wrapping, holiday paper, christmas present, birthday present, present |
| Most wrapping paper is not recyclable and should be placed in the trash cart. When shopping, look for recyclable alternatives to wrapping paper. Used wrapping can often be salvaged for reuse. | Use minimal tape when wrapping your package so it is easier to save and reuse your paper, bows and ribbons next year. |
| Outdoor Furniture (Metal) | metal furniture |
| Metal Outdoor furniture is eligible for a metal/appliance pickup for residential curbside customers. Schedule online or call 703-228-6570. Items must be able to fit in the back of the recycling truck. Set curbside beside your recycling cart if the item is too large to go inside cart. Remove any non-metal materials prior to collection. | Residents not eligible for curbside collection should check with their waste collector or building manager. Consider donating items if they are in good condition. |
| Laundry Detergent Bottles | laundry detergent boxes, laundry detergent bottles |
| Make sure they are empty and break down before placing in recycling cart if necessary. | |
| Kitty Litter | kitty litter, rodent litter, cat, kitty, litter, litter box |
| Kitty litter containing animal waste should be bagged and placed in trash cart. Litter not containing animal waste may be used to soak up spills, dry up small amounts of paint and then be placed in the trash. | |
| Outdoor Furniture (Wood, mixed material) | Outdoor chairs, wood chairs, outdoor table, lawn furniture |
| Items must be able to fit in the back of the trash truck. Set curbside beside your trash cart if the item is too large to go inside cart. | Locate a take-back program or donation program in area. |
| Trees (Downed) | right of way tree, large tree, tree in street, broken tree, fallen tree |
| In the Right of Way: Report downed trees that are blocking the street of public right of way online. On Electrical Wires: Report downed trees that are on electrical wires to Dominion Power. On Private Property: Individual property owners are responsible for taking care of trees that are downed on their own property. Options include cutting it up and including it in your green organics cart, scheduling a large brush collection (limits apply) or hiring a contractor to clear the tree for you. | |
| Smoke Detector | smoke detector, must not contain hazardous warning label |
| If possible, mail back to the manufacturer. The USPS website contains a comprehensive listing of manufacturers/distributors that will take back their own smoke detectors. Also, Curie Environmental Services has a mail back program to recycle smoke detectors. If unable to return to manufacturer, dispose in trash cart. | Smoke detectors and combination smoke/carbon monoxide (CO) detectors may contain very small amounts of radioactive material. Although the amount of radioactive material contained in these detectors is minimal and does not pose a threat to human health, they cannot be scheduled for “E-WASTE” pickup or Drop-Off because they are not accepted by our current electronics recycling contractor. |
| Yard Trimmings | garden plants, husks, leaves, plant trimmings, weeds, yard waste, grass |
| If not composted, small amounts of yard waste should be placed in your organics cart for collection. Do not place materials in plastic bags. Plastic bags are not accepted. | Compost or grasscycle at home. |
| Leaves | leaves |
| If not composted, place in your organics cart or paper yard bags for collection. Do not place materials in plastic bags. Plastic bags are not accepted. During leaf vacuum collection season (November to December), leaves can also be raked to the curb. | Residents not eligible for curbside collection should check with their waste collector or building manager. |
| Food | fruit peels, fruit skin, vegetables, fruits, bones, plate scrapings |
| If not composted, dispose of in trash cart. | Small amounts can be composted at home or dropped off at the Solid Waste Bureau. |
| Carbon monoxide detector | carbon monoxide detector, detector |
| If combined with smoke detector, mail back to the manufacturer otherwise dispose in trash cart. The USPS website contains a comprehensive listing of manufacturers/distributors that will take back their own smoke detectors. Also, Curie Environmental Services has a mail back program to recycle smoke detectors. | Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors alone do not contain radioactive material and should be thrown in the trash. Combination smoke/carbon monoxide (CO) detectors may contain very small amounts of radioactive material. Although the amount of radioactive material contained in these detectors is minimal and does not pose a threat to human health, they cannot be scheduled for “E-WASTE” pickup or Drop-Off because they are not accepted by our current electronics recycling contractor. |
| Couch | love seat, couch, couches, sleeper sofa, sofa |
| Household furniture is collected for no additional charge on your normal trash collection. Standard sizes are accepted: Sofa, 6 to 8 feet long. Loveseat, 4 to 6 feet long. Sectionals must be separated. Furniture that exceeds 8 feet should be broken down into smaller sections. Remove legs from tables when possible. Furniture must be at the collection point. Items not able to fit due to the truck being full upon arrival will be tagged with further instructions. | Locate a take-back program or donation program (Goodwill, craigslist, Freecycle, local churches, etc.) in the area. Residents not eligible for curbside collection should check with their waste collector or building manager. |
| Furniture | household furniture, couches, bed, bed frame, table, wood furniture, chair, dresser, cabinet, desk, mirror |
| Household furniture is collected for no additional charge on your normal trash collection. Furniture must be at the collection point and fit in a trash truck. | Locate a take-back program or donation program (Goodwill, craigslist, Freecycle, local churches, etc.) in the area. Residents not eligible for curbside collection should check with their waste collector or building manager. |
| Take-out containers (clear plastic) | aseptic, clear clam shell containers, Tetra Pak, take out containers, clear plastic containers, plastic packaging, plastic clamshells, clamshell, clam shell, clam-shell |
| Generally, only #6 plastic containers - polystyrene like foam cups and foam clamshell boxes - are not accepted in the blue recycling cart. Hard plastic containers (usually with removable lids) and clear clamshell containers are accepted in the recycling cart. Remove any plastic film or dirty aluminum from the packaging before placing the item in your recycling cart. | |
| garden hose | rubber hose, hose |
| Garden hoses are generally made from several different materials including some that can't be recycled. In addition, their unruly nature are a threat to recycling sorting machines. If they can't be fixed, place in black trash cart. | |
| Animal Waste | animal waste, poop, feces, pet waste |
| For sanitary reasons, animal waste should be placed in double plastic bags. | |
| Household Metal Items | metal bed frames, exercise equipment, file cabinets, garden tools, grills, keys, metal instruments, pots and pans |
| For Arlington County curbside collection customers, appliances may be scheduled for curbside pickup. Chargeable items ($10) include refrigerators, freezers, washers, dryers, dishwashers, trash compactors, air conditioners and water heaters. A $10 fee will show up on your next utility bill. All other metal items are collected free of charge but must be scheduled ahead of time. Non-curbside customers may schedule an appointment at the Solid Waste Bureau for some small metal items. | For large metal appliances, residents not eligible for curbside collection should check with their waste collector or building manager. |
| Lawn Mower | riding lawn mower, lawn mower, push lawn mower, mower, gas lawn mower, electric lawn mower |
| For Arlington County curbside collection customers, appliances may be scheduled for curbside pickup. Chargeable items ($10) include refrigerators, freezers, washers, dryers, dishwashers, trash compactors, air conditioners and water heaters. A $10 fee will show up on your next utility bill. All other metal items are collected free of charge but must be scheduled ahead of time. Non-curbside customers may schedule an appointment at the Solid Waste Bureau for some small metal items. | For large metal appliances, residents not eligible for curbside collection should check with their waste collector or building manager. |
| Firewood (untreated) | fire wood, firewood |
| Firewood must be 18 inches or less in diameter and 10 feet or less in length. Do not mix firewood with lumber or other materials to avoid non-collection. | Residents not eligible for curbside collection should check with their waste collector or building manager. |
| Glass (bottles, jars) | glass bottles, glass jars |
| Empty, rinse if containers have residue. Drop off glass recyclables in glass-only containers at County’s recycling drop-off centers for crushing and reuse as construction and landscaping material. If not dropped off, place glass containers in black trash carts for pick-up. | |
| Cleaning Products (empty) | detergents, Windex |
| Empty bottles should be rinsed thoroughly. Save the rinse water and use like you used the product. | |
| Batteries (nickel) | nickel-cadmium (NiCd), nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) |
| Drop-off boxes available at most Arlington County fire stations. The Household Hazardous Materials Drop-Off Facility also accepts batteries. | |
| Batteries (small) | hearing aid, lead-acid, lithium, mercury, silver oxide |
| Drop-off boxes available at most Arlington County fire stations. The Household Hazardous Materials Drop-Off Facility also accepts batteries. | |
| Freezer gel-packs |
| Do not puncture and pour contents down the drain. | ||
| Medication | pills, medicine, capsules, drugs |
| Dissolve them in water, then mix with used coffee grounds or cat litter, put the mixture in sealable container and place in your regular trash. | Drop off at one of Arlington County’s permanent drug take-back boxes. |
| Produce netting | Plastic produce netting |
| Deposit empty plastic produce netting in the trash. | |
| CRT Television | Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) monitors and TVs, television, pre-flat-screen technology, |
| Curbside customers may schedule a collection online online. There is a $20 fee for CRT TV units and a $15 fee for each Computer Monitor. Place items at the curb next to your recycling cart on the scheduled pickup date. Small and loose materials should be placed in your yellow bin or a small rigid container labeled "E-WASTE." | Residents not eligible for curbside service may schedule an appointment at the Household Hazardous Materials facility. Or contact your waste hauler or building manager. Fees may apply. |
| Construction debris (dirt, rocks, inert materials) | Wood, lumber, 2x4, insulation, fiberglass, brick, concrete, asphalt material, pipe, gypsum, wallboard, cement, cement blocks, Portland cement |
| Construction materials are not accepted in your trash cart or recycling cart. The Solid Waste Bureau can accept one truckload, up to three cubic yards, of inert material per month for free. Schedule an appointment by calling 703-228-6570. Learn more here. Metal pipe, gypsum and some types of wallboard are not accepted at the Solid Waste Bureau. Some materials may require a private hauler. | Available to all residents |
| Plastic Drink Cup | Plastic cup, Red Solo Cup, iced coffee cup |
| Colored drink cups (usually all red or all blue) with the No. 6 on the bottom are not recyclable and should be thrown in the trash. Clear drink cups with the No. 5 on the bottom - often used by coffee franchises - are recyclable and can be tossed in the bin with the top on - but trash the straw. | |
| Christmas Trees (Artificial) | Artificial Christmas trees, plastic tree, fake Christmas tree |
| Collected curbside on your normal collection day. | Online services such as Freecycle or craigslist also exist. Residents not eligible for curbside collection should check with their waste collector or building manager. |
| coffee filters | coffee filters, clean coffee filters, dirty coffee filters |
| Clean and dirty coffee filters belong in the trash can. Repurpose and use to absorb the grease from fried foods or to clean glass. | Coffee filters can be composted at home. |
| Christmas Trees (Live) | Christmas trees, leaves, non-woody waste, pine tree |
| Christmas Trees are collected seasonally for residential curbside customers. Remove all tinsel, lights, decorations, tree stands and plastic bags prior to collection or drop-off. | All Arlington residents are eligible to drop off natural Christmas trees for composting during established hours. |
| Ceramic Tile | ceramics, tile, toilets, ceramic tile |
| Ceramic tile cannot contain metal rebar when dropped off at the Solid Waste Bureau. | Ceramic tile and ceramic toilets can be dropped off at the Solid Waste Bureau. Schedule an appointment through Customer Service by calling 703-228-6570. Porcelain toilets and dishes can be collected curbside only. |
| Gun | guns, pistols, revolvers, rifles |
| Call the Arlington County Police Department at 703-558-2222. | |
| Explosives | ammunition, fireworks, Fireworks, bullets, Bullets |
| Call the Arlington County Police Department at 703-558-2222. | |
| Broken Glass | broken window, broken glass, glass pieces |
| Broken glass from windows, serving ware or dishes are not recyclable. Wrap in newspaper or double bag before placing in your trash cart. Broken one-time use bottles from soda or adult beverages may be placed in your recycling cart. | |
| Bricks | bricks, pavers, cement blocks |
| Bricks are not accepted in your trash cart or recycling cart. The Solid Waste Bureau can accept one truckload of bricks per month for free. Schedule an appointment by calling 703-228-6570 or see more details. | Online services such as Freecycle or craigslist also exist. |
| Cardboard box | cardboard shipping box, box, shipping box, moving box, moving boxes, large boxes, cardboard |
| Break down or flatten and recycle in the blue cart. Boxes too large to fit inside should be placed beside the blue recycle cart. Boxes may also be taken to one of our two recycling drop-off centers. | List them on U-Haul's Box Exchange Program or list them on an online service such as Freecycle or craigslist. |
| Doors | Wood Doors, wood door, wooden door, plastic door, door, front door |
| Break down into four foot or smaller sections and place in your trash cart. Place next to your trash cart if you are unable to fit into your trash cart. | Locate a take back program or donation program in the area |
| Cardboard | cardboard boxes, corrugated cardboard, envelopes, gift wrap, greeting cards, hardback books, junk mail, magazines, newspapers, paperback books, paper bags, paper towel rolls, phone books, photographs, thermal paper, toilet paper rolls, wrapping paper, boxboard |
| Break down cardboard before placing in recycling cart. | Donate books to local libraries or a used book store. Reuse envelopes and gift wrap and magazines for future mailings, arts and crafts or liners. Repurpose bags as book covers, drawer liners or decorations for arts and crafts. For cardboard products, find a take-back program or reuse for mailings, filing, moving or storage. |
| Boxes (all types) | cereal boxes, cracker boxes, frozen food boxes, frozen food trays, ice cream cartons, juice boxes, juice cartons, paper bags, paper cups, paper egg cartons, paper plates, pizza boxes, soup boxes |
| Break down before placing in recycling cart. Large items unable to fit in the recycling cart should be placed next to the cart. | |
| Books | Books, dirty books, old book, childrens book, bks, textbooks |
| Books are also accepted in your blue recycling cart but we encourage you to find reuse options first. | Donate used books to Friends of the Arlington Public Library biannual book sale or other charitable organizations. |
| coffee cups (disposable) | disposable coffee cups, foam cups |
| Because of the thin plastic lining inside a disposable paper cup, most cannot be recycled. If the cup comes with a cardboard sleeve ring to protect from heat, the ring can be recycled with paper. The plastic lids and plastic stirrers should be thrown away. | Try to buy coffee to go in a reusable cup. |
| Bags (Paper) | paper bags, paper wrap, |
| Bags cannot contain residue. Place clean paper bags in recycling cart. | If you are not an Arlington County curbside customer, consult your waste company or building manager. |
| Diapers | Diapers, baby diaper |
| Bag diapers and place them in your trash cart. DO NOT place diapers in your recycling cart. | |
| Dishes | ceramics, dishware, silverware, plates, bowls |
| Bag and place in your trash cart. | Locate a take back program or donation program in the area |
| Textiles | clothes, fabrics, textiles, shoes, footware |
| Bag and place in your trash cart | Locate a take-back program or donation program such as Goodwill, or another clothing recycling company in area. |
| Metal | brass, bronze, cast iron, iron, stainless steel, steel |
| Available for curbside collection, but must be scheduled prior to collection. Large appliances are subjected to a $10 fee. Schedule a pickup online or call 703-228-6570. | Residents not eligible for curbside collection should check with their waste collector or building manager. |
| Miscellaneous Metal | bolts, chain-link fencing, copper piping, ducts, fence posts, fixtures, galvanized piping, metal ladder, nails, nuts, poles, scrap metal, screws, sinks, tubs |
| Available for curbside collection, but must be scheduled prior to collection. Large appliances are subjected to a $10 fee. Schedule a pickup online or call 703-228-6570. | Residents not eligible for curbside collection should check with their waste collector or building manager. |
| pots | cooking pots, pans, pots |
| Available for curbside collection, but must be scheduled prior to collection. Schedule a pickup online or call 703-228-6570. | Residents not eligible for curbside collection should check with their waste collector or building manager. |
| Confidential or Sensitive Documents | sensitive paper, sensitive documents, confidential, confidential documents |
| Arlington County encourages you to take advantage of the monthly free Shredding Event which takes place the first Saturday of the month at the Solid Waste Bureau. Bagged shredding paper should not be placed in your recycling cart as the pieces are too small to be collected loose. | Available to all residents |
| Shredded Paper | confetti, paper punch holes, paper shreds, shredded paper |
| Arlington County encourages you to take advantage of the monthly free shredding event that takes place the first Saturday of the month at the Solid Waste Bureau. You can bring documents to shred as well as bags of shredded paper. Bagged shredding paper should not be placed in your recycling cart as the pieces are too small to be collected loose. | Residents not eligible for curbside collection should check with their waste collector or building manager. |
| Appliances | air conditioners, dryers, freezers, furnaces, gas grills, heat pump, lawn mowers, microwaves, refrigerators, power equipment, stoves, trimmers, washing machines, water heaters, weed-whackers, weed eaters, weed wackers, metal bed frames, exercise equipment, file cabinets, garden tools, grills, keys, metal instruments, pots and pans, dehumidifiers |
| Arlington County customers can schedule an appliance collection online. All contents must be emptied out of the appliances prior to collection. Chargeable items ($10) include refrigerators, freezers, washers, dryers, dishwashers, trash compactors, air conditioners, and water heaters. A $10 fee will show up on your next utility bill. All other metal items are collected free of charge but must be scheduled. | If you are not an Arlington County curbside customer, consult your waste company or building manager. There are also local take-back programs or online databases (Freecycle, craigslist, etc.) for working appliances. |
| Television | TVs, TV, Television, LCD Television, LCD TV |
| Arlington County curbside customers can schedule a collection online for $20 each per television. Schedule a pickup online or call 703-228-6570. Place items at the curb next to your recycling cart on the scheduled pickup date. Small and loose materials should be placed in your black bin or a small rigid container labeled "E-WASTE." | Residents without Arlington County service can schedule a drop-off at the Household Hazardous Waste Facility by calling 703-228-6832. Fees may apply. |
| Taxidermy | animal, carcass, taxidermy |
| Animal remains that have been taxidermied must be placed in your trash cart. | If you're unsure how to dispose of an animal carcass or see an animal that needs help, please contact the Animal Welfare League at 703-931-9241 (https://www.awla.org/animal-control/). |
| Ashes | ashes, fireplace ash, |
| Allow ashes to cool and then seal them in a plastic bag before putting them in your trash cart. | Hot ashes will damage your trash cart and are harmful to our crews. |
| deodorant container | deodorant tube, anti-perspirant, anti-perspirant tube |
| All related deodorant/anti-perspirant tube plastics can be tossed into the blue recycling cart, provided the product itself has been used up. | |
| Paper | white paper, colored paper, newsprint, newspaper |
| All office paper and newspapers accepted. Do not include wax liners. | |
| Batteries (alkaline) | AAA, AA, C, D, 9 volt, battery, batteries |
| Alkaline batteries may be disposed of in your trash cart. | |
| Aerosol Cans (full or partially full) | hairspray, aerosol cans, olive oil cans, spray paint |
| Aerosol cans that are partially filled with chemicals should be taken to the Household Hazardous Materials Drop-Off Facility. | |
| pallets | wood pallets, wood |
| Accepted weekly with normal trash collection. Remove all nails and screws or hammer them flat and bundle in lengths not exceeding 4 feet AND 50 lbs. Loose materials are not accepted. Large quantities from a contractor will not be collected. | |
| Firewood (treated) | fire wood, firewood |
| Accepted weekly with normal trash collection. Bundle in lengths not exceeding 4 feet AND 50 lbs. | Residents not eligible for curbside collection should check with their waste collector or building manager. |
| Lumber (not branches) | lumber, wood, plywood, wood pieces |
| Accepted weekly with normal trash collection. Remove all nails and screws or hammer them flat and bundle in lengths not exceeding 4 feet AND 50 lbs. Loose materials are not accepted. Large quantities from a contractor will not be collected. | Residents not eligible for curbside collection should check with their waste collector or building manager. |
| Stereo | audio equipment, stereos, stereo equipment |
| Schedule a pickup online or call 703-228-6570. Place items at the curb next to your recycling cart on the scheduled pickup date. Small and loose materials should be placed in your yellow bin or a small rigid container labeled "E-WASTE." | Find a take-back program or donation program in area if in working condition. |
| Optical Discs | CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray Discs, CD, Blueray |
| Schedule a pickup online or call 703-228-6570. Place items at the curb next to your recycling cart on the scheduled pickup date. Small and loose materials should be placed in your black bin or a small rigid container labeled "E-WASTE." | The Alexandria organization Upcycle will accept them as will any Best Buy outlet. |
| Household electronics | clock radios, clothing iron, curling/straightening irons, electric toothbrushes, humidifier, telephone equipment, VCR, cables, wires |
| Schedule a pickup online or call 703-228-6570. Place items at the curb next to your recycling cart on the scheduled pickup date. Small and loose materials should be grouped inside a small rigid container labeled "E-WASTE." | Residents not eligible for curbside collection should schedule a drop-off at the Household Hazardous Materials Facility or check with their waste collector or building manager. Find a take-back program or donation program in area if in working condition. |
| Bicycles | Bicycles, bikes, trikes, bike parts |
| Schedule a pickup online or call 703-228-6570. Place items at the curb next to your recycling cart on the scheduled pickup date. | Locate a donation program in the area. Contact Bikes for the World or Phoenix Bikes about their donation programs. Other local donation programs also exist. |
| Drum | barrels, drums |
| Schedule a pickup online or call 703-228-6570. Must be cut into pieces weighing less than 50 lbs. and shorter than 8 feet. | Residents not eligible for curbside collection should check with their waste collector or building manager. |
| Tires (Rim) | metal parts, tire rims |
| Schedule a pickup online or call 703-228-6570. | |
| Catalogs | catalogs, magazines, mags, |
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| Name | Examples | Disposal Method(s) | Preparation | Additional Details |
Don’t see your item on the list? Contact the Solid Waste Bureau experts.