Arlington County’s E-CARE Event: Safely Dispose of Electronics and Hazardous Materials
Arlington County residents are encouraged to participate in the upcoming Environmental Collection and Recycling Event (E-CARE) to responsibly dispose of unwanted electronics and household hazardous materials.
Spring is the perfect time to declutter and clean out those neglected spaces in our homes, such as the junk drawer full of old electronics or the garage piled with leftover paint and expired lightbulbs. Fortunately, Arlington County is offering its residents a convenient and environmentally-friendly solution with the return of the Environmental Collection and Recycling Event (E-CARE). On Saturday, March 23, residents can safely dispose of their unwanted electronics and hazardous materials at Wakefield High School. This biannual event aims to promote responsible waste management and protect the environment.
What to Expect at E-CARE
The E-CARE event will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Wakefield High School, located at 1325 S. Dinwiddie Street. Multiple collection areas will be set up to accommodate Arlington residents dropping off their unwanted items. To participate, residents are required to bring proof of Arlington residency and are advised to pack their vehicles in reverse order, with electronics being placed first, followed by hazardous materials.
Accepted and Not Accepted Items
Arlington County has provided a comprehensive list of items that will be accepted and not accepted at the E-CARE event. Accepted items include automotive fluids, batteries, compact fluorescent light bulbs, corrosives, flammable solvents, household cleaners, lawn and garden chemicals, mercury-containing items, paint products, and more. However, items such as metal, bicycle donations, business and commercial waste, asbestos, explosives, medical wastes, and radioactive materials will not be accepted.
Disposal Options for Electronics
Residents who are unable to attend the E-CARE event can still dispose of their unwanted electronics by requesting free curbside removal. Computers, keyboards, copiers, scanners, printers, cell phones, and televisions can be picked up by contacting the county or submitting a request online. However, there may be a small fee for older cathode ray TVs and computer monitors. Additionally, Arlington County residents and employees can drop off hazardous household materials year-round at a recycling center near Crystal City.
Recycling Centers and Additional Services
For those unsure of where to dispose of specific items, Arlington County provides a helpful online tool to look up disposal instructions. Scrap metal, appliances, and electronics can be dropped off at the Earth Products Yard in Shirlington or scheduled for pickup for a fee. The Shirlington facility also accepts inert materials like cement. Furthermore, residential trash, recycling, and yard waste customers can take advantage of free curbside removal services for specific electronic items.
Conclusion:
As Arlington County continues to prioritize responsible waste management and environmental conservation, the return of the E-CARE event provides residents with an ideal opportunity to safely dispose of unwanted electronics and hazardous materials. By participating in this biannual event, residents can contribute to the preservation of the environment and the overall well-being of their community. Additionally, the county offers year-round disposal options for those who are unable to attend the event. Let’s take advantage of these resources and make a positive impact on our surroundings.