What is Household Hazardous Waste?
Household hazardous waste refers to used or leftover contents of consumer products that contain materials with one of four characteristics of hazardous waste: toxic, ignitable, corrosive or reactive as defined by the Environmental Protection Agency. The Fairfax County Household Hazardous Waste Program accepts hazardous chemicals from residents free of charge and disposes or recycles them according to all local, state and federal regulations. Hazardous wastes from businesses are handled separately.
Household hazardous waste is best managed outside of the regular municipal solid waste stream. If handled properly, it will decrease the likelihood that these elements will enter the environment.
The safest way to dispose of household hazardous waste is to carefully pack them up and bring them to one of Fairfax County’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection Sites.
NOTE: Only Fairfax County residents may use this service.
Procedures for Packing & Transporting Household Hazardous Waste
• Keep products in their original containers. Do not mix products. Be sure lids are tightly sealed. It is vital tha you label materials that are not in their original containers.
• Place leaking containers in a larger, plastic container with a tight-fitting lid.
• Secure products upright in cardboard box so that they do not tip over in transport. Do not transport products in plastic bags.
• Transport products in the back of a pickup truck or in a car trunk. Be sure that there is adequate ventilation if the products are transported in the car passenger compartment.
• Keep flammable materials out of direct sunlight and away from sources of heat, spark, flame or ignition. Do not smoke.
Important Links
• Disposal Companies for Specialized or Hazardous Waste | Public Works and Environmental Services
• Household Hazardous Waste | Public Works and Environmental Services
• Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Program Brochure
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