Fall 2026 E-CARE Clean-up Drop-off Happens Saturday, Oct. 17

Arlington County’s Fall Environmental Collection and Recycling Event (E-CARE) takes place Saturday, Oct. 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. (rain or shine) at 1425 North Quincy Street, across from Washington-Liberty High School. Arlington residents are encouraged to gather their old electronics, household hazardous materials (HHM) and other items for fast, free drop-off and environmentally safe disposal. 

E-CARE is held twice a year to offer a quick and convenient way to get rid of common materials and substances that otherwise would take up space in and around the home. Accepted materials include paint products (25-can limit); pesticides; motor oil and solvents; devices containing mercury; fluorescent bulbs; garden and swimming pool chemicals; batteries; smoke detectors; fire extinguishers; propane tanks; and small metal items.  

The full, extensive list of accepted (and unaccepted) items and appliances is available at arlingtonva.us/E-CARE. Business and commercial waste will not be accepted. 

Bikes for the World will be at Fall 2026 E-CARE to collect bicycles, bike parts and related items to help provide reliable, inexpensive transportation overseas. 

Returning to E-CARE for fall 2026: Gently used Halloween costumes will be accepted for distribution in the Arlington community. Costumes must be in good or excellent condition (no rips, tears or stains, unless they are part of the costume) and include all wardrobe parts and accessories. Cleaned costumes are encouraged. The Solid Waste Bureau is giving out Halloween costumes at upcoming events. 

Spring 2026 E-CARE had more than 1,200 people drop off 24 tons of HHM, 15 tons of electronics, and just over one ton of scrap metal.  

How It Works 

E-CARE drop-off is offered exclusively to Arlington residents; bring a photo ID or a recent utility bill to show proof of residence during check-in. 

Residents are encouraged to combine loads with family members or neighbors to cut down the number of trips to the E-CARE site. Vehicles should be packed in reverse order to make unloading easier: Small metal items and Halloween costumes go in first, electronics and HHM next. Place HHM and electronics in separate cardboard boxes for easy handling and to prevent spills. The cardboard will be recycled. 

Can't Make It? 

If you can’t make it to Fall 2026 E-CARE on Oct. 17, you can still get rid of any accepted materials or items through the following ways: 

• Halloween costumes can be dropped off through Nov. 6 at the Solid Waste Bureau (4300 29th St. S) between 7 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday-Friday. 

• The HHM Facility at the Water Pollution Control Plant accepts drop-offs year-round (by appointment only, except on Saturdays). 

• Bikes for the World accepts donations year-round. Call 703-740-7856 or visit the website for more information. 

• Arlington’s Solid Waste Bureau offers specific guidance on proper year-round disposal for thousands of household items with the handy online Where Does It Go? database.