Household Hazardous Waste Collection 

 

Residents

 
Prince William County residents are urged to properly dispose of household hazardous waste (HHW) and to recycle electronics at the PWC Landfill and Balls Ford Road Compost Facility. 
 
There is no charge to County residents for this service.  We do not accept hazardous waste from commercial users, businesses or residents in the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park.   
 
Collections will be held in tandem with the Electronic Recycling and Disposal at:
  • County Landfill: Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Note new hours -- Balls Ford Road Compost Facility: Second Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Please bring identified hazardous materials from your home in the original labeled container.  Residential materials accepted include:
 
 
insecticides
 
fertilizers
 
swimming pool chemicals
 
gasoline
 
pesticides
 
cleaning fluids/polishes
 
oven cleaners
 
herbicides
 
photography chemicals
 
silver cleaners
 
paint thinners
 
aerosol cans
 
paints (latex & oil)
 
chemistry kits
 
driveway sealers
 
rodent controls
 
caulks/adhesives
 
lacquers
 
ant bait/traps
 
mineral spirits
 
drain cleaners
 
propane tanks (less 20lbs)
 
pet supplies
 
spray paint cans
 
varnishes
 
 
 
automotive parts cleaner
 
flammable waxes
 
flammable abrasives
 
battery acid
 
yard care products
 
 
 
 
Be sure containers are sealed and packaged for safe transport. Call 703-792-5750 to discuss other products in your home with labels listing special disposal cautions or recommendations.
 
The PWC Landfill accepts used motor oil, used antifreeze, auto batteries and household batteries daily during normal landfill hours. The Balls Ford Road Compost Facility also accepts used motor oil, used antifreeze and household batteries during normal operating hours.
 
ITEMS NOT ACCEPTED include explosives, ammunition, medical waste, biological waste, asbestos, radioactive waste or unknown substances and business waste.
 
Caution: Look for safe alternatives to household hazardous waste - improper disposal of potentially hazardous household products can pollute the environment or injure collection workers. Do not pour hazardous waste down a drain. It can damage a septic system, and treatment plants are not designed to handle hazardous substances. 
 
Tips for handling potentially hazardous materials:
  • Look for safe alternatives.
  • Read labels carefully and follow directions.
  • Know what to do in case of an emergency or accident.
  • Buy only the amount you need; don’t buy more just because it is a bargain.
  • Dispose of the leftover material as directed by the instructions; use the County program, since we have a licensed disposal firm handling collection and disposal.
  • Don’t pour hazardous materials into your sink or down storm drains.
  • Don't place it in the trash -- the material could leak.
  • Store the material properly -- well out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Be sure materials are in safe and spill-proof containers in a well-ventilated area.
  • If you break a thermometer or light bulb containing mercury, the EPA has tips on safe removal.
  • Call Public Works at (703) 792- 5750 for specific questions.

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Businesses

 

Businesses that are Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generators (create less than 220 pounds of hazardous waste per month) may be eligible to participate in a program that could save money on their disposal costs. Call 1-866-HHW-CARE to further discuss this program. Have available the types and amount of material generated each month so that Care Environmental officials will be better able to assist you.

Other hazardous waste service providers include:

Information about Universal Waste, which are materials that contain mercury, lead, cadmium, coppy and other substances that are considered hazardous to human and environmental health, require special handling.  You can learn more about universal waste, legal requirements, handling and disposal and local service providers: