Easy, Convenient and Safe Disposal for Household Hazardous Waste in Prince William County

Household hazardous waste (HHW) is used to describe a variety of products and items used in and around our homes. These items may be found in the yard, garage, shed and even inside the home. Household products that can catch fire, react or explode under certain circumstances, or that are corrosive or toxic are considered HHW. Products, such as paints, cleaners, oils, batteries, insecticides, drain cleaners, gasoline, florescent bulbs and more contain hazardous ingredients and require special disposal.

Improper disposal of these products can pollute the environment and pose a threat to human health. Some HHW items can contaminate septic tanks or wastewater treatment systems if poured down drains or toilets, or cause physical injury to sanitation workers, equipment and disposal facilities. They can also present hazards to children and pets if left around the house.

Fortunately, Prince William County residents can dispose of these items, at no extra cost, at the Prince William County Landfill on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. County residents must stop at traffic control, verify residency with the attendant and request a ticket before using this program. HHW products ready for disposal should be sealed in their original labeled containers and placed in the trunk or truck bed, if possible. This is drive-through service and residents may bring up to 40 pounds solid or 15 gallons liquid per visit.

Residents may also bring up to three unwanted electronic items to the Electronic Recycling program, which is co-located and operated with the HHW program. E-waste can be dangerous when disposed of improperly due to toxic heavy metals such as mercury, lead and corrosive chemicals. These substances can cause serious damage when they are disposed of in the trash and subsequently end up in a landfill. Toxins can seep into nearby groundwater and cause serious harm to individuals, as well as the environment.

Unlike e-waste and household hazardous waste, residents can bring some items that require special disposal any day to either of the Prince William County Solid Waste facilities. Car batteries, oil, antifreeze and household batteries can be brought to the Prince William County Landfill or the Compost Facility, located at 13000 Hansen Farm Road, during regular hours of operation. Both locations have a special self-service area set up to safely handle these items for recycling or disposal. 

The Solid Waste Division provides a variety of services to make the safe and proper disposal of unwanted household items easy and convenient for Prince William County residents. In most cases, these services are free of charge. Visit www.pwcva.gov/disposalguide for more information.