Solid Waste Management

Certain hazardous materials may pose a risk to human health or the environment if placed in regular trash. Prince William County provides a special location at the County Landfill where hazardous waste may be dropped off for recycling and/or special handling.

The list of items identified below should be brought to the Landfill in their original labeled container. Be sure containers are sealed and packaged for safe transport. Accepted Residential materials include:

The PWC Landfill accepts used motor oil, used antifreeze, auto batteries and household batteries daily during normal landfill hours. The Compost Facility also accepts used motor oil, used antifreeze and household batteries during normal operating hours.

Call (703) 792-5750 (TTY:711) to discuss other products from home with labels listing special disposal cautions or recommendations.

ITEMS NOT ACCEPTED at Solid Waste facilities, include explosives, ammunition, medical waste, unused medication, biological waste, asbestos, radioactive waste or unknown substances and business waste. Most medication maybe disposed of at designated police stations. 

HHW should be brought to the Landfill in their original labeled container. Containers should also be sealed and packaged for safe transport. 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.

• 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 needed; don’t buy more just because it is a bargain.
• Dispose of the leftover material as directed by the instructions; use the County program, which has a licensed disposal firm handling collection and disposal.
• Do not pour hazardous materials into a sink or down storm drain.
• Safely dispose of prescription drugs at a location authorized by DEA
• Do not place hazardous material 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 the Solid Waste Division at (703) 792- 5750 (TTY:711) with specific questions.

Area hazardous waste service providers include:

• Alternative Disposal/Recycling Options 
• Clean Harbors at http://www.cleanharbors.com
• Environment Waste Specialist http://www.ewsihazmat.com
• MXI Environmental at http://www.mxiinc.com
• Veolia Environmental Services at https://www.veolianorthamerica.com/what-we-do/waste-capabilities/reactive-chemicals-management

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

• Northern Virginia Regional Commission through their KnowToxics program at http://knowtoxics.com
• Virginia Department of Environmental Quality at http://www.deq.virginia.gov/waste/universalwaste

Alternative Disposal/Recycling Options 

The owners or managers of non-residential properties shall establish a system for the separation, collection, handling, storage, and transportation of Universal Wastes (fluorescent lamps, batteries, and mercury switches) and shall make the proper arrangements for the recycling of these materials. Information on the proper recycling of Universal Waste is available at https://www.knowtoxics.com/

(Sec 22-170d) (Sec. 22-19d)

No—businesses are responsible for managing their own Universal Waste (batteries, pesticides, Mercury-containing equipment, fluorescent lamps, and aerosol cans). This is a Federal requirement under Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) in part 273. Information on the proper recycling of Universal Waste is available at https://www.knowtoxics.com/

(Sec. 22-170d (Sec. 22-19d)