Light-emitting diode bulbs are not accepted in curbside recycling bins; however, Fairfax County residents may bring LEDs to the county’s two household hazardous waste drop-off areas for recycling. The drop-off areas are located at the I-66 transfer station in Fairfax and the I-95 landfill complex in Lorton. LEDs are accepted free of charge.
LEDs have become the bulb of choice because they are more efficient than incandescent bulbs, but they often contain hazardous substances such as lead, nickel, silver, copper and arsenic. LEDs are not regulated as hazardous or universal waste by federal, state, or local regulatory statutes. Unlike compact fluorescent bulbs which contain mercury, LEDs may be discarded as municipal solid waste, or regular trash.
In its continuing efforts to promote environmental sustainability practices, Fairfax County’s Solid Waste Management Program worked with its hazardous waste disposal vendor to begin accepting LEDs in 2019. This new recycling option exceeds current federal and state regulatory statutes for the disposal of LEDs.
HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE HOURS
I-66 transfer station (4618 West Ox Road, Fairfax): Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
I-95 landfill complex (9850 Furnace Road, Lorton): Monday-Sunday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
I-95 landfill complex (9850 Furnace Road, Lorton): Monday-Sunday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information, call 703-324-6361, TTY 711, or submit a question by email.
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