Cleaning out the garage, basement or shed? Before you toss that old can of paint, bottle of weed killer or mystery chemical into the trash, check whether it needs special disposal.
Household hazardous waste includes materials that may be toxic, corrosive, chemically reactive, ignitable or explosive. Proper disposal helps protect your family, sanitation workers and the environment.
Fortunately, local residents have options for safely getting rid of many of these items. Here's where to take household hazardous waste and e-waste in Fredericksburg, Stafford and Spotsylvania.
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Stafford & Fredericksburg | What's Accepted | What's Not Accepted | Spotsylvania | What's Accepted | E-Waste | What About Paint? | Safety Tips
Stafford County & City of Fredericksburg
The Rappahannock Regional Solid Waste Management Board (R-Board) holds an annual Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Day for residents of Stafford County and the City of Fredericksburg. The event is provided at no charge to residents.
2026 Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Day
Saturday, September 12, 2026
9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Stafford Regional Airport
95 Aviation Way
Fredericksburg, VA
Who can participate? The event is for residents of Stafford County and the City of Fredericksburg. Businesses and commercial hazardous waste are not accepted.
There are also household limits: each household may bring up to 15 gallons of liquid household hazardous waste and 40 pounds of solid household hazardous waste. Individual containers may not exceed five gallons.
Check the R-Board's current Household Hazardous Waste information before you go.
What's Accepted in Stafford & Fredericksburg?
The R-Board currently lists the following household hazardous waste items as accepted:
- Aerosols
- Cleaning chemicals
- Diesel
- Furniture stain
- Gasoline
- Herbicides
- Insecticides
- Mercury thermometers
- Oil-based paint
- Pesticides
- Pool chemicals
- Propane tanks under 20 pounds
- Wood polish
The R-Board also accepts certain electronics for recycling during the event, including cell phones, computer towers, iPads/tablets, laptops and printers.
What's NOT Accepted in Stafford & Fredericksburg?
Not everything belongs at the Household Hazardous Waste event. The R-Board's current list says the following are not accepted:
- CRT monitors
- Televisions
- Items that are not listed as accepted
If you're unsure about an item, check the R-Board's website or call before loading it into your vehicle.
Spotsylvania County Household Hazardous Waste
Spotsylvania County holds Household Hazardous Waste and E-Waste Collection Events twice each year - Spring and Fall. These events are available to Spotsylvania County residents only, and verification of residency is required. Business and commercial hazardous waste is not accepted.
Next 2026 Event
Saturday, November 7, 2026
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Chancellor Convenience Center
5917 Harrison Road
Fredericksburg, VA 22407
What Household Hazardous Waste Does Spotsylvania Accept?
Typical acceptable household hazardous waste items include:
- Home, lawn and garden chemicals used for pest, insect and weed control
- Automotive fuel and gas additives
- Flammable cleaning solvents, including turpentine, mineral spirits, parts cleaners, floor strippers, rug cleaners and spot removers
- Lamp and heating oil
- Corrosive products such as muriatic acid
- Oven and drain cleaners containing lye
- Swimming pool chemicals
- Photo chemicals
- Mercury-containing thermometers, thermostats and barometers
- Oil-based paint
- Varnish
- Stains
- Polyurethane
Spotsylvania County notes that hazardous materials should never be dumped on the ground or poured into storm drains. Improper disposal can be dangerous to people and the environment.
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What About Old Computers & Electronics?
Electronic waste, or e-waste, includes unwanted electronic and computer equipment that needs to be recycled or disposed of properly.
At Spotsylvania County's Household Hazardous Waste and E-Waste events, accepted e-waste includes:
- Computer CPUs/towers
- Hard drives
- Keyboards
- Desktop printers
- Laptop computers
- Scanners
- Computer mice
- Other computer peripheral equipment
- TVs, DVDs and other electronics
Spotsylvania County also notes that residential households can recycle computers and other electronic items at the county's HHW event or at local Goodwill stores.
For Stafford County and Fredericksburg residents, the R-Board accepts certain electronics, including cell phones, computer towers, tablets, laptops and printers. TVs and computer monitors are not accepted at the R-Board's HHW event.
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What About Leftover Paint?
Have a half-used can of paint taking up space in the garage? You may not have to wait for a household hazardous waste event.
Stafford County & Fredericksburg: The R-Board accepts latex paint daily at the Regional Landfill, located at 489 Eskimo Hill Road in Stafford. Oil-based paint should be brought to the designated Household Hazardous Waste event.
Spotsylvania County: Latex paint can be recycled at designated county convenience sites throughout the year. Check the county's current site information before making a trip.
Household Hazardous Waste Safety Tips
Before you load up the car, keep these safety tips in mind:
- Keep products in their original containers whenever possible.
- Don't mix chemicals. Combining different products can cause dangerous reactions.
- Don't pour hazardous chemicals down a drain or storm sewer.
- Keep hazardous products away from children and pets while you're waiting for disposal.
- Don't put hazardous waste in your regular trash unless your local waste authority specifically says the item is acceptable.
- Check the accepted-items list before you go. Collection rules can vary by county and event.
Have Something You're Not Sure About?
If you're cleaning out a garage or shed and come across something you're not sure how to dispose of, don't guess. Check with your local waste authority before putting it in the trash or taking it to a collection event.
Stafford County & Fredericksburg: R-Board — r-board.org/hhw or call 540-658-5279.
Spotsylvania County: Spotsylvania County Household Hazardous Waste.
Collection dates, hours and accepted materials can change. Always verify the details with the appropriate county or waste authority before heading out.
