Back in 2017, research from the IDC or International Data Corporation and Facebook revealed that 80% of smartphone users checked their phone within 15 minutes of waking up. Imagine what the stats are today.
We reach for our phones to turn off the alarm, check our messages, or see what’s new on social media. We barely think about the volume of information we can summon on the devices we hold in our hands – and can’t imagine life without them either.
Just a little more than decade ago, it boggled the mind that we could make phone calls and send text messages to people at the press of a few buttons. Now, we upgrade our phones every year or so in favor of new features that will probably be out of date in less than six months. Where, then, do we store or get rid of our discarded gadgets?
We might chuck them in a random drawer, never to be seen again. Or, hand them down to someone in the family. We could also sell them online. Or, just throw them away.
However, simply getting rid of your electronic waste (or E-waste) poses a hazard to our health and environment. While most gadgets and their parts may be recycled with minimal risk, it’s still essential to send discarded tech to the proper recycling facilities to be processed correctly.
The same goes for other hazardous materials you may want to dispose of. These are generally items that contain parts or materials that are harmful to humans, pets, or the environment. Many are present in your household, including batteries, chemicals, fluorescent bulbs, items containing mercury, oil-based paint, solvents, herbicides, pesticides, kerosene, and more.
Haphazard disposal can pose a significant risk to your family, your neighborhood, and the environment for longer than you might think. So, it’s important to know the proper steps to safely discard what may look like harmless junk.
If you’re searching for facilities that accept items for electronic recycling and hazardous waste management in Loudoun County, we’ve got you covered:
Where to send your electronic waste
- County Electronics Recycling Events
Typically accepts electronics including televisions, desktop computers, computer monitors, laptops, power cables, uninterruptible power supplies, microwave ovens, desk phones, pagers, video players, game consoles, and more. - A to Z Local Recycling Resources
Each site accepts various types of electronic waste, so be sure to contact the appropriate company for particular items you’d like to recycle. - Call2Recycle (previously Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation)
As the country’s leading consumer battery recycling and stewardship program, Call2Recycle has partnered with retailers and government municipalities to manage battery recycling and the reduction of hazardous waste. You may find a nearby drop-off location here.
Where to send your hazardous waste
- Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Events
Scheduled events where you can turn in your unwanted items, such as gasoline and household chemicals. These events are located at different sites throughout the county, so be sure to check recent announcements to stay informed. - Loudoun County Landfill
The county landfill accepts waste from Loudoun County residents only. You may properly dispose of your unused or expired medications, sharps, syringes, and hypodermic needles here. - Loudoun County Recycling Drop-Off Centers
The centers accept bottles, cans, jugs, jars, books, magazines, cardboard, and more. Make sure to properly segregate these items before turning them over to the drop-off center. - Loudoun County Solid Waste Management Facility
Accepts waste for a fee, including non-operational appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners and dehumidifiers, smoke detectors, metal scraps, and more. - Loudoun County Solid Waste Management Facility Recycling Center
Automotive batteries, motor oil, power steering and transmission fluid, antifreeze, oil filters, and yard waste.
How to dispose of items that don’t qualify for household hazardous waste events
While it’s convenient to have drop-off centers and waste collection events, some specialized items need to be disposed of differently. To find out where to surrender these items refer to this page for more details.
While it takes more time to get rid of the items listed above, it’s the extra step that will help secure a safer and healthier environment for all.
Need more information to help your relocation to Loudoun County, VA? Our real estate professionals at the Wicker Homes Group are backed by over 30 years of real estate experience. We take great pride in serving LoCo homebuyers and sellers, making us one of the highest selling real estate teams in the area. Give us a call at 571.338.3880 or send us a message here. We would love to help you fall in love with Loudoun County too!