Helping small businesses make safer choices for workers and the environment

At the Hazardous Waste Management Program, our Business Services team works to help small businesses find practical ways to reduce toxic exposures which in turn protects employees, the environment, and often, their bottom line.

Through free on-site technical visits, our staff educate business owners about safer alternative methods for managing hazardous materials, more efficient equipment, and even financial assistance opportunities through our voucher program. Businesses can receive a one-time $599 voucher or also be eligible for other larger financial incentives to offset the cost of disposal services, try out less toxic products, or purchase equipment that limits hazardous exposures.

“The first visit is usually 30 to 60 minutes depending on what we see,” said Ray Samonte, a health and environmental investigator for the Haz Waste Program. “We’re very flexible, and we really work with businesses to find a time that works best for them.”

Samonte recently stopped by Teams Auto Services, a local auto repair shop in Kent owned by Miguel Martinez. Like many shops, Teams Auto used disposable aerosol cans to clean brakes and equipment. Samonte suggested switching to refillable cans to cut down on waste and costs. He also recommended a smart washer. It’s a system that doesn’t need nearly as much cleaner to wash parts and helps prevent harmful exposures.

The $3,200 price tag for a smart washer can be daunting for a small business. But with Samonte’s help, Martinez also successfully applied for a degreaser voucher from the Haz Waste Program, making the upgrade affordable. This voucher covers up to 75% of the purchase up to $5,000.

“The whole process was very easy,” Martinez said. “They explained everything, and it went nice and smooth.”

Before purchasing the washer, Martinez was spending $250 to $350 every month on disposable cleaners. Now he estimates spending only $85 every three months on cleaner for the machine.

“We were using spray cans before, and it was costing too much money,” he said. “With the new machine, [the cleaner] lasts longer, it saves time and money, and the best thing is it’s helping the environment.”

Martinez said it was Samonte’s help that convinced him to make the change.

“I had heard about the machines before,” Martinez said. “But I never had the opportunity to hear from someone directly.”

For Samonte, this is exactly why the Business Services Program exists.

“It’s really fulfilling helping protect their employees and the environment,” he said. “Small businesses nowadays might be struggling, so any little push we can give goes a long way.”

Martinez encourages other businesses to take advantage of the program.

“Definitely go for it. Don’t think about it, just do it,” he said. “It has really helped the shop mechanics and the environment. Getting the smart washer has just made everything easier, faster, and cleaner.”