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4月
03

Hazardous waste disposal for businesses 

To get rid of hazardous waste through our disposal services, businesses need to follow a few specific steps. Here's what you know before you go.

A collection worker lifts a white propne tank from a truck bed to a cart with other propane tanks
Many businesses end up with large volumes of hazardous waste over time. Before you drop off these items, you’ll need to fill out take a few steps.

Business owners, does your business create hazardous waste? 

If you have items like cleaning products, fluorescent lightbulbs, or chemicals, the answer is probably yes. But generating hazardous waste and being eligible for free hazardous waste disposal takes a quick check-in.  

Read on to learn about what it means to generate hazardous waste as a business, what that means for your disposal options in King County, and what steps you’ll need to take to safely dispose of that hazardous waste. 

What does it mean to be eligible for no-fee hazardous waste disposal as a business? 

Your business is eligible to receive no-fee hazardous waste disposal at King County collection facilities up to four times a year if it is:  

  1. Located in King County 
  2. A Small Quantity Generator (SQG), meaning that you do all of the following:  
  • Produce less than 220 pounds (about 25 gallons) of hazardous waste per month 
  • Produce less than 2.2 pounds (about a quart) of acutely hazardous waste per month 
  • Store less than 2,200 pounds (about four 55-gallon drums) of hazardous waste  

If your business exceeds these limits, call our Haz Waste Help Line at 206-296-4692 to see if we can help you.

Breaking down the Business Disposal Form 

Once you’ve determined you’re a small quantity generator eligible for free disposal services, the next step is bringing in your hazardous waste for disposal.  

But, first, you’ll need to fill out the ever important Business Disposal Form. This form is required for all businesses dropping off hazardous waste at collection facilities. To fill this form out, you’ll need the following information: 

  • Business name and address
  • Business point of contact and email address 
  • Itemized list of waste you are disposing, including quantities and volumes
    • Have lab chemicals? Those require special approval. Be sure to request and receive approval before drop-off by emailing haz.waste@kingcounty.gov with a list of chemical names, volumes, and concentrations. Photos of the chemicals are helpful, too. 

You can fill out the Business Disposal Form online and print it. Or you may download a PDF to fill out by hand. Either way, you’ll need to bring two copies with you the day you come to a disposal facility. 

Why do businesses need to fill out a business disposal form to get rid of hazardous waste?  

It may seem like just a piece of paper, but the Business Disposal Form does a lot of work to ensure some key things:

  • Hazardous waste identification: The Business Disposal Form ensures we know what we are working with and how it is classified to help with safe and effective disposal. It also helps you take stock of what kinds of hazardous waste you may have stored at your business’ location.  
  • Worker safety: The Business Disposal Form helps protect our collection employees from handling unknown, unlabeled, or even potentially very dangerous waste. 
  • Compliance: At federal and local levels, hazardous waste is highly regulated due to the toxic chemicals, metals, or materials it is often made of. The Business Disposal Form is a general, standardized form and helps you follow regulations around hazardous waste without needing to go too far into the details. Learn more about state hazardous and dangerous waste regulations here: Washington State Department of Ecology Dangerous Waste Regulations (WAC 173-303).  

What to do with the Business Disposal Form  

You’ve filled out the Business Disposal Form – now what?  

Bring two filled-out copies with you to the disposal facility you choose. Hand the copies to staff at the disposal facility when you arrive. 

Before you come to drop off your hazardous waste, keep in mind these steps for safe disposal:  

  1. Gather your items. Make sure you are following container and volume restrictions (under “Container and waste labeling guidance).  
  2. Find a disposal location in our region. 
  3. Complete the Business Disposal Form. (Have we said that already?) 
  4. Prep for disposal. Keep items in their original containers, label products that are not marked, and do not mix different types of waste. Secure items so they won’t tip or leak and store products away from the passenger compartment of your vehicle.   
  5. Drop off your waste. 

Ready to get started? You can verify your eligibility, take note of important volume restrictions, and fill out the Business Disposal Form directly online or download a PDF all at our Business Waste Resources page.  

If you have questions about filling out the form, please call our Haz Waste Help Line at 206-296-4692 or email us at haz.waste@kingcounty.gov.

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