The Local Hazardous Waste Management Program in King County is a regional program that works to protect and enhance public health and environmental quality by reducing the threat posed by the production, use, storage and disposal of hazardous materials. Here is some general information about the Program and the fees that support it.
The Local Hazardous Waste Management Program in King County is a regional program that works to protect and enhance public health and environmental quality in King County by helping citizens, businesses, and government reduce the threat posed by the production, use, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials. The Program comprises the City of Seattle, King County, and the suburban cities within King County.
Household hazardous waste collection events at the Wastemobile, which travels throughout King County
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Also, household hazardous waste collection/recycling events are held in many of the county's cities. These these events typically collect a limited range of hazardous household materials. Please check with your city recycling coordinator to find out whether your city has collection events, when they are scheduled and what they accept.
The Local Hazardous Waste Management Program also provides information on ways to reduce the generation of hazardous waste as well as information regarding safe and effective alternatives. Program staff also work with schools (teacher training, teacher support, and healthy schools projects) and in the community (about green gardening, natural yard care, and green cleaning).
The Local Hazardous Waste Management Program is working on a variety of projects to protect public health and the environment by working to eliminate and/or reduce exposure to the most problematic hazardous chemicals (e.g. mercury, lead, priority pesticides). The Program also is devoting resources to reducing the exposure of children and other vulnerable and traditionally underserved populations.
The Local Hazardous Waste Management Program helps businesses and other organizations that generate small quantities of hazardous waste comply with state Dangerous Waste Regulations (WAC 173-303). Our staff help conditionally exempt small quantity generators reduce the likelihood of penalty and clean-up costs. Staff also help businesses to reduce their liability by helping them find ways to use less toxic materials and to properly store and dispose of the hazardous materials they use.
During 2008, the Local Hazardous Waste Management Program is conducting a Business Waste Disposal Pilot Project for Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generators (SQGs). The purpose of the project is to determine if it is feasible to have a program for small King County SQG businesses to dispose of limited quantities of hazardous wastes at the household hazardous waste facilities. To help us gather this information, businesses will fill out a disposal form and participate in a survey in exchange for the opportunity to use the disposal facilities at no charge for a limited time. There are very specific guidelines that must be met to qualify as an SQG. The website gives more information about the pilot program and who qualifies as an SQG. The project started February 19th, 2008 and will operate until 500 businesses are served or Dec 31, 2008, whichever comes first. Once 500 businesses have participated, these household hazardous waste facilities may no longer accept hazardous waste from SQGs.
Households
If you have your own residential solid waste account you pay approximately $0.80 per month. If you have your own residential sewer account you pay about $0.34 per month.
If you live in a multi-family dwelling (e.g. condo, apartment, etc.) you probably pay less per month.
Businesses
If you have your own commercial solid waste account, your business pays approximately $9.07 per month. If you also have your own commercial sewer account the amount you pay will depend on the amount of water your company uses but will be at least $0.34 per month.
If your business shares its solid waste costs with other businesses (e.g. businesses located in office buildings or in strip malls often share a dumpster) you likely pay less per month.
Transfer station fees:
If you haul your own garbage to a transfer station in a passenger-licensed vehicle you pay $1.34 per visit into the Local Hazardous Waste Fund. If you haul your own garbage to a transfer station in a non-passenger licensed vehicle you are charged $3.50 per ton.
Type
Rate effective January 2006
Sewer Fee 1
$0.32/month - 2006
$0.34/month - 2007
Residential solid waste fee (per account)
$0.80/month
Commercial solid waste fee (per account)
$9.07/month
Transfer station fees - Passenger licensed vehicles
$1.34/visit
Transfer station fees - Non-passenger licensed vehicles
$3.50/ton
1. The rate for the sewer fee is based on the estimated rate per “residential equivalent unit.”
At its meeting on May 20, 2005 the King County Board of Health unanimously approved a fee increase for the Local Hazardous Waste Management Program in King County. They did so after carefully studying the finances, activities and performance of the Local Hazardous Waste Management Program. The new rates took effect January 1, 2006. This was the Program’s first fee increase in ten years.
The Local Hazardous Waste Management Program needed to raise its fees in order to continue to provide the current level of service to residents and businesses throughout King County. If the rate increase had not been approved the Program would have been forced to reduce its operating budget by approximately $2 million - with a corresponding cutback in services. This would have resulted in the elimination of some services.
7. Is there any charge for household hazardous waste collection?
Residents are not charged any fees at the Wastemobile or the fixed collection facilities. The monthly fees you pay fund those activities. Note: It currently costs the Program approximately $80 per customer visit.
