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Washington State regulations suggest the following waste management options, in order of priority:
Reduce waste. The best way to manage hazardous waste is to produce less of it. You may be able to eliminate hazardous waste entirely (or become a small quantity generator) by doing the following:
- don't bring hazardous materials in the door
- reject vendor samples you don't need
- store waste separately, avoiding contamination
- avoid chlorinated solvents
- exchange excess material with other businesses through IMEX
Recycle it on-site or through a recycler. To find a recycler for a specific waste, such as antifreeze, look it up in the Waste Directory. There is also information on how to choose a reliable vendor. If you're considering on-site recycling, call the Business Waste Line at (206) 263-8899 for information about equipment and vendors. There are many considerations, including warranties, fire codes and costs.
Treat it. You or your hazardous waste vendor may be able to reduce your waste volume or make it less hazardous by treating it. Call the Business Waste Line at (206) 263-8899 for information.
Dispose of it through a permitted hazardous waste management facility (also called a treatment, storage and disposal facility, or TSDF). You can deal directly with a TSDF or use a hazardous waste broker or transporter as an intermediary. Since the business that generates the waste is responsible for the ultimate fate of that waste, it's important to select reputable companies.
Manage it as Universal Waste. In Washington State, waste batteries, mercury-containing thermostats, and most fluorescent lamps are regulated as "Universal Waste." Waste management requirements for universal wastes are streamlined to promote the recycling of these wastes. For example, these wastes don't have to be manifested or counted toward waste generation totals if they are recycled. The ultimate destination must be a recycling facility or a treatment, storage and disposal facility. Generators, collectors or consolidators of universal waste are called "Universal Waste Handlers." Waste management requirements are defined by the Washington State Dangerous Waste Regulations - WAC 173-303.
Steps For Small Quantity Generators (SQGs)
The items summarized below are required by the state dangerous waste regulations or the federal Department of Transportation regulations or are just good common sense.
- Identify all hazardous waste at your business site.
- To remain an SQG, generate less than 220 pounds of hazardous waste (or 2.2 pounds of certain wastes) per month, or batch, and accumulate less than 2,200 pounds. Include all hazardous wastes in these calculations.
- Properly store and label waste. Call the Business Waste Line at (206) 263-8899 for information.
- Try to reduce, reuse, recycle or treat your waste instead of disposing of it. If you must dispose of it, make sure it ultimately goes to a permitted hazardous waste management facility, also called a treatment, storage and disposal facility.
- Carefully choose a vendor to recycle, treat or dispose of your waste if you don't recycle or treat it yourself.
- Arrange for the vendor to transport your waste. If the vendor does not provide this service, SQGs may transport their own waste, but this has drawbacks. You must still comply with Department of Transportation regulations and you should contact your automobile insurance company to ensure that you are covered for this type of vehicle usage.
- Train your workers and prepare for emergencies.
- Keep records such as receipts, bills of lading, manifests and logs showing amounts and types of wastes with destinations and dates.
- Comply with other regulations pertaining to hazardous materials and wastes. These include health and safety, fire code, air pollution, surface and ground water, sanitary sewer and solid waste regulations.
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