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Household Hazardous Waste Collection Options

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Household hazardous wastes are products that contain ingredients that are toxic, flammable, reactive or corrosive.

The Solid Waste Division (SWD) operates two facilities that accept household hazardous waste from residents, the Wastemobile and the Factoria Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Service. Wastes collected at these sites will be recycled or disposed of properly.

Household hazardous wastes are products that contain ingredients that are toxic, flammable, reactive or corrosive. These include paint thinner, fluorescent lights, pesticides and car batteries. If disposed of improperly, these products can be harmful to humans, wildlife and the environment. Proper disposal prevents household hazardous waste from entering the environment; damaging soil, groundwater and streams; or causing harm to people and animals.

The Wastemobile and fixed facilities are funded through a surcharge on solid waste disposal and wastewater discharge and there is no direct fee to residents. The average disposal cost is over $75 per participant, however residents utilizing the
facilities are not charged a fee on site. This cost premium underscores the importance
of making waste prevention our top priority.

Wastemobile

The Wastemobile is a mobile facility that travels to communities in King County and sets up in parking lots for one to two days at a time. Residents can bring their household hazardous waste to the Wastemobile when it is in their community. The dates, locations and hours of the Wastemobile are listed on the Wastemobile Schedule.

Created in 1989, the Wastemobile was the first program of its kind in the nation. In 16 years of operation, the program has collected 12,661 tons of wastes from 287,000 customers. In 25 collection events last year, the Wastemobile served almost 17,000 King County residents, collecting an average of 78 pounds of hazardous waste per customer (for a total of 661 tons).

Factoria Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Service

The Hazardous Waste Collection Shed is located at King County's Factoria Transfer Station located at 13800 S.E. 32nd St., Bellevue (external link).

Seattle Fixed Disposal Sites

The City of Seattle also operates two fixed household hazardous waste collection sites, one in North Seattle and one in South Seattle.

What is Accepted; What is Not Accepted

It is important to follow closely what is accepted and what is not accepted at the Wastemobile and Factoria Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Service. Note: Effective Jan. 1, 2008 the Factoria Household Hazardous Waste and Wastemobile facilities will no longer accept latex paint. Read more about the latex paint acceptance policy change.

For your safety and that of others:

• Do not mix products
• Keep products in original containers
• Label products not in original containers
• Secure products so they won't leak
• Store products away from the vehicle's passenger compartment and keep them separate from items you wish to retain
• Stay in your vehicle during unloading

For More Information

Call the Hazards Line at 206-296-4692 if you have any questions about hazardous wastes in your home.

These Programs are Part of the Local Hazardous Waste Management Program

SWD is part of the Local Hazardous Waste Management Program (LHWMP) and operates the Factoria Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Service and coordinates the Wastemobile mobile collection program. The City of Seattle operates two fixed collection sites located in the City of Seattle.

Looking for Reusable Products?

The South Seattle facility and Wastemobile will provide free products to the public. The products you'll find at South Seattle and the Wastemobile are household products that other King County residents have turned in. Products available include: oil-based paint, stain and primer; wood care products; cleaning products (e.g., bleach, toilet cleaner); automotive products (e.g., oil, antifreeze). Residents will need to fill out and sign a release form prior to receiving any materials. This service may not be available at all Wastemobile events.

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