Methods for solid waste disposal in King County
|
Animal carcasses (not exposed to disease causing germs) |
Batteries, household |
Biomedical waste |
SHARPS
DO NOT RECYCLE
Demolition waste |
Dusty materials |
Fuel tanks |
Household hazardous waste |
Human fecal waste |
Illegal dumping |
Major appliances |
Motor oil |
Motor vehicle batteries |
Motor vehicles and vehicle parts |
Oversized wood |
Propane tanks |
In King County, residents can put empty canisters less than two pounds such as the small coleman canisters into the garbage. Canisters with gas or larger canisters including the five gallon propane barbeque tanks can be taken to the household hazardous waste facilities. Visit the Household Hazardous Waste website for information on these sites. For propane tanks larger than these barbeque tanks, call the Household Hazards Line at 206-296-4692, Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., except holidays, for disposal options.
No propane barbeque tanks are accepted at either the Seattle or King County transfer stations.
Empty disposable helium tanks such as those used for balloons can be disposed of in the garbage. For full or partially full tanks use up or vent first by turning the valve all the way to the left. Then place tank in the garbage. For larger helium tanks call the Household Hazards Line at 206-296-4692 for disposal options.
Televisions |
Tires |
Waste Clearance Request Form |
Public Health - Seattle & King County's Waste Characterization Program reviews questionable waste generated in King County that is destined for disposal as municipal solid waste. The goal of the program is to keep dangerous wastes out of the solid waste stream. They determine whether a waste is dangerous or not by using information supplied by the generator, from lab analyses, MSDS's and other available information. Typical wastes reviewed include contaminated soil, sludges, expired or off-spec products and chemicals, filters, blasting/grinding wastes, empty containers, and manufacturing wastes.
The dangerous waste regulations, WAC 173-303, are the primary criteria used to designate wastes. However, the solid waste facilities clearances are issued for have policies excluding certain wastes or requiring special handling. An example of this is a dusty waste that would require special handling to minimize exposure to the workers and the public.
Waste characterization staff assist generators with profiling their waste and determining if the waste can be disposed of in the garbage. For some wastes staff will be able to provide other options such as treatment, recycling or reuse. Generators should complete the two page Waste Clearance Application and submit it to the Health Department with the appropriate data, via email, fax or the postal service. For questions on testing requirements, or further clarification, call them at 206-263-8528 or email them to wc@kingcounty.gov.
To request a clearance form, download the Waste Characterization Form (PDF). Fill in the blanks of the form then email it to wc@kingcounty.gov or print it and mail it in to Environmental Health Division, Solid Waste - Waste Characterization , 401 5th Avenue, Suite 1100, Seattle, WA 98104.