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Hazardous Waste Management Program Press Kit
Introduction to the Hazardous Waste Management Program
Since its inception in 1989, The Hazardous Waste Program has become a regional coalition of government agencies, all working together on a common goal: to make the Puget Sound region the cleanest in the country. The Program serves over 2 million people, two tribes, and 60,000 businesses in King County.
Together, we work to meet the needs of our communities and protect the environment in our region by leveraging our resources, effecting system change, and addressing disproportionality in our services and community outcomes.
The Haz Waste Program’s services include regional public education, outreach, customer service, information resources, collection services, and assistance for businesses in managing hazardous materials.
Eight program areas contribute to comprehensive hazardous waste management, community engagement, and advocacy for safer practices.
The Hazardous Waste Management Program collects hazardous waste from households and small businesses. The program has three fixed facilities, two in Seattle and one in Bellevue that is co-located at the Factoria transfer station.
There are 21 traveling Wastemobile events held in various locations in King County outside of Seattle. There is a second mobile collection service that consists of a weekly recurring Wastemobile on Saturdays and Sundays located at the Outlet Collection in Auburn.
The Program works with businesses to find safer product alternatives, understand regulations, and reduce waste.
Technical staff help businesses receive on-site consultations to receive customized recommendations suited for their business needs.
The Program works with housing staff as they integrate safe handling practices and disposal services into their business operations.
Through this coordinated approach, we build trust with our partners and instill behavior change that
boosts people’s safety at home.
Key Facts and Figures
- The Program is funded by local hazardous waste fees on solid waste and sewer services in King County. These fees are set by the King County Board of Health.
- We offer home collection services for residents 65 years or older, and residents with disabilities.
- In 2024, 96,629 residents and businesses visited our collection sites.
- In 2024, 2,003,000 pounds of hazardous products were collected which diverted improper storage and disposal.
- In 2024, 16,564 residents, businesses, or families participated in a workshop, technical assistance, or phone call.
In 2023, the Haz Waste Program delivered safe product management solutions to protect the Puget Sound region. Several pieces of legislation that the Program supported are now signed into law in Washington state:
- A ban on the sale and distribution of cosmetics and personal care products that contain toxic materials linked to harmful impacts on health. New protections against cancer-causing chemicals in paints, inks, and pigments. Read more.
- The creation of a new battery stewardship program in which all producers selling batteries in the state are participants. Read more.
- New protections against cancer-causing chemicals in paints, inks, and pigments. Read more.
- Research and advocacy for a ban on the sale of lead cookware that is linked to high levels of lead in children. Read more.
Media Resources
We have a number of images are available for media use, as long as credit is provided to the Hazardous Waste Management Program. All images can be downloaded from our image gallery.
- Haz Waste Program image gallery
- Haz Waste Program logo and usage guidelines
- Video tours of Haz Waste Program collection sites
Program information and updates