Department Code No.: PUT-7-1-6-PR
Department/Issuing Agency: Department of Natural Resources and Parks, Solid Waste Division
Effective Date: September 14, 2017
Approved: /s/ Christie True
Type of Action: Supersedes PUT 7-1-5 (PR)

 Signed document (PDF, 504KB)

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I. Purpose

The King County Solid Waste Division accepts wastes for disposal at County facilities pursuant to this Rule. This Rule promotes governmental efficiency, affords citizens fair notice and process and preserves and protects the public health, safety, and welfare. This Rule amends and replaces PUT-7-1-5-PR, which became effective July 21, 2005. 

Applicability and Audience

This policy applies to all Executive Departments and Offices and to the General Public.

II. Authorities/Appendix

a. King County Code, Title 10, Solid Waste

b. King County Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan

c. National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants, 40 CFR Part 61

d. Federal Clean Air Act 42 U.S.C. 7450-7459, Title VI -- Stratospheric Ozone Protection

e. Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, Regulation III, Article 4, Asbestos Control Standards

f. King County Board of Health Code, Title 10, King County Solid Waste Regulations

g. Washington Administrative Code (WAC)173-303, Dangerous Waste Regulations

h. Washington Administrative Code 173-340, Model Toxics Control Act [MTCA] --Cleanup

i. Washington Administrative Code 173-350, Solid Waste Handling Standards

j, Washington Administrative Code 173-351, Criteria for Municipal Solid Waste Landfills

k. Clean Air Washington Act of 1991, amendments to the State Clean Air Act Chapter 70.94 RCW.

III. Definitions

A. “Accepted” For the purposes of this Rule, “accepted” means accepted for disposal as municipal solid waste at a King County Solid Waste Division facility  (ies).

B. “Asbestos-containing material” means any material containing more than one percent (1%) asbestos, as determined using the method specified in EPA regulations Appendix E, Subpart E, 40 CFR Part 763, Section 1, Polarized Light Microscopy.

C. Biomedical waste" means and is limited to the following types of waste defined as “Biomedical waste” in RCW 70.95K.010, as amended:

a. “Animal waste” is waste animal carcasses, body parts, and bedding of animals that are known to be infected with, or that have been inoculated with, human pathogenic microorganisms infectious to humans.

b. “Biosafety level 4 disease waste” is waste contaminated with blood, excretions, exudates, or secretions from humans or animals who are isolated to protect others from highly communicable infectious diseases that are identified as pathogenic organisms assigned to biosafety level 4 by the Centers for Disease Control, National Institute of Health, Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories, current edition.

c. “Cultures and stocks” are wastes infectious to humans and includes specimen cultures, cultures and stocks of etiologic agents, wastes from production of biologicals and serums, discarded live and attenuated vaccines, and laboratory waste that has come into contact with cultures and stocks of etiologic agents or blood specimens. Such waste includes but is not limited to culture dishes, blood specimen tubes, and devices used to transfer, inoculate, and mix cultures.

d. “Human blood and blood products” are discarded waste human blood and blood components, and materials containing free-flowing blood and blood products.

e. “Pathological waste” is waste human source biopsy materials, tissues, and anatomical parts that emanate from surgery, obstetrical procedures, and autopsy. “Pathological waste” does not include teeth, human corpses, remains, and anatomical parts that are intended for interment or cremation.

f. “Sharps waste” is all hypodermic needles, syringes with needles attached, IV tubing with needles attached, scalpel blades, acupuncture needles and lancets that have been removed from the original sterile package.  

D.  “Biosolids” means municipal sewage sludge that is principally organic, semi-solid product resulting from the wastewater treatment process that can be beneficially recycled and meets all applicable requirements under 173-308 WAC. Biosolids includes material derived from biosolids and septic tank sludge, also known as septage, that can be beneficially recycled and meets all applicable requirements.

E. “Commercial” means of or connected to commerce, trade, or business. Commercial also means not residential in nature.

F. “Construction and Demolition Waste” or C&D Waste means any non-putrescible recyclable or non-recyclable construction and demolition  waste that results from construction, remodeling, repair, or demolition of buildings, roads or other structures, and requires removal from the site of construction or demolition.  C&D waste does not include land clearing materials such as soil, rock, or vegetation, nor does it include contaminated soil, asbestos-containing waste material, unacceptable waste, garbage, sewerage, animal carcasses or other solid waste which does not meet the definition of C&D Waste.

G. “Container” means a device used for the collection, storage, and/or transportation of solid waste including but not limited to reusable, disposable or detachable containers.

H. "Contaminated soils" means soils where there is the presence of pollutants at concentrations above background levels that pose a potential health or ecological risk but are not designated as dangerous waste.

I. “Dangerous Waste” means any solid waste designated as dangerous waste in 173-303 WAC, Dangerous Waste Regulations.

J. “Empty” means all waste has been removed that can be removed using the practices commonly employed to remove materials from the type container, e.g., pouring, pumping, or aspirating. For containers to be considered empty under this Rule, they must be treated in the following manner:

- Containers in excess of 25 gallons must have at least one end removed.

- Containers that once held acutely hazardous waste must be triple rinsed with an appropriate solvent or cleaned by an equivalent method to be considered empty. “Acutely hazardous waste" means dangerous waste sources (listed in 173-303-9904 WAC) F020, F021, F022, F023, F026, or F027, and discarded chemical products (listed in 173-303-9903 WAC) that are identified with a dangerous waste number beginning with a "P", including those wastes mixed with source, special nuclear, or by-product material subject to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954.

- Containers that once held substances regulated under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act must be emptied according to label instructions or triple rinsed with an appropriate solvent.

- Cylinders of compressed gas are empty when the pressure in the container is equivalent to atmospheric pressure.

K. “Extremely hazardous waste” means solid waste designated in 173-303 WAC as extremely hazardous waste.

L. “Friable asbestos-containing material” means asbestos-containing material that, when dry, can be crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder by hand pressure or  by the forces expected to act upon the product in the course of demolition, renovation, or disposal.

M. “Hazardous waste” means solid waste designated by 40 CFR Part 261 and regulated as hazardous waste by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

N. “Health Department” means Public Health – Seattle & King County.

O. “Household hazardous waste” (HHW) means all waste that would meet the characteristics or criteria for designation as a State Dangerous Waste or Extremely Hazardous Waste under 173-303 WAC except that it is generated at a household and is exempt from regulation as hazardous waste. It includes, but is not limited to, many cleaning agents, pesticides, solvents, motor fuels, crankcase oil, flares and chemicals used for home repair and remodeling, auto, boat and equipment maintenance, and hobby and recreational uses.

P. “Household Hazardous Waste Facilities” means facilities that accept household hazardous wastes (HHW) from residents.

Q. “Household” means of or derived from households (including single and multiple residences, hotel and motel rooms, and other residential sources.

R. “Improperly handled waste” means waste handled other than in accordance with PSCAA Regulations III, King County Board of Health Code Title 10, 173-303 WAC, 173-304 WAC, this Public Rule, or any other applicable provision of local, state, or federal law.

S. “KCSWD” means the King County Solid Waste Division.

T. "Municipal solid waste (MSW)" means a subset of solid waste which includes unsegregated garbage, refuse and similar solid waste material discarded from residential, commercial, institutional and industrial sources and community activities, including residue after recyclables have been separated. The term MSW does not include:

- Dangerous wastes other than wastes excluded from the requirements of chapter 173-303 WAC, Dangerous waste regulations, in 173-303-071 WAC such as household hazardous wastes;

- Any solid waste, including contaminated soil and debris, resulting from response action taken under section 104 or 106 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9601),  RCW chapter 70.105D, Hazardous waste cleanup—Model Toxics Control Act, chapter 173-340 WAC, the Model Toxics Control Act cleanup regulation or a remedial action taken under those rules; nor

- Mixed or segregated recyclable material that has been source-separated from garbage, refuse and similar solid waste. The residual from source separated recyclables is MSW.

U. “Official of the King County Solid Waste Division” means the Solid Waste Division Director or his/her designee.

V. “PSCAA” means the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency.

W. “Residential” means pertaining to households, including single and multiple residences, and other residential entities. Residential does not refer to home-based businesses.

X. “Sludge” means a solid or semi-solid material consisting of settled solids combined with varying amounts of water and dissolved material  and is not a liquid waste.

Y. “Solid Waste or Wastes” means all putrescible and non-putrescible solid and semi-solid wastes, including but not limited to garbage, rubbish, ashes, industrial wastes, swill, sewage sludge, demolition and construction wastes, abandoned vehicles or parts thereof, contaminated soils and contaminated dredged material and recyclable materials.

Z. "Thermostat" means a temperature control device that contains metallic mercury in an ampule attached to a bimetal sensing element, and the ampules that have been removed from these devices. See 173-303-573 (9)(b)(ii) or (20)(b)(ii) WAC for requirements on removing ampules.

AA. “Treated biomedical waste” means biomedical waste that has undergone treatment consistent with Title 10 of the Code of the King County Board of Health and is no longer considered capable of transmitting a disease.

BB. “Unacceptable Waste” means waste that is not accepted for disposal as municipal solid waste at a King County Solid Waste Division facility(ies).

CC. “Universal waste” means any of the following dangerous wastes that are defined by Washington State Dangerous Waste Regulations (173-303 WAC) as universal waste and are subject to the universal waste requirements of 173-303 WAC:

Batteries as described in 173-303-573(2) WAC. Universal waste batteries include all batteries that designate as Dangerous Waste except spent lead-acid batteries (typically automobile batteries) managed under 173-303-120(3) or 173-303-520 WAC.

Thermostats and Mercury-containing equipment as described in 173-303-573(3) WAC. Universal waste thermostats include all temperature control devices containing metallic mercury in an ampule attached to a bimetal sensing element, and mercury-containing ampules that have been removed from these temperature control devices

Lamps as described in 173-303-573(5) WAC. Universal waste lamps include, but are not limited to, fluorescent, compact fluorescent (CFL), high intensity discharge (including mercury vapor, metal halide and high-pressure sodium) and neon lights.

Any other dangerous wastes defined as universal waste by 173-303 WAC.

DD. “Waste Clearance Applications” or Waste Characterization Forms are forms issued by either the KCSWD or the Health Department. These forms are to be filled out by waste generators and used by the agencies to collect information needed to determine whether certain wastes may be handled, transported to and disposed at KCSWD facilities in an environmentally sound manner.

EE. “Waste Clearance Decision” is a form issued by KCSWD after reviewing a Waste Clearance Application, or, in concert with the Health Department, a Waste Characterization Form. For wastes requiring Waste Clearance, Waste Clearance Decisions are issued when a completed Waste Clearance Application or Waste Characterization Form is approved. Waste Clearance Applications can be downloaded from the KCSWD website at https://aqua.kingcounty.gov/solidwaste/facilities/wasteclearance.asp

IV. Policies:  King County solid waste facilities are designed, constructed, and operated primarily for the management of municipal solid waste. Waste other than municipal solid waste may be accepted with conditions, including formal waste clearance, or prohibited. King County's rules for acceptance of various waste types are described below.

A. Aerosol cans or small pressurized containers are accepted if they have been completely emptied through use. A can is empty when all contents have been completely sprayed out, and minimal or no product remains in the can.  Containers holding compressed gases are empty when the pressure inside the container is equal—or nearly equal—to atmospheric pressure. Aerosol cans that are not empty are not accepted from residents in large quantities (more than 10 cans) and are not accepted from businesses in any quantity. Pressurized containers from residential customers may also be taken to household hazardous waste facilities. Call the Household Hazards Line at 206-296-4692 or visit http://www.hazwastehelp.org/default.aspx for more information.

B. Individual dead animals weighing less than 15 pounds may be disposed in the general waste stream. Dead animals weighing more than 15 pounds, or dead animals disposed in quantity should be taken to a rendering plant, veterinary clinic, animal shelter, pet cemetery or buried on the property owners’ property, so long as no nuisance is created. If none of these methods are available, dead animals may be accepted at the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill or other designated facility when accompanied by a Waste Clearance Decision.

C. Animal excrement is accepted under the following conditions:

- Animal excrement deposited in a public or residential garbage can, provided the animal excrement is wrapped in a leak-proof bag or container.

- Excrement from livestock or other animals may be accepted when accompanied by a Waste Clearance Decision.

D. Major Appliances may not be disposed at KCSWD facilities. Some KCSWD facilities accept major appliances for recycling.  Call the Solid Waste Division at 206-477-4466 or visit https://www.kingcounty.gov/WhatDoIDoWith for information on major appliance recycling and fees. Major appliances that are 50% or more plastic, such as some dishwashers, are accepted for disposal. 

- Major appliances” includes but is not limited to refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, stoves, water heaters, washers and dryers.

E. Asbestos-containing waste includes any waste that contains or is contaminated with asbestos-containing material. Asbestos-containing waste shall be accepted as follows:

- Asbestos-containing waste is accepted at the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill on Tuesdays and Fridays. Asbestos-containing waste may be received at the landfill on days other than Tuesdays and Fridays at the sole discretion of the KCSWD, depending on staff availability.

- A PSCAA Notice of Intent to Remove or Encapsulate Asbestos will accompany loads of friable asbestos-containing waste. If the waste is not regulated by PSCAA, a Waste Clearance Decision is required. Additionally, a Waste Shipment Record as required by the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPs) must accompany all asbestos-containing waste.

- Loads of asbestos-containing waste must be contained and labeled as described in the King County Board of Health Code, Title 10; Regulation III Article 4 of the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, and 40 CFR Part 61, Subpart M and other applicable regulations.

- Disposal of asbestos-containing waste must be scheduled with landfill officials 24 hours in advance of all deliveries.

F. Batteries come in a wide variety of types and sizes. Some batteries may contain hazardous materials and/or materials that are recoverable.

- Lead-acid batteries. Lead-acid batteries (vehicular batteries and other lead-acid batteries) are not accepted. Residential customers can return these batteries to retail outlets when purchasing new batteries or can call the Household Hazards Line at 206-296-4692 or visit https://www.kingcounty.gov/WhatDoIDoWith for more information. Commercial customers should follow requirements found in 173-303-120 (3) WAC and 173-303-520 WAC or Universal Waste requirements. Call the Business Waste Line at 206-263-8899 or visit the web site above for recycling information or visit www.govlink.org/hazwaste/business/ for additional resources.

- “Household” batteries can be single use (cannot be recharged) or rechargeable. Single use batteries include alkaline and carbon-zinc batteries. Rechargeable batteries include nickel metal hydride, nickel cadmium, lithium ion, lithium metal and small sealed lead acid batteries. Look for the battery recycling seal on the battery and visit http://www.call2recycle.org/locator/ for rechargeable battery recycling locations. Household batteries may also be taken to HHW collection facilities. Batteries that meet the definition of Universal Waste Batteries in 173-303 WAC are not accepted from commercial customers. “Household” batteries do not include automotive lead-acid batteries (see “Lead-acid Batteries”, above) or button batteries. Although the Division prefers that alkaline batteries are recycled, they are accepted for disposal at all transfer stations. Rechargeable batteries are not accepted for disposal.

- Button batteries are not accepted. Commercial customers should follow Universal Waste requirements for battery recycling. Call the Business Waste Line at 206-263-8899 or visit http://www.govlink.org/hazwaste/business/ for more information. Residential customers can often recycle spent batteries at retail outlets when purchasing new batteries. Button batteries may also be taken to HHW collection facilities. Call the Household Hazards Line at 206-296-4692 for information. Business and residential customers can find information on recycling opportunities for all battery types at https://www.kingcounty.gov/WhatDoIDoWith.  

- “Button batteries” include zinc-air, silver oxide and mercury oxide batteries. These are the small button or coin-shaped batteries used to power watches, digital thermometers, hearing aids, etc.

- “Batteries” shall be as defined in 173-303-040 WAC and include automobile batteries, household single use and rechargeable batteries and specialty batteries such as “button” batteries.

G. Biomedical waste that has not been treated in accordance with Health Department Solid Waste Regulations is not accepted. Treated biomedical wastes are accepted as follows:

- Carcasses of animals exposed to pathogens in research, and the bedding and other waste from such animals may be accepted if treated according to Title 10 of the Code of the King County Board of Health. This waste is accepted only at the Cedar Hills Regional  Landfill and must be accompanied by a Waste Clearance Decision. For the purposes of this Public Rule, "pathogens" refers to microorganisms infectious to humans.

- Biosafety level 4 disease waste or other substances which the waste generator's infection control staff or committee determines may create a significant risk of disease is accepted at the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill when treated in accordance with Title 10 of the King County Board of Health Code and accompanied by a Waste Clearance Decision.

- Human blood and blood products that are absorbed by materials such as bandages, sanitary napkins, or commercial absorbents so that the fluid will not be released from the material and/or become airborne during normal solid waste handling procedures, are accepted at KCSWD facilities. Human blood and blood products which are in free flowing or fluid form are not accepted at King County transfer facilities. This waste is accepted only at the Cedar Hills Regional  Landfill and must be accompanied by a Waste Clearance Decision.   

- Cultures and stocks of etiological agents, associated biologicals and laboratory waste other than sharps are accepted when treated according to Title 10 of the Code of the King County Board of Health. Materials must be accompanied by a Waste Clearance Decision indicating that the waste has been treated.

- Pathological waste is not accepted.

H. Biosolids see Sludge (Section BBB).

I. Burning or smoldering material is not accepted at any KCSWD facility.

J. Bulky or dense items such as concrete, safes, wood stoves, stumps, and other bulky items must be no greater than two feet by two feet by two feet in size and weigh less than 200 pounds. Bulky or dense items that cannot be reduced to these dimensions may be accepted at the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill or other facility designated by the KCSWD when accompanied by a Waste Clearance Decision.

K. Cable can get tangled in facility equipment and can cause mechanical and operational problems. Cable may be accepted at the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill or other facility designated by the KCSWD only when accompanied by a Waste Clearance Decision. Cable may be recycled at transfer facilities that accept scrap metal for recycling.

L. Catch basin residue see Sanitary and storm sewer solids  (Section ZZ).

M. Effective January 1, 2018, clean wood will not be accepted for self-haul disposal at transfer stations where clean wood recycling is available.  Clean wood includes wood that is untreated, unstained and unpainted such as: construction lumber, pallets, plywood, and oriented strand board (OSB). When recycling at King County facilities, nails and staples are allowed in clean wood but metal hinges or latches are not.

N. Compressed gas cylinders see Propane tanks and tanks with other compressed gasses (Section XX)

O. Computer monitors see Electronic Products (Section V)

P. Construction and demolition (C&D) waste is accepted as long as it is transported by vehicles that do not have hydraulic or otherwise mechanized dump beds or trailers. Incidental amounts of C&D contained in loads of municipal solid waste are also accepted. Waste delivered under this paragraph is subject to the general restrictions established by this Rule (including but not limited to burning and smoldering loads, dusty loads, bulky and over length materials, highly odorous loads, and loads suspected of containing hazardous waste).

Q. Effective January 1, 2018, corrugated cardboard will not be accepted for self-haul disposal at transfer stations and drop boxes where corrugated cardboard recycling is available. This separation requirement will not apply to paperboard, wax coated and plastic coated cardboard, or to corrugated cardboard that is wet or contaminated with food, oils, or hazardous waste.

R. Cremated human remains are not accepted.

S. Dense items:  See bulky items. (Section J)

T. Drum containers. Fiberboard drums that are empty and open at one end may be disposed at transfer stations. Single drums that are empty, open at one end and are generated by private individuals, such as burn or rain barrels, may be disposed at transfer stations. All other drums are accepted only at the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill or other designated facility, and must be accompanied by a Waste Clearance Decision. Full drums are regulated according to their contents, and must be labeled non-hazardous and have tops removed prior to disposal.

"Drum containers" means rigid containers larger than 25 gallons made of fiber, plastic, steel or other materials.

U. Dusty material is accepted in mixed loads if it does not create a nuisance or health hazard during unloading. The following conditions may be applied to dusty loads:

To the extent possible, dusty material shall be separated from other types of solid waste.

Loads of dusty material shall be containerized in plastic bags or wetted to the extent that they are no longer dusty materials as defined in this Public Rule.

Dusty loads may be required to unload only at the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill if dust cannot be adequately controlled at other solid waste facilities. Loads delivered to Cedar Hills must be accompanied by a Waste Clearance Decision.

Dusty materials include materials such as sheetrock dust, insulation, silicon dust, saw dust, fiberglass dust or any other loads that become airborne when unloaded to the extent that they become a nuisance to customers or exceed WISHA rules per Chapter 296-800 WAC for staff.

V. Electronic Products are not accepted. Call the Solid Waste Division at 206-477-4466 or see https://www.kingcounty.gov/WhatDoIDoWith for information about recycling used electronic products.

“Electronic Products” means computer monitors, televisions, computers (mainframe, desktop and laptop computers); and cell phones.

“Electronic Products” does not include audio visual equipment (stereos, VCRs, DVD players), computer peripherals (printers, scanners, fax machines), small kitchen appliances (toasters, coffee makers, etc.) and standard corded and cordless phones. These materials are accepted for disposal at all KCSWD facilities. Many of these materials are recyclable – see link above for recycling options.

W. Explosives including fireworks, detonators, blasting caps, gunpowder, flares and ammunition are not accepted. Contact your local police or go to http://www.hazwastehelp.org/Yellowbook/materials.aspx for information on how to manage explosives and fireworks. Spent fireworks may be soaked in water overnight, sealed in a plastic bag and disposed wet.

X. Fluorescent light ballasts are not accepted.  Call the Household Hazards Line at 206-296-4692, the Business Waste Line at 206-263-8899 or visit http://www.hazwastehelp.org/BHW/index.aspx for information on ballast recycling.

Y. Fluorescent lights and other Universal Waste Lamps are not accepted for disposal. They are accepted for recycling only at designated transfer stations.  Call the Solid Waste Division at 206-296-4466, the Business Waste Line at 206-263-8899, the Household Hazards Line at 206-296-4692 or go to LightRecycle.org or http://www.hazwastehelp.org  and search for fluorescent lamps, or call LightRecycle Washington at 1-877-592-2972.

Z. Food products, including beverages, which are outdated, off-specification or damaged and are in excess of one half  pallet solids and/or five (5) gallons of liquids, must be approved in writing by the KCSWD prior to disposal. Waste clearance is required if disposal at Cedar Hills Regional Landfill is needed.

AA. Grease. Grease and fats from restaurants and other commercial sources should be disposed at rendering facilities. Materials not suitable for rendering may be accepted at the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill or other designated facility and must be accompanied by a Waste Clearance Decision. Large quantities of grease or fats from residential sources (i.e. deep-fat turkey fryers) must be solidified by mixing with cat litter, wood chips, or other absorbent material prior to disposal. Used cooking oil can be recycled into biodiesel.  There are many drop off locations around Puget Sound.  See https://www.kingcounty.gov/WhatDoIDoWith and search on fats, oil and grease for more information.

BB. Hazardous/dangerous waste including hazardous/dangerous waste from small quantity generators is not accepted. Call the Business Waste Line at 206-263-8899, the Household Hazards Line at 206-296-4692 or go to http://www.hazwastehelp.org/Yellowbook/materials.aspx for information on managing hazardous and dangerous waste. Washington State Special Waste may be accepted on a case-by-case basis with a Waste Clearance Decision provided it follows the requirements of 173-303-073 WAC, Conditional exclusion of special wastes.

CC. Household hazardous wastes. The Solid Waste Division recommends that hazardous household materials be used completely before disposing of empty containers. If materials cannot be used, they should be disposed at a household hazardous waste facility. Call the Household Hazards Line (206-296-4692) or visit www.hazwastehelp.org/ for more information on household hazardous waste.

DD. Human excrement should be disposed in a sanitary sewer or approved on-site sewage disposal system. Disposable diapers, adult incontinence products, and other materials contaminated with feces may be placed in the solid waste disposal system as long as the item has been wrapped in a leak-proof container. Human excrement that cannot meet this standard and cannot be disposed through other means may be accepted only at the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill and must be accompanied by a Waste Clearance Decision.

EE. Industrial waste is accepted only at the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill or other designated facility, and must be accompanied by a Waste Clearance Decision.

 "Industrial waste" means by-products from manufacturing operations such as process waste, trimmings, packing, sludges, spill residues and other discarded materials not otherwise designated as Dangerous Waste under Chapter 173-303 WAC. Industries producing industrial wastes include but are not limited to those providing the following products and services: auto body repair and painting, synthetic fibers, lumber and wood products, pulp and paper products, plastic materials and resins, synthetic rubber products,  organic chemicals, miscellaneous petroleum and coal products, rubber and miscellaneous plastics, machinery and mechanical products, pipelines, printing and publishing services and electrical services. Also included in this definition is ash from incinerators that burn waste products for fuel, such as waste-to-energy incinerators or hospital incinerators.

FF. Latex paint is not accepted in liquid form. Paint should be used up, given away, or dried to solid form prior to disposal. See also section TT Paint. Businesses must designate latex paint to determine if it is dangerous waste before disposal.

GG. Materials from commercial sources painted with Lead based paint must be tested to determine if they are dangerous waste before disposal. Call the Business Waste Line at 206-263-8899 or visit http://www.govlink.org/hazwaste/business/ for more information. Materials from residential sources may be exempt.  Residential customers should call the Household Hazards Line at 206-296-4692 or visit http://www.hazwastehelp.org/HHW/hhw.aspx for more information. See also section TT Paint.

HH. Liquids in small containers similar in size to those normally found in household waste are accepted in the general waste stream in total quantities of one case or five gallons or less. Containers in excess of this amount and larger containers shall be disposed at the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill or other designated facility and must be accompanied by a Waste Clearance Decision. Non-containerized or free liquids are not accepted at any KCSWD facility.

"Liquids" means any waste that is determined to contain free liquids by Method 9095 (Paint Filter Liquids Test), as described in "Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Wastes, Physical/Chemical Methods" (US EPA Publication No. SW-846).

II. Mattresses or box springs are limited to a combined total of six pieces per customer per day at transfer stations. Quantities greater than this shall be disposed at the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill and must be accompanied by a Waste Clearance Decision. Effective January 1, 2018, mattresses and box springs will be accepted at selected transfer stations for recycling.  Providing this pilot recycling program is successful, and effective no sooner than January 1, 2020, mattresses will not be accepted for self-haul disposal at transfer stations where mattress recycling is available. 

JJ. Medical waste. See Biomedical Waste (Section G), and Sharps Waste (Section AAA). Medical facility waste that is not biomedical waste (i.e., office waste, cafeteria waste, etc.) is accepted at KCSWD facilities.

KK. Unwanted and expired Medicines are not accepted.  They should be disposed at a medicine drop-off or take back location whenever possible.  Taking your unwanted medicines to a medicine take-back program is the safest and most environmentally protective way to dispose them.                

Go to www.medicinereturn.org or www.kingcountysecuremedicinereturn.org   for drop-off locations.  Businesses should call the Business Waste Line at 206 263-8899.

LL. Mercury-containing equipment is not accepted. "Mercury-containing equipment" means a device or part of a device that contains elemental mercury necessary for its operation. Examples of mercury-containing equipment include thermostats, thermometers, manometers, switches, mercury regulators, meters, pressure relief gauges, water treatment pressure gauges, and sprinkler system contacts. Call the Business Waste Line at 206-263-8899 or visit http://www.govlink.org/hazwaste/business/ for more information. Residential customers should call the Household Hazards Line at 206-296-4692 or visit http://www.hazwastehelp.org/HHW/hhw.aspx for more information.

MM. Effective January 1, 2018, scrap metal will not be accepted for self-haul disposal at transfer stations where metal recycling is available. Scrap metal includes items that are 50 per cent or more metal including chain link and wire fencing, lawn furniture, aluminum window frames, screen doors, siding, household items, plumbing parts, metal pipes (no insulation), small auto parts (remove fluids), rims (tires removed), barbeque grills (remove fluids), gutters, wire, and lawnmowers (remove all fluids and batteries).

NN. Motor oil is not accepted. Commercial generators can visit www.govlink.org/hazwaste/business/wastedirectory  or call the Business Waste Line at 206-263-8899 for more information. Residential customers can call the Household Hazards Line at 206-296-4692 or visit www.govlink.org/hazwaste/ for more information.

OO. Motor vehicles and major vehicle parts are not accepted. Major parts are defined as those with Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs), such as engine blocks. Other vehicle parts, including bumpers, windshields, and fenders are accepted at KCSWD transfer stations. Vehicles and parts may be taken to salvage or wrecking yards. If a vehicle cannot be salvaged, a Waste Clearance Application may be approved. Proof of ownership must be provided.

PP. Odorous waste. Loads of waste with highly offensive, irritating or noxious odors may be required to be mitigated in some manner and/or to be disposed directly at the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill. Waste clearance is required for materials disposed directly at Cedar Hills.

QQ. Used Oil Filters should be recycled.  Filters that have been drained for 24 hours or have been crushed and drained are accepted at KCSWD facilities for disposal or for recycling where scrap metal is accepted for recycling. Please recycle the oil drained from filters.

RR. Over length materials. All rigid materials disposed at KCSWD facilities must be eight feet in length, or less. Over length materials that cannot be broken down or cut into lengths of eight feet or less may be accepted at the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill with a Waste Clearance Decision.

SS. Banned or restricted-use pesticides are not accepted at KCSWD facilities.

TT. Paint. Oil-based paint and stains are not accepted. Latex paint is not accepted in liquid form. Latex paint that does not contain any mercury or lead should be used up, given away, or dried to solid form prior to disposal. Latex paint containing mercury or lead should be disposed as Dangerous Waste. Businesses must designate latex paint to determine if it is dangerous waste before disposal.

For more information commercial waste generators can go to http://www.govlink.org/hazwaste/business/ or call the Business Waste Line at 206-263-8899. Residential customers can call the Household Hazards Line (206-296-4692) or visit www.govlink.org/hazwaste/ for more information.

UU. Petroleum products (motor oil, gasoline, diesel, etc.) are not accepted. Residential customers can call the Household Hazards Line (206-296-4692) or visit www.govlink.org/hazwaste/ for more information.

VV. Pharmaceuticals see Medicines (Section  KK).

WW. Polystyrene packaging material is accepted if bagged or otherwise treated to prevent littering or nuisance conditions during unloading, transport and disposal. This material may be required to be disposed directly at the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill if the waste cannot be adequately controlled at transfer stations. Loads delivered to Cedar Hills must be accompanied by a Waste Clearance Decision. Recycling options are expanding – check https://www.kingcounty.gov/WhatDoIDoWith for additional options.

XX. Propane tanks and tanks with other compressed gasses are accepted if they are small and empty. Small tanks are defined as those with a capacity of two (2) gallon or less. Helium tanks up to 5 gallons will be accepted if empty.   Residential customers with larger tanks, full tanks, or tanks that are refillable may take them to household hazardous waste facilities.   Household hazardous waste facilities  require pre-approval for high pressure gas cylinders, other than personal oxygen tanks. Call the Household Hazards Line at 206-296-4692 or visit http://www.govlink.org/hazwaste/ for tanks from residential sources. Call the Business Waste Line at 206-263-8899 or visit http://www.hazwastehelp.org/YellowBook/materials.aspx for commercial tanks.

YY. Roofing material. See Construction & Demolition Waste (Section P). If roofing material contains asbestos, see Asbestos-Containing Waste (Section E).

ZZ. Sanitary and storm sewer solids are accepted for disposal at Cedar Hills Regional Landfill when accompanied by an approved Waste Clearance Decision.  Each process material requires a clearance: conveyance/lift station, grit/rags, digester solids (biosolids), etc.  Scum can be accepted upon review of the intended decant process.  Septage is not accepted.  Vactor trucks must be decanted to the extent practicable. Where chemical contamination is likely, or if the generator or hauler notices suspicious odor or coloration, a separate waste clearance is required for each such site and testing is required.

AAA. Sharps waste is accepted only at the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill or other facilities designated by the KCSWD and must be containerized according to Title 10 of the Code of the King County Board of Health and accompanied by a Waste Clearance Decision. Uncontainerized sharps and sharps waste containers may not be placed into recycling containers. Properly containerized sharps waste from residential customers may be accepted without charge at transfer facilities with specifically designated kiosks for residential sharps waste. Unprotected sharps and sharps waste in containers may not be placed in the general solid waste system

“Sharps waste” means hypodermic needles, syringes with needles attached, IV tubing with needles attached, dental scalers, scalpel blades, acupuncture needles and lancets that have been removed from the original sterile package. “Properly containerized” means contained in leak-proof, rigid, puncture resistant, break resistant containers which are tightly lidded during storage, handling and transport.

BBB. Sludge from wastewater treatment plants, including biosolids and grit, may be accepted at the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill if accompanied by a Waste Clearance Decision. Industrial sludges are handled as industrial wastes. Biosolids require emergency approval through the Health Department or approval from the Department of Ecology.

CCC. Soils are handled in the following manner: uncontaminated mud and dirt in large quantities can be disposed at non-KCSWD sites that accept clean fill.  Small quantities of uncontaminated soil (i.e. less than one full pick-up truck) are accepted at KCSWD facilities from residential customers.

DDD. Contaminated soil that does not meet the definition of Dangerous Waste is accepted only at the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill and must be accompanied by a Waste Clearance Decision. 

EEE. Tanks, including home heating oil tanks, are accepted for disposal at the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill or other designated facility when accompanied by a Waste Clearance Decision. Tanks must be empty and have one end open, or be punctured with several holes prior to being transported to a King County disposal facility. A receipt certifying that the tank has been cleaned must accompany tanks that once held acutely hazardous waste. 

FFF. Thermostats. See Mercury-containing Equipment (Section LL)

GGG. Tires are not accepted from commercial customers. Up to four passenger vehicle tires per load are accepted from residential customers. Call the Solid Waste Division at 206-477-4466 or see https://www.kingcounty.gov/WhatDoIDoWith for information on tire recycling. Effective January 1, 2020, tires will not be accepted for self-haul disposal at transfer stations where tire recycling is available.

HHH. Universal waste. See Batteries (Section F), Fluorescent Lights (Section Y) and Mercury–Containing Equipment (Section LL)

III. Vactor waste. See Sanitary and storm sewer solids (Section ZZ).

JJJ. Vermiculite is accepted only at the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill and only with a Waste Clearance or a Puget Sound Clean Air Agency Notice of Intent to Remove or Encapsulate. Vermiculite must be double bagged in 6 mil bags and labeled with an asbestos warning sign. Vermiculite is not accepted at KCSWD transfer facilities with the exception that potting soil which contains vermiculite may be bagged, wetted, and disposed at transfer facilities.

KKK. White goods. See Appliances (Section D) 

LLL. Wood preservatives are not accepted. Residential customers can call the Household Hazards Line (206-296-4692) or visit www.govlink.org/hazwaste/ for more information.

MMM. Treated wood and wood products are not accepted from commercial customers. Treated wood includes, but is not limited to, creosote- and arsenical-treated wood that fails the test for the toxicity characteristics of 173-303-090(8) WAC, or which fails any state criteria for dangerous wastes. Commercial customers should contact construction and demolition facilities for disposal.

NNN. Effective January 1, 2018, yard waste will not be accepted for self-haul disposal at transfer stations where yard waste recycling is available.  Call the Solid Waste Division at 206-477-4466 or see https://www.kingcounty.gov/WhatDoIDoWith for yard waste collection and recycling services or https://aqua.kingcounty.gov/solidwaste/garbage-recycling/backyard-composting.asp for composting information.

“Yard waste” means waste resulting from maintenance or removal of vegetation, including, but not limited to, grass clippings, weeds, brush, branches, leaves, flowers, shrubs, and small trees including Christmas trees. Branches and trees must be 4 inches in diameter or less, and less than 8 feet long

OOO. Other waste. Other materials may be designated as conditionally accepted waste by an official of the KCSWD due to special handling needs or specific waste properties

PPP. KCSWD may deny entry to incoming loads under the following circumstances:

- Loads suspected of containing waste which is regulated hazardous/dangerous waste or any loads suspected of containing improperly handled waste, burning waste or untreated infectious waste may be denied entry. Suspicious loads may be identified by the following means:

- Observation of regulated materials, or of labeling, smoke, fumes or the presence of liquids, suggesting the presence of regulated materials.

- Highly offensive, irritating, or noxious odors that cause discomfort to employees, customers, or surrounding residents, or are otherwise indicative of regulated materials.

QQQ. Vashon Transfer Station. Every effort will be made to accommodate waste generated on Vashon Island by routing it through the Vashon Transfer Station whenever feasible. Waste that is not generally accepted at transfer stations by this Public Rule must receive a Waste Clearance Decision before disposal at the Vashon Transfer Station. The Clearance may require special packaging, delivery by appointment, or place other restrictions necessary to ensure safe and nuisance-free disposal.

RRR. The Director of the Department of Natural Resources and Parks, or his/her designee, shall have the authority to declare an emergency authorizing the disposal of materials otherwise requiring conditions or clearance under this Rule, which could pose a threat to public health or the environment if not disposed immediately.

SSS. The Director of the Department of Natural Resources and Parks, or his/her designee, is authorized and responsible to enforce or seek enforcement through the Prosecutor's Office of this Public Rule pursuant to the civil penalty provisions of King County Code Title 23, Code Compliance.

V. Implementation Plan

a. This policy is an update of an existing policy, PUT 7-1-5 (PR).

b. This policy becomes effective for all Agencies and members of the public 30 days after filing the final version with ARMMS.  The Solid Waste Division is responsible for implementation of this rule.

c. Solid Waste Division/Recycling and Environmental Services/Special Waste Unit is responsible for communicating this policy to the respective agencies and other appropriate parties.

VI. Maintenance:

This rule will be maintained by the King County Solid Waste Division or its successor agency.

This rule will remain in effect until it is repealed or replaced.

VII. Consequences of Noncompliance

I. The Solid Waste Division may seek enforcement against agencies and members of the public in noncompliance with this policy. Enforcement procedures are pursuant to the civil penalty provisions of King County Code Title 23.

II. Appendices:       [None.]