Where to Dispose of Hazardous Waste in Seattle
We all play our part in making our local community a positive and safe place to live. Whether that means driving slow through a school zone or opting for compostable straws, even the smallest efforts can make a big difference.
When it comes to disposing of hazardous household items, it’s important to know how to do so safely and with minimal impact on the environment. The good news is that Seattle makes this easy with various reliable hazardous waste locations.
Need to dispose of toxic household items or chemicals? Here’s what you need to know.
What is Hazardous Waste?
Hazardous waste is a waste that contains materials, elements, or chemicals that have a detrimental impact on the environment or public health. Hazardous waste may contain organic or inorganic material and may vary in its toxicological properties.
Toxic substances can originate from industrial facilities, hospitals, factories, or even household items. This waste can be flammable, corrosive, explosive, or otherwise react with other materials to cause damage or an environmental hazard.
What are the Effects of Hazardous Waste on the Environment?
When hazardous waste is released into the environment, it can have catastrophic effects.
For example, toxic runoff from factories can make it into local streams and rivers, making water unsafe for drinking and for agriculture. Poor disposal of e-waste and electronics can pollute our local communities, make it into the water supply, and injure people and animals.
Further, toxic waste can make animals and people extremely sick. This can cause short-term and even long-term health issues and have catastrophic effects on agriculture. Plus, the financial costs for clean-up can weigh heavily on the community.
Why Use a Seattle Hazardous Waste Facility?
Designated hazardous waste facilities are skilled at disposing of toxic products and chemicals safely, which prevents the material from entering the environment. Disposing of your household items at a Seattle waste facility helps ensure that the waste does not damage the soil, pollute groundwater, or cause harm to people or animals in the community.
Examples of Household Hazardous Waste
Most factories, hospitals, and industrial businesses have protocols for disposing of toxic waste – protocols that are mandated by the local government. So, when we talk about how to dispose of hazardous waste, we are usually speaking to homeowners who aren’t sure how to dispose of toxic household materials.
Here are some examples of household hazardous waste:
- Cleaning chemicals
- Pesticides and garden chemicals
- Gasoline
- Kerosine
- Batteries (e.g. car, phone, or other electronics batteries)
- Motor oil
- Solvent-based paints
- Antifreeze solution
- Petrol
- Polishing chemicals
- Swimming pool chemicals
- Medicines and pharmaceuticals
- E-waste and computer equipment
- Thermometers
- Fluorescent bulbs or tubes
This list is far from exhaustive. There are many items that are composed of non-biodegradable chemicals that can cause issues to the environment for months and even years to come. If you aren’t sure if a household item is “hazardous”, be sure to read the packaging or label (if available) for information.
Household Hazardous Waste Facilities Near Seattle
Seattle hosts several designated household waste facilities that are completely free to Seattle residents. This means you can dispose of hazardous materials or chemicals safely without paying a fee!
Hazardous waste may also be accepted from eligible Seattle businesses. See if your business is eligible for hazardous waste disposal.
1. North Household Hazardous Waste Facility - North Seattle
Address: 12550 Stone Avenue North, Seattle 98133
Website: https://www.kingcountyhazwastewa.gov/
Phone: (206) 296-4692
Hours:
Sunday 9AM - 5PM
Monday 9AM - 5PM
Tuesday 9AM - 5PM
Wednesday CLOSED
Thursday CLOSED
Friday CLOSED
Saturday CLOSED
Holidays: Closed on July 4th, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
Resources:
2. South Household Hazardous Waste Facility - South Seattle
Address: 8100 2nd Ave S, Seattle 98108
Website: https://www.kingcountyhazwastewa.gov/
Phone: (206) 296-4692
Hours:
Sunday CLOSED
Monday CLOSED
Tuesday CLOSED
Wednesday CLOSED
Thursday 9AM - 5PM
Friday 9AM - 5PM
Saturday 9AM - 5PM
Holidays: Closed on July 4th, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
Resources:
3. Hazardous Waste Management Program in King County - Factoria
[ All King County residents can use this facility. This location does NOT accept latex paint. ]
Address: 13800 SE 32nd St. Bellevue, WA 98005
Website: https://www.kingcountyhazwastewa.gov/
Phone: (206) 296-4692
Hours:
Sunday 9AM - 5PM
Monday CLOSED
Tuesday 8AM - 5PM
Wednesday 8AM - 5PM
Thursday 8AM - 5PM
Friday 8AM - 5PM
Saturday 9AM - 5PM
4. Wastemobile - South Sound Commercial Operations - Auburn
[ All King County residents can use this facility. This location does NOT accept latex paint. ]
Address: 355 H St NW, Auburn, WA 98001
Website: https://www.wm.com/us/en/location/wa/auburn
Phone: (855) 523-1344
Hours:
Sunday CLOSED
Monday 7AM - 5PM
Tuesday 7AM - 5PM
Wednesday 7AM - 5PM
Thursday 7AM - 5PM
Friday 7AM - 5PM
Saturday 9AM - 1PM
Resources:
Business Waste & Recycling Pickup
Wastemobile schedules mobile pickup events at different locations outside of Seattle. See scheduled even locations and accepted items.
Wastemobile also provides free products to the public. These products may include: Oil-based paint, wood stain, primer, wood care products, cleaning products, and automotive products. You will need to fill out and sign a release form in order to receive these materials.
5. Living Green Technology Electronics Drop-Off
Address: 3417 Evanston Ave N Unit 224, Seattle, WA 98103
Website:
https://www.livinggreentechnology.org/contact-locations/
Phone: (253) 204-4438
Hours:
Sunday 10AM - 3PM
Monday CLOSED
Tuesday CLOSED
Wednesday 10AM - 3PM
Thursday 10AM - 3PM
Friday 10AM - 6PM
Saturday 10AM - 6PM
Living Green Technology is a Seattle-based company that’s on a mission to eliminate e-waste. Seattle residents looking to dispose of e-waste and electronics can visit our locations for safe disposal.
Other Hazardous Waste Disposal Options
It’s never a bad idea to have several reliable waste disposal options at your disposal (pun not intended). Here are a few other programs and options to keep in mind.
Seattle’s Hazardous Waste Management Program
Website: http://www.kingcountyhazwastewa.gov/
In addition to the locations listed above, Seattle’s Hazardous Waste Management Program website offers several disposal, pickup, and donation options. You’ll also find helpful tips for how to dispose of your waste, buy more eco-friendly alternatives, and much more.
Product disposal
Some household brands have their own disposal programs to help consumers dispose of their products safely. For example, Office Max often accepts old ink cartridges in order to dispose of the products correctly. Visit the brand’s website to see if they have a designated disposal program or recommendations.
Household Hazards Line
All residents can call the Hazards Line at 206-296-4692 with questions about household hazardous waste disposal. This phone line also provides information about living green and buying safer alternatives to hazardous products.
Learn More About Hazardous Waste Disposal
When it’s time to toss out toxic products or chemicals, don’t turn to the trash. Instead, refer to this list to find safe waste disposal facilities in your area. This is the best way to keep your family, pets, and community safe.
At Living Green Technology, we are all about education and awareness. Our goal is to make Seattle residents aware of the various options they have in disposing of waste, buying better products, and making Seattle a better place to live. Visit our blog to learn more.
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