Business Waste

The Snohomish Health District places a high value on protecting our region's groundwater and surface waters. However, many routine business activities have the potential to pollute stormwater runoff or groundwater.

Your business likely generates hazardous waste (see WAC 173-303-020). That means the business produces waste that cannot go in the garbage or down the drain. You are required to treat, store, and dispose of such waste in compliance with the Snohomish Health District Code. 

The Health District's pollution prevention assistance program conducts technical assistance visits to businesses throughout the county. The program provides information on best management practices that help businesses meet regulatory requirements and protect the environment.

We help businesses:

• Understand the environmental requirements that apply,
• Determine if the requirements are being met,
• Find solutions to compliance problems, and
• If necessary, prepare a plan to fix the problem and bring the business into compliance. 

How do I know if my business has hazardous waste?

If your business discards these types of materials, you probably generate hazardous waste.

Product labels may also indicate if a material is a hazardous waste. Watch for labels such as: DANGER, FLAMMABLE, WARNING, POISON or CAUTION. These types of materials should never be thrown in the garbage.

Pollution Prevention Assistance

In 2007, the Local Source Control Partnership was formed by the Department of Ecology to help protect and restore Puget Sound and the surrounding watersheds. The partnership provides assistance to businesses to help avoid contamination, reduce storm water pollution, and eliminate potential sources of toxic and hazardous wastes.

Health District staff will visit your site and provide technical assistance on hazardous waste storage, management, and disposal. We can provide specific guidance to help you comply with business regulations.

We also are available to provide follow-up support for changes to how you manage business waste, though complex or large-scale improvement may involve other agencies.

Small quantity generator businesses also may dispose of their hazardous waste at the Snohomish County Hazardous Waste Drop-off Station for a fee and by appointment only.

Our partners

Surface and storm water staff from your city or county promote clean water practices by ensuring that storm water systems are planned, developed, and maintained to prevent flooding and protect water quality. They routinely monitor and test water in creeks, streams, and lakes. When testing indicates a problem, trained staff find the source and address it.

Sewer districts and cities operate wastewater treatment plants. During treatment, wastewater is tested at multiple steps. Sewer districts are responsible for operations and maintenance. Your sewer district can help businesses find ways to remove pollutants.