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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.
Adhesives | Oil |
Antifreeze | Paints and thinners |
Amalgam waste | Pesticides |
Batteries | Pharmaceuticals |
Disinfectants | Shop towels |
Fertilizers | Solvents |
Fluorescent lights | Other industry-specific wastes |
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.
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Safe Environments
Physical Address
3020 Rucker Avenue
Suite 104
Everett, WA 98201
Phone: 425-339-5250Fax: 425-339-5254
hours
Monday through Friday
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Customer service counter
opens at 9:30 a.m. the first
and third Thursdays of every
month.
Did you know?
SHD staff vised 342 businesses during 2018 to provide pollution prevention assistance.
Spills happen
When a spill happens, stop the spill and use your spill kit to contain it and properly clean the area.
If the spill could contaminate the environment or reach a storm drain, call 1-800-645-7911 for immediate help. If the spill puts people at risk, call 911.
Important spill kit reminders:
- Have a plan in place, including emergency contacts
- Train employees to react
- Make sure your kit is fully stocked and accessible.
Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Station
3434 McDougall Avenue
Everett, WA 98201-5041
Phone: 425-388-6050
Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays