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Hazardous Waste

This indicator tracks the amount of regulated hazardous waste produced by certain businesses and other facilities in Washington state. It best reflects the larger businesses and organizations in Washington that generate hazardous waste. That number is currently about 3000. It is estimated that there may be 60,000 additional generators of smaller quantities of hazardous waste who do not required to provide information on their hazardous waste generation to the Department of Ecology.

Hazardous wastes include wastes that are either listed as hazardous under federal law or wastes that meet certain criteria under state regulations. Hazardous waste has properties that make it dangerous or potentially harmful to human health or the environment. Hazardous wastes can be liquids, solids, contained gases, or sludges.

           Download data: Recurrent Hazardous Waste Generated in Washington: 2000-2006

The amount of recurrent hazardous waste generated in Washington has decreased by more than 50% since 2000. (Recurrent hazardous waste results from the on-going use of hazardous materials in a production process, service activity or from a routine clean-out.) Most of the wastes depicted in the graph are the by-products of manufacturing or mining processes. The graph does not include: one-time wastes, as from clean-ups; nuclear waste from Hanford; or wastes from treatment, storage and disposal facilities.

The overall downward trend is in large part due to various types of waste reduction strategies employed by organizations, rather than economic reasons.

The recent upturn has two causes. One is due to two large volume waste streams; potliner from aluminum production (which is generated sporadically) and cement kiln dust (which has not been reported before). Another factor is the number of generators who produced more hazardous waste in 2006 than in 2005 vs. those that generated less waste in 2006 compared to 2005. There were 403 generators with more waste and 362 generators with less waste. This is the first time since this measure was first examined (in 2001) that there has been a larger number of generators producing more waste than less waste compared to the previous year.

Why should we be concerned about how much hazardous waste is generated in Washington state?

The amount of hazardous waste generated is an indicator of risk to human health and the environment from hazardous substances used in Washington.

What are the benefits of reducing the amount of hazardous waste generated?

• Conserves valuable resources
• Less risk to human health and the environment
• Saves money

What are some Beyond Waste Actions being taken to decrease generation of hazardous waste in Washington?

Ecology (in partnership with other organizations) is:

• Offering sector-based technical help to businesses
• Encouraging “green chemistry” and other product-design solutions
• Providing technical assistance to facilities who are required to develop Pollution Prevention Plans

Want more information on Hazardous Waste Generation in Washington?

Beyond Waste Plan - Current HazWaste Issues