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Hazardous Waste Recycling

This indicator tracks how much regulated hazardous waste is recycled each year.

Hazardous waste can often be reclaimed or recycled, instead of being disposed. A common example is the distillation of a used solvent to make a reusable solvent.

             Download data: Hazardous Waste Recyled in Washington: 2000-2005.xls

The amount of recurrent hazardous waste recycled has remained fairly constant over the last few years, although it has decreased overall since 2000. (Recurrent hazardous waste results from the on-going use of hazardous materials in processes or products.)

Note: The amounts depicted on the graph do not include materials reused before becoming wastes, but only those wastes recovered and recycled.

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

The amount of hazardous waste recycled is an indicator of the amount of value captured from the hazardous waste stream through resources recovered.

What are the benefits of recycling more hazardous waste?

• The more hazardous waste that is recycled, the less that needs to be discarded
• Conserves valuable resources
• Increased efficiency

What are some Beyond Waste Actions being taken to increase hazardous waste recycling in Washington?

Ecology (in partnership with other organizations) is:

• Providing technical assistance to industry on recycling opportunities
• Providing information to generators about facilities that recycle hazardous waste (Hazardous Waste Services Directory)