Hazardous Waste > Floods > Business Cleanup

Flood and Storm Cleanup for Businesses

Español

In the wake of natural disasters, regular waste-handling procedures are often disrupted. Businesses that created little or no dangerous waste before may find themselves with products that cannot be used and that are too dangerous to simply discard.   These businesses may find themselves under new rules, because the rules become more strict as a business creates more waste. 

As storm waters recede, dangerous-waste-disposal questions may arise. The Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction experts at Ecology are here to answer businesses' questions about safe handling and disposal of dangerous waste in times of crisis. 

Look to the links below for more information:

• Flood Debris provides information on how to or dispose of ruined materials, especially debris from demolition and building repair. 
• Waste Accumulation After Disasters—Extensions of allowable waste-accumulation times may be given on a case-by-case basis. 
• Report environmental contamination tells you where to call in your region to report known or suspected hazards.
• Records and Reporting in Emergencies tells how to keep proper records, even under tough conditions.
• Regional Resources offers links to other sources of help.
• More Flood information from the Department of Ecology
• How to use Sandbags
  • How to set out sandbags to protect property from floods
    http://www.nww.usace.army.mil/html/offices/op/em/HowToBag.htm
  • How to use the right materials for sandbags and how to properly dispose of them after a flood
    http://www.ecy.wa.gov/pubs/0907078.pdf

Related Information:

Outdoor Burning Basic information
Hazards of Burn Barrels Do not ever burn garbage.
Office of the Washington State Climatologist reports on weather events in Washington State
Climate Change extreme weather events
Toxic Free Tips for citizens' information about hazardous substances
Industrial Materials Exchange allows businesses to trade surplus usable materials