Generation Fee Business FAQ

Washington State Department of Ecology

Frequently Asked Business Activities Questions

I subcontract with another company who disposes all my waste. Why do I have to pay the fee?
The law states if you are in business and your activities generate any amount of waste, you are required to pay the fee.
I only frame buildings. Do I have to pay a fee?
If you generate waste paints, solvents, petroleum products, or adhesives, you still owe the fee.
We are a general contractor and subcontract out all work projects. Are we subject to the fee?
If your company maintains a warehouse and generates waste petroleum products and solvents from maintenance activities on buildings or equipment, the fee applies.
My business uses heavy equipment and I do not believe I generate waste. Why do I have to pay the fee?

I only use latex paint, no oil based paints or solvents. Am I subject to the fee?
Latex paint designates as dangerous waste because of fungicides and other substances. The fee applies because the waste is generated as residuals in containers and clean-up activities.
I am a carpet layer and don’t believe I generate any waste. What waste do I generate?
It depends on the carpet laying process. If only tacking strips are used, no hazardous waste is generated, submit a fee waiver request. If you apply adhesives, wastes are generated from empty containers, or from clean-up activities and the fee applies.

Wood Household Furniture

I run a small shop and make household wood furniture and/or fixtures. I do not stain or paint, but do use wood glue from a glue pot I refill. Am I subject to the fee?
If waste glues are generated, the fee applies.

Printing & Publishing

I am a desk top publisher, everything is computer-based, no printing press or inks. Am I subject to the fee?
You are classed in the category that includes both desktop publishers and ink press establishments, which produce hazardous waste.

Local & Suburban Transit

I own a limousine/taxi. Do I have to pay the fee?
Maintenance activities on your vehicle fleet generates waste oils and solvents. If you do your own maintenance on your fleet, the fee applies.

Wholesale Trade

We are wholesalers, not manufacturers located outside the state. Why did we receive a bill?
You evidently sell product in the state through a sales representative or sell directly to clients in Washington. If you have no facilities in the state or any generated waste streams, submit a fee waiver request. However, if you have warehousing in the state and generate waste from maintenance activities or product spillage, the fee applies.

New & Used Car Dealers

I own a used car lot and received this bill. Do I have to pay the fee?
If waste petroleum products are generated from maintenance activities, the fee applies.

Gasoline Service Stations/Convenience Stores w/ Gas Pumps

I own a gasoline station/mini mart with fuel. Why was I billed?
Spillage of pumped fuel is a waste stream and the fee applies.