Picture taken by Kim Clark, 2009

Hazardous Waste & Toxics Reduction

HWTR Program Archives

  • Ecology is developing guidance to help business and industry identify safer alternatives to toxic chemicals.  We are working with seven other states to develop an “alternatives assessment” document.  Join the listserve to give your input and get updates.   
  • This year marks 25 years since the passage of the federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA). Passed in 1986, EPCRA plays a significant role in protecting people’s health and the environment by providing communities and emergency planners with specific information on chemical storage and toxic chemical releases. Read more....
  • Better Brakes Law Washington State passed a law reducing the use of toxic material in automotive brake pads and shoes. Ecology is working with brake pad manufacturers, auto makers, businesses and other stakeholders to develop rules for this law.
  • NEW! ShopTalk Online
    Can treating waste on-site change your generator status? What is TurboPlan and when is it coming? Is there training out there for dangerous waste management? See the latest issue of Shoptalk online for answers. Shoptalk Online.
  • The annual The 2009 Chemicals in Washington report details toxic chemicals used or stored by Washington businessess, including amounts of these chemicals released to our air, land, and water. Find out more.
  • Better Brakes Law Washington State passed a law reducing the use of toxic material in automotive brake pads and shoes. Ecology is working with brake pad manufacturers, auto makers, businesses and other stakeholders to develop rules for this law.
  • The annual Hazardous Waste Generation Fee Bills were mailed out on June 1, 2011. Payments or applications for waiver are due by June 30, 2011. Visit our website to learn more about this fee.
  • Changes in DW Rules
    EPA authorized Ecology's 2009 dangerous waste rule amendments in July. For more information see the federal register notice. Or view highlights of the 2009 rule changes. For questions, contact Robert Rieck.
  • Shoptalk Online
    Read the latest issue for tips on taking care of drums and containers. Learn about the Toxic Metals Prevention Project and its focus on lead, mercury, and cadmium. Order a copy of "Only Rain Down the Drain" poster of best management practices to protect storm water. Become a subscriber!
  • The Hazardous Waste Generation Fee was due on June 30, 2010, and a reminder billing was mailed on September 10, 2010. Payment must be received by September 30, 2010 to avoid any interest charges that may apply.
  • Dangerous Materials Alphabetical Listing Now it’s easier to find guidance on how to manage common dangerous materials, such as asbestos, pharmaceutical waste, and shop towels.
  • Pollution Prevention Success Stories Artisan Finishing Systems applies architectural coatings to aluminum.  They seek continuous improvements in their processes to reduce waste, save water and energy, and create an environmentally superior product. 
  • Toxics in Packaging - Find out about legislation limiting amounts of toxic substances in packaging.
  • Dangerous Waste Designation Tool - Need help determining if your business generates Dangerous Waste? Not sure if you should send waste out in the trash or via a dangerous waste hauler? Use this new step-by-step Dangerous Waste Designation Tool to find out.
  • Chemicals in Washington State Summary Report - 2009 Data
  • Tutorial on Dangerous Waste Management
    Learn the basics of dangerous waste management in an online tutorial. View the slideshow and notes pages from our Dangerous Waste Management workshops.
  • Governor's Award Skips 2009 Cycle
    The Governor's Award for Sustainable Practices will not be offered in 2009, another sacrifice due to the budget pressures facing the Department of Ecology. We are planning to resume the award in 2010, if the resources are available.
  • Local Source Control Program
    View and listen to two webinars on "Storm Water Management". This training highlights issues and solutions for storm water: inspections, permitting, treatment, and best management practices. These webinars are useful for local governments and businesses.
  • Toxics Reduction Advisory Committee (TRAC)
    Find out about this advisory group that will recommend changes in P2 Planning, waste reduction and Planning Fees.
  • Ecology Lends a Helping Hand
    Ecology is helping health care facilities improve the way they dispose of pharmaceutical waste.
  • The Dangerous Waste Regulations, Chapter 173-30 WAC
    The DW amendments are available for public review & comment until April 25, 2008.
  • $2.1 million has been earmarked for the Local Source Partnership
    14 local governments will receive monies to hire specialists to help small businesses prevent pollution.
  • New Lean and Environment site
    Highlights work of Washington businesses using lean production methods to improve both the environment and their bottom line.
  • Governor's Award
    11 Washington businesses and public agencies win the 2007 Governor's Award for Pollution Prevention and Sustainable Practices.
  • New Household Toxics Website
    Learn about chemicals and hazards like lead, mercury, and asbestos. Info for parents, pet owners, workers and others who want to protect the environment and their health.
  • Ecology's Local Source Control Partnership Program
    is awarding money to local governments in the 12 Puget Sound counties. Funds are to be used to hire on-site technical-assistance providers to work with small businesses to keep the Sound clean. Proposals are to be submitted electronically by October 29, 2007.
  • New Rule Proposal
    Ecology is proposing a new rule excluding Cathode Ray Tubes (CRT) from the Dangerous Waste Regulations. You can review the proposed rule and provide comments through August 30, 2007.
  • DW Regulation Info
    Receive information on Dangerous Waste Rule Amendments by signing up for the FREE electronic Listserv.
  • By-Product Synergy NW Kickoff
    Find out how by-product synergy is used to identify new market opportunities, find lower cost local feed stocks and reduce costs and risks associated with wastes.
  • DW Facilities Info
    Receive information on Dangerous Waste Management or Used Oil Facilities by signing up for the FREE electronic Listserv.

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