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Recycle Dangerous Waste

Many recycled or reused materials are conditionally exempt from regulation, resulting in fewer rules to follow. The materials must be handled to protect health and safety, but beneficial reuse reduces the amount of waste a facility generates. Recycling is generally much less costly than disposal.  

The Washington State Department of Ecology encourages recycling, when it can be done safely. Off-site recycling facilities are a popular choice, but some wastes may be recycled onsite. 

Beneficial Reuse/ Recycling of Dangerous Waste discusses exclusions from the Dangerous Waste Rules for some recycled materials.

Recycled, reclaimed, and recovered waste details exemptions for specific wastes at WAC 173-303-120 of the Dangerous Waste Regulations.

Recycled Materials Not Dangerous Waste

Under certain conditions, wastes can be directly reused as an ingredient to make a product, used as a substitute for a raw material, or inserted back into the production process. Wastes directly reused in this manner are considered products and are managed as such.

Universal Waste discusses this special category of dangerous wastes that are conditionally regulated under the dangerous waste management rules. These include batteries, fluorescent lamps, and mercury-containing equipment.

 

Recycling Facilities

Recycling Facilities that receive wastes from off-site must follow rules to ensure that recycling is done properly. They must have liability insurance or money set aside for waste removal and clean up,  

Dangerous Waste Permits offers information for recycling facilities.

Financial Assurance discusses the types of financial instruments that are required and how you can be certain that your liability is protected.

Related information

Hazardous Waste Services Directory is a database guide to businesses that help others handle dangerous waste in Washington state, including permitted recyclers.

IMEX is the Industrial Materials Exchange, offering waste from some businesses to become useful materials for others.

1-800-RECYCLE holds a database of recycling information for the general public.

Treatment by Generator links to guidance on specific treatment processes, such as filtration, solidification and carbon adsorption.