Phosphorus Ban Information > What the law says about phosphorus

What the law says about phosphorus*

Phosphorus in detergents IS and has been a problem for Washington State and its waters. Laundry detergent containing phosphorus has been banned since 1994. Major manufacturers in the United States made the switch in laundry soaps to help keep waters clean. The same will be true for dishwasher soaps in 2010.

Unfortunately, some imported soaps, sold illegally, contain high levels of phosphorus. These soaps are costly to treat and contribute to pollution in our waters. So whether it’s laundry soap or dishwasher soap, make the switch now to cleaner and safer alternatives.

In 1994: Washington State made it illegal to sell laundry detergents containing more than 0.5% phosphorus by weight and dishwashing detergents containing more than 8.7%.

Beginning July 1, 2008:  In Spokane County it is illegal to sell dishwashing detergent containing 0.5% phosphorus or more by weight.

In Whatcom County it is illegal to sell dishwashing detergent containing 0.5% phosphorus or more by weight.

Single-use packets, such as tablets or gel packs of detergent, may contain a maximum of 2.0 grams of phosphorus per packet.

In July 2010: The amount of phosphorus allowed statewide will be no more than 0.5%.

Washington State law regarding the phosphorus content in dishwashing detergent.

* This does not apply to the sale or distribution of detergents for commercial or industrial uses.

 

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