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Disposal restrictions at King County solid waste facilities
King County solid waste facilities disposal restrictions
Jump to material:
- Ammunition
- Animals - individual, dead
- Appliances - major
- Asbestos-containing waste
- Batteries
- Biomedical waste
- Bulky and dense items
- Burning or smoldering materials
- Cable, wire, and wire rope
- Carpet and carpet padding
- Cell phones and tablets
- Computers, monitors, and laptops
- Construction and demolition (C&D) waste
- Corrugated cardboard
- Cremated remains
- Dirt and soil - contaminated
- Dirt and soil - uncontaminated
- Drums
- Dusty loads
- Excrement - animal and human
- Explosives
- Fats and grease
- Fire extinguishers
- Fireworks
- Flares - marine and roadside
- Fluorescent light ballasts
- Fluorescent lights and other mercury-containing bulbs and tubes
- Food
- Hazardous and dangerous waste
- Hot tubs
- Household hazardous waste
- Industrial waste
- Liquids
- Mattresses and box springs
- Medicines
- Mercury containing items
- Metal scrap
- Motor oil
- Motor vehicles and major vehicle parts
- Odorous waste
- Oil filters
- Oil tanks and other underground storage tanks
- Overlength items
- Paint and other coating products
- Pesticides
- Polystyrene packaging
- Propane tanks and other tanks with compressed gasses
- Radioactive waste
- Recreational vehicles
- Sanitary and storm sewer solids and wastewater treatment wastes
- Sharps
- Sludge
- Televisions
- Tires
- Truck canopies
- Wood - clean
- Wood - treated
- Yard waste
Animals - individual, dead
Restrictions: Not accepted if 15 pounds or more unless rendering plants, veterinary clinics, animal shelters, or pet cemeteries cannot provide services. In that case, the waste may be accepted through Waste Clearance.
Not accepted by residents of Vashon and Maury Islands at the Vashon Transfer Station unless approved for disposal through Waste Clearance.
More information: If rendering plants, veterinary clinics, animal shelters, or pet cemeteries are unable to provide services, contact Waste Clearance. You can also visit the dead animals section of the What do I do with…? website or call 206-477-4466.
Appliances - major
Examples of major appliances include:
- Air conditioners
- Refrigerators
- Freezers
- Dehumidifiers
- Dryers
- Furnaces
- Stoves
- Water heaters
- Washing machines
Restrictions: Not accepted for disposal, except for dishwashers that are made of 50% or more plastic.
How to recycle: Business and residential customers can recycle major appliances at the Bow Lake, Enumclaw, Factoria, Shoreline, and Vashon transfer stations.
More information: Visit the appliances section of the What do I do with…? website or call 206-477-4466 for more disposal options.
Asbestos-containing waste
Restrictions: Friable and non-friable asbestos waste, including vermiculite is not accepted without approval from Waste Clearance.
More Information: Visit the asbestos section of the What do I do with…? website or call 206-477-4466 for more disposal options.
Batteries
Restrictions: These types of batteries are not accepted:
- Rechargeable batteries including motor vehicle, lead acid and other types
- Button batteries
More information: For acceptance restrictions and disposal locations, visit the Hazardous Waste Management Program or call 206-296-4692.
Visit the batteries section of the What do I do with...? website or call 206-477-4466 for more disposal options.
Biomedical waste
Biomedical waste includes:
- Animal waste infected or inoculated with pathogenic microorganisms infectious to humans
- Biosafety level 4 disease waste
- Cultures and stocks infectious to humans
- Human blood and blood products
- Pathological waste
- Sharps waste
Restrictions: Biomedical waste is not accepted, unless:
- Treated following Public Health regulations and approved for disposal through Waste Clearance.
More information: For more details, please refer to the Sharps section below or call 206-477-4466.
Bulky and dense items
Items greater than 2 feet by 2 feet by 2 feet that weigh more than 200 pounds, such as:
- Concrete blocks
- Safes
- Wood stoves
- Stumps
Restrictions: Not accepted unless approved through Waste Clearance.
More information: Visit Waste Clearance or call 206-477-4466.
Cable, wire, and wire rope
Materials include plastic-coated items and barbed wire.
Restrictions: Not accepted unless approved for disposal through Waste Clearance.
May be recycled at Bow Lake, Enumclaw, Factoria, Houghton, Shoreline, and Vashon, where metal recycling is available. Lengths longer than 3 feet must be coiled and secured with ¾ inch steel banding in at least 8 places.
More information: Approval through Waste Clearance may be possible. Visit Waste Clearance or call 206-477-4466.
Carpet and carpet padding
Restrictions: Carpet and carpet padding are considered construction and demolition (C&D) materials. All C&D disposal restrictions apply.
More information: For more details, please refer to the construction and demolition section below or call 206-477-4466.
Cell phones and tablets
Restrictions: Not accepted.
More information: Visit electronics recycling or call 206-477-4466 for recycling options.
Computers, monitors, and laptops
Restrictions: Not accepted.
More information: Visit electronics recycling or call 206-477-4466 for recycling options.
Construction and demolition (C&D) waste
Construction and demolition (C&D) materials include:
- Asphalt
- Carpet and carpet padding
- Concrete
- Drywall
- Insulation
- Masonry
- Packaging materials
- Roofing
- Siding
- Structural metal
- Wire
- Wood
As well as other materials that result from construction, remodeling, repair or demolition of buildings and other structures.
Restrictions: Not accepted from vehicles with hydraulic/mechanized dump beds or dump trailers unless the C&D waste makes up less than 20% of the load.
Vashon Island - not accepted unless approved for disposal through Waste Clearance.
Accepted loads of C&D waste must comply with all other disposal restrictions, including:
- no asbestos-containing waste
- no hazardous waste
- no materials that are burning or smoldering
- No dusty or odorous materials
- No bulky or over-length materials
More information: Visit C&D disposal or call 206-477-4466 for more options.
Corrugated cardboard
Restrictions: Not accepted in the garbage from customers hauling their own waste at the following facilities where recycling is available:
Restrictions do not apply to:
- Paperboard
- Wax- or plastic-coated cardboard
- Food- or hazardous waste-soiled cardboard
More information: Visit the paper section of the What do I do with…? website or call 206-477-4466 for more options.
Dirt and soil - contaminated
Dirt, soil, or mud contaminated by diesel, gas, oil, human waste, or other hazardous materials.
Restrictions: Not accepted unless approved for disposal through Waste Clearance.
More information: Visit Waste Clearance or call 206-477-4466.
Dirt and soil - uncontaminated
Restrictions: Maximum one pickup truckload full. You must control dust while unloading. Light and sandy soils may require wetting.
More Information: Visit the landscaping and land clearing section of the What do I do with…? website or call 206-477-4466 for more options.
Drums
Drums are rigid containers (larger than 25 gallons) made of fiber, plastic, steel, or other materials.
Restrictions:
- Businesses may dispose of empty fiberboard and plastic drums. Must be open on one end.
- Residents may dispose of 1 empty metal or plastic drum. Larger quantities of drums must be approved through Waste Clearance.
- Full drums must be approved for disposal through Waste Clearance. Full drums must have tops removed and be clearly labeled "Non-hazardous" before disposal.
Empty and clean metal drums brought to the Bow Lake, Enumclaw, Factoria, Houghton, Shoreline, and Vashon transfer stations must be recycled.
More information: Visit Waste Clearance or call 206-477-4466.
Dusty loads
Restrictions: Not accepted unless contained in plastic bags or wetted to the extent that they don’t become airborne when unloaded. Materials include:
- Sheetrock dust
- Insulation
- Silicon dust
- Sawdust
- Fiberglass dust
- Any other load that may become airborne when unloaded
Dusty loads you cannot control during disposal require approval through Waste Clearance.
More information: Visit Waste Clearance or call 206-477-4466.
Excrement - animal and human
Animal excrement
Restrictions:
- Not accepted unless wrapped in a leak-proof bag or container and deposited in a public or residential garbage can.
- Excrement from livestock or other animals may be accepted through Waste Clearance.
Human excrement
Restrictions:
- Not accepted unless the waste is disposable diapers, adult incontinence products, and other materials contaminated with human feces that are wrapped in a leak-proof container.
- If the waste cannot meet the standard above and cannot be disposed by other means, it must be approved for disposal through Waste Clearance
More information: See your wastewater treatment provider for information about the sanitary sewer, or Public Health for on-site sewage treatment options.
Explosives
Restrictions: Fireworks, detonators, blasting caps, gunpowder, and ammunition are not accepted.
More information: Contact local law enforcement for disposal options.
Fats and grease
Restrictions: Fats and grease are not accepted from businesses, unless:
- Rendering services are not available
- The waste is solidified for disposal
- Approved for disposal through Waste Clearance
Fats and grease from residential customers are not accepted unless solidified. Solidify fats and grease by mixing with an absorbent material like cat litter or sawdust.
More information: Visit the food section of the What do I do with…? website or call 206-477-4466 for more options.
Fire extinguishers
Restrictions: Fire extinguishers are not accepted for disposal if full or partially full. Fire extinguishers are not accepted for recycling.
Business fire extinguisher waste must be approved for disposal through Waste Clearance.
More information: Visit the Hazardous Waste Management Program or call 206-296-4692 for acceptance restrictions and hazardous waste disposal locations..
Businesses: Visit Waste Clearance or call 206-477-4466.
Fireworks
Restrictions: Fireworks are not accepted unless used, soaked in water overnight, sealed in a plastic bag, and disposed of wet.
More information: For acceptance restrictions and disposal locations, visit the Hazardous Waste Management Program or call 206-296-4692.
Flares - marine and roadside
Restrictions: Not accepted for disposal.
More information: For acceptance restrictions and disposal locations, visit the Hazardous Waste Management Program or call 206-296-4692.
Fluorescent light ballasts
Restrictions: The box (usually black) housed inside fluorescent and high-intensity discharge light fixtures that activate the lights are not accepted.
More information: For acceptance restrictions and disposal locations, visit the Hazardous Waste Management Program or call 206-296-4692.
Fluorescent lights and other mercury-containing bulbs and tubes
Restrictions: Not accepted for disposal. Recycling is available at Bow Lake, Enumclaw, Factoria, Shoreline, and Vashon transfer stations.
- Limit: 10 per vehicle per day
- No tubes longer than 8 feet
- Seal broken bulbs in a bag or box
- Incandescent, halogen, and LED bulbs are not accepted
More information: Visit the fluorescent lights section of the What do I do with…? website or call 206-477-4466 for more options.
For acceptance restrictions and disposal locations, visit the Hazardous Waste Management Program or call 206-296-4692.
Food
Restrictions: Food waste is not accepted except in quantities greater than 1/2 pallet or 5 gallons of liquid. Larger quantities must be approved for disposal through Waste Clearance.
More information: For approval to dispose larger quantities, contact Waste Clearance or call 206-477-4466. For more disposal options visit the food section of the What do I do with…? website.
Hazardous and dangerous waste
Materials are usually labeled Caution, Danger, Poison, or Warning and are hazardous to human health or the environment. Also includes materials generated by businesses who are responsible for designating their wastes.
Restrictions: Not accepted, unless the waste is designated as Washington State Special Waste and is approved for disposal through both the Health Department Waste Screening Program and through Waste Clearance.
More information: Visit Waste Clearance or call 206-477-4466. Visit the Hazardous Waste Management Program or call 206-296-4692 for information on managing hazardous and dangerous waste.
Hot tubs
Restrictions: Hot tubs can be taken to the Bow Lake, Enumclaw, Factoria, Shoreline, and Vashon transfer stations. Must be less than 8 feet and weigh less than 200 pounds.
You can dispose of hot tubs cut into pieces that are less than 2 feet by 2 feet by 2 feet and weigh less than 200 pounds at all King County transfer stations and drop boxes.
Household hazardous waste
Materials are usually labeled Caution, Warning, Danger, or Poison. Examples include:
- Many cleaning agents
- Pesticides
- Solvents
- Wood preservatives
- Motor fuels
- Crankcase oil
- Flares
- Chemicals used for home repairs
Restrictions: Not accepted.
More information: Visit the Hazardous Waste Management Program or call 206-296-4692 for acceptance restrictions and hazardous waste drop-off locations.
Industrial waste
Industrial waste includes by-products from manufacturing operations like:
- Process waste
- Trimmings
- Packing
- Sludge
- Spill residues
- Other discarded materials not otherwise designated as hazardous or dangerous waste
Restrictions: Industrial waste must be approved for disposal through Waste Clearance.
More Information: Contact Waste Clearance or call 206-477-4466.
Liquids
Restrictions: Liquids must be sealed in a container. The total quantity cannot exceed 1 case or 5 gallons per visit. Larger quantities need approval for disposal through Waste Clearance.
More information: For larger quantities, contact Waste Clearance or call 206-477-4466.
Mattresses and box springs
Restrictions: Quantities of more than 6 per customer/company per day require approval through Waste Clearance.
More information: Visit Waste Clearance or call 206-477-4466.
Medicines
Restrictions: Unwanted, leftover, or expired prescriptions and over-the-counter medications are not accepted for disposal. That includes:
- Drugs
- Pharmaceuticals
- Controlled substances
- Anesthetics
- Antibiotics
- Antiseptics
- Balms
- Pills
- Capsules
- Ointments,
- Salves
- Sedatives
- Serums
- Tablets
- Tinctures
- Tonics
- Vaccines
More information: Visit Med Project for disposal options.
Mercury containing equipment
Restrictions: Equipment such as thermostats, thermometers, and pressure relief gauges are not accepted.
More Information: For acceptance restrictions and disposal locations, visit the Hazardous Waste Management Program or call 206-296-4692.
Metal scrap
Metal scrap includes ferrous and nonferrous metal items that are 50% or more metal, such as:
- Chain link and wire fencing
- Lawn furniture
- Aluminum window frames
- Screen doors
- Siding
- Small appliances such as blenders
- Microwaves
- Irons
- Plumbing parts
- Metal pipes without insultation
- Tire rims
- Barbeque grills
- Gutters
- Lawnmowers
Restrictions: Metal scrap is not accepted in the garbage at transfer stations that provide recycling, including: Bow Lake, Enumclaw, Factoria, Houghton, Shoreline, and Vashon transfer stations.
All metal containers must be empty, and all fluids and batteries removed.
Metal items that are not accepted:
- Paint cans
- Sealed drums
- Pressurized containers
- Metal in concrete
- Ammunition and shell casings
More information: For metal wire and rope, please refer to the cable, wire, and wire rope section above. For more options, visit the What do I do with…? website, call 206-477-4466. Call 206-296-4692 for acceptance restrictions and hazardous waste disposal locations.
Motor oil
Restrictions: Not accepted.
More information: For acceptance restrictions and disposal locations, visit the Hazardous Waste Management Program or call 206-296-4692.
Motor vehicles and major vehicle parts
Restrictions: Vehicles that have Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) and parts like engine blocks are not accepted.
Metal truck canopies must be recycled at the Bow Lake, Enumclaw, Factoria, Houghton, Shoreline, and Vashon transfer stations.
More information: Visit the vehicles and vehicle-related items section of the What do I do with…? website or call 206-477-4466.
Odorous waste
Restrictions: Items with highly offensive, irritating, or noxious odors are not accepted without approval for disposal through Waste Clearance.
More information: Visit Waste Clearance or call 206-477-4466.
Oil filters
Restrictions: Not accepted unless drained for 24 hours or have been crushed and drained.
More information: For acceptance restrictions and disposal locations, visit the Hazardous Waste Management Program or call 206-296-4692.
Oil tanks and other underground storage tanks
Restrictions: Tanks must meet the following conditions for acceptance:
- The tank is empty, and open on one end or punctured with several holes.
- Tanks that held hazardous waste need to be accompanied by written certification that it has been cleaned.
- Waste approved for disposal through Waste Clearance.
More information: Visit Waste Clearance or call 206-477-4466.
Overlength items
Restrictions: Items over 8 feet in length that are rigid need approval from Waste Clearance for disposal.
More information: Visit Waste Clearance or call 206-477-4466.
Paint and other coating products
Paints include oil and water based paints and stains.
Restrictions: Paint is not accepted unless it is latex paint that is not hazardous or dangerous waste (containing mercury or lead). Dried out or solidified paint only.
More information: Visit the paint recycling page for more options. For acceptance restrictions and disposal locations, visit the Hazardous Waste Management Program or call 206-296-4692.
Pesticides
Restrictions: Not accepted.
More information: For acceptance restrictions and disposal locations, visit the Hazardous Waste Management Program or call 206-296-4692.
Polystyrene packaging
Also called Styrofoam. Includes both blocks and packing “peanuts.”
Restrictions: Not accepted for disposal unless securely bagged to control litter. If litter can’t be controlled through bagging, waste must be approved for disposal through Waste Clearance.
Polystyrene recycling is available at the Bow Lake and Shoreline transfer stations.
More information: Visit Waste Clearance or call 206-477-4466. For more options, visit the What do I do with…? website.
Propane tanks and other tanks with compressed gasses
Restrictions: Tanks must meet the following conditions for acceptance:
- The tank is completely empty
- The tank is 2 gallons or less (helium tanks - 5 gallons or less)
More information: For acceptance restrictions and disposal locations, visit the Hazardous Waste Management Program or call 206-296-4692.
For other options visit the propane tanks section of the What do I do with…? website or call 206-477-4466.
Radioactive waste
Restrictions: Not accepted.
More information: Contact Kristen Schwab at Washington State Department of Health for radioactive materials disposal information: kristen.schwab@doh.wa.gov or 360-236-3241.
Recreational vehicles (RVs)
Restrictions: Vehicles like boats, campers, and travel trailers are not accepted without approval through Waste Clearance.
More information: Visit Waste Clearance or call 206-477-4466.
Sanitary and storm sewer solids and wastewater treatment wastes
Includes:
- Catch basin residue
- Grit
- Rags
- Biosolids
- Wastewater treatment plant sludges
- Other digester solids
Restrictions: Not accepted without approval from Waste Clearance. Septage is not accepted.
More information: Visit Waste Clearance or call 206-477-4466.
Sharps
Restrictions: Residential (home-generated) sharps are accepted in designated kiosks at Bow Lake, Factoria, Shoreline, and Vashon. Limit of two containers per visit (max. size 1.5 quarts). Sharps must be containerized and fully sealed in puncture resistant, secured leak-resistant containers labeled "Sharps."
Non-residential sharps (generated by businesses and other non-residential entities) are accepted at Vashon in designated sharps kiosks. They must be containerized and fully sealed in puncture-proof and leak-resistant plastic containers labeled "Sharps." Non-residential sharps at other stations require approval for disposal through Waste Clearance.
More information: Visit Waste Clearance or call 206-477-4466. For more options visit the medical waste section of the What do I do with…? website.
Sludge
Sludge includes biosolids, grit, and other wastewater treatment plant sludges.
Restrictions: Not accepted unless approved for disposal through Waste Clearance.
More information: Visit Waste Clearance or call 206-477-4466.
Televisions
Restrictions: Not accepted.
More information: Visit the electronics recycling page for disposal options.
Tires
Restrictions:
- Tires are not accepted from businesses.
- Residential customers can dispose of 4 or fewer passenger car tires per vehicle.
- Large truck tires are not accepted.
More information: Visit the tires section of the What do I do with…? website or call 206-477-4466 for more options.
Truck canopies
Restrictions: Metal canopies must be recycled at Bow Lake, Enumclaw, Factoria, Shoreline, and Vashon, where recycling is available.
More information: For more options, visit the What do I do with…? website or call 206-477-4466.
Wood - clean
Clean wood includes:
- Unpainted, unstained, untreated lumber
- Particleboard
- Plywood
- Pallets
- Crates
Restrictions: Clean wood is not accepted for disposal from customers hauling their own waste to Bow Lake, Enumclaw, Factoria, and Shoreline transfer stations. Recycling services for clean wood are available at these facilities. Items longer than 8 feet are not accepted.
More information: Visit the construction and demolition section of the What do I do with…? website or call 206-477-4466.
Wood - treated
Treated wood includes wood that has been painted, stained, or preserved with creosote or arsenic.
Restrictions:
- Treated wood is not accepted from businesses.
- Residential customers may dispose of treated wood that is 8 feet in length or less.
More information: Visit the construction and demolition section of the What do I do with…? website or call 206-477-4466.
Yard waste
Yard waste includes:
- Branches
- Brush
- Grass
- Leaves
- Plants
- Wood rounds
Restrictions: Yard waste is not accepted for disposal in the garbage at Bow Lake, Cedar Falls, Enumclaw, Factoria, Shoreline, and Vashon transfer stations. Recycling services for yard waste are available at these facilities.
- Sod, soil, rock, and plastic bags are not accepted.
- Items longer than 8 feet are not accepted.
More information: Visit the landscaping and landclearing section of the What do I do with…? website or call 206-477-4466.