With this guide to safer holiday gift and toy shopping, learn what you need to look out for when you’re circling the toy aisles for the perfect, non-toxic gift.
What are degreasers? Commonly used in auto repair shops to clear oil, grease, and various build-up on parts and machines, degreasers can be very effective. Unfortunately, they also can contain a range of hazardous materials. Learn more about what to look for and how to find safer alternative degreaser products to product your own - or your employees' - safety.
With this guide to safer holiday gift and toy shopping, learn what you need to look out for when you’re circling the toy aisles for the perfect, non-toxic gift.
When it comes to hazardous waste management, rural communities and unincorporated areas face unique challenges that also can affect human health. Fortunately, there are ways for rural community members and business owners to protect themselves from the harmful effects of hazardous exposures.
Get cozy and "fall"ow along with us as we share a checklist of fall-related tips you can use to protect your safety and health as we nestle into late autumn.
It’s Movember, and your moustache is in full bloom! While you’re growing that epic facial hair to raise awareness for men’s health, let’s talk about something that might be lurking in your grooming routine: hazardous products. Read on to learn more about what's lurking in your grooming kit.
As you turn your clocks back on Nov. 3, check on the batteries in your devices - and know how to safely dispose of them if they are old.
PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are used for their durability and resistance to water, grease, and stains. However, these same properties make them difficult to break down, leading to their nickname, “forever chemicals.” Learn more about a new resource that can fill you in on regional efforts addressing PFAS and help you reduce your exposure to PFAS overall.
At the end of 2024, the Haz Waste Program’s website will move from kingcountyhazwasteWA.gov to be integrated into kingcounty.gov. Find out what this means for you.
The Haz Waste Program accepts many hazardous items at disposal sites across King County. But some hazardous items and other household waste can be disposed of in different ways.
From mushrooms to microgreens, the Garden Hotline hosts natural gardening workshops at King County Library System branches near you.
For the eighth year in a row, the Hazardous Waste Management Program (Haz Waste Program) is a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Safer Choice Partner of the Year! Read about our Program's work providing education, outreach, and technical assistance around safer products that reduce hazardous exposures for people and the environment.
Nestled above the Duwamish greenbelt, the Heron’s Nest is a sacred space dedicated to community engagement, environmental education, and preserving the cultural heritage of the Duwamish Tribe. Learn more about this space and community members' land stewardship efforts to restore and protect the land for generations to come.
Hear from two King County businesses that made the switch to safer degreasers with the help of Haz Waste Business Services.
Whether you’re a student, teacher, or parent looking over the upcoming year’s lesson plans, this hazardous waste back-to-school guide will give you a leg up on learning how to protect your health and the environment from hazardous exposures.
As we celebrate International Youth Day (August 12), it’s important to recognize how empowering younger generations today ensures they will lead the charge in achieving that vision for the future. Learn how an educational partnership with students in Seattle's Beacon Hill neighborhood empowered high-schoolers to take action to address hazardous waste's impacts in their communities and homes.
Taking care of your family’s safety goes hand in hand with taking care of yourself.
It may take some getting used to seeing a brown yard, but it comes with several benefits.
Hot summer temperatures have arrived. And as the heat turns up, a big question comes to mind: Where’s the best place to swim? Read on for some tips for safe swimming of all kinds, from finding and protecting clean beaches to swimming with as little exposure to hazardous materials as possible.
Once you drop off your hazardous waste, each product is carefully sorted and sent to specialized recycling facilities.
First, check to make sure your city or town allows the purchase and use of fireworks. If you live in an area that does not ban fireworks, please follow rules of the type of fireworks allowed and the timeframe to use them. We don’t say this lightly – the harm caused by fireworks can be devastating. Read on for tips to use and dispose of fireworks properly to protect people and the environment!
Some types of makeup frequently used in the United States and other parts of the world contain toxic chemicals, such as lead, phthalates, mercury, and formaldehyde. We're working with beauty influencers to help King County residents learn more about their cosmetics, and, if necessary, choose safer alternatives.
The summer solstice is here. Whether you attend one of the solstice events in the region, or simply spend some extra time outside, we hope you enjoy the extra sunlight. Once solstice is over, you can continue to soak in summer fun with these budget-friendly activities that the whole family can enjoy.
Get to know Mohamed Ali of the Haz Waste Program's Residential Services team, and learn more about his efforts to keep King County's immigrant community safe from toxic chemical exposures.
Bust out your favorite popcorn toppings and watch these short can't-miss videos.
When we think of summer, warm weather, traveling to new destinations, camping, hiking, and enjoying the sun come to mind. What else might come to mind? The idea of “leave no trace” and how it relates to hazardous waste disposal.
Join us to celebrate International Compost Awareness Week from May 5-11. Compost is a nutrient-rich natural fertilizer that helps to combat climate change. Learn how you can set up a composting system right at home.
The new law confirms Washington state's role as a public health leader and promises to make the region and its residents cleaner, safer, and healthier.
The next time you’re feeling hungry, remember that food and hazardous waste do not pair well at any meal. Fill up on tips to help you grow your own food, graze or eat, and go (to the grocery store) all while reducing your exposure to hazardous materials.
Adding a cistern or rain garden (or both!) to your yard can help you prevent flooding, provide summer irrigation, and beautify your landscaping.
Keeping hazardous waste properly stored will not only help your disposal visit go more smoothly, it will also help keep you and your home safe.
Dig into these natural yard care tips to keep your garden safe and healthy all year long.
In just 60 days, the Washington State Legislature has made big moves to protect residents from toxic exposure. Here are some of the hazardous waste-related policies that passed during this year’s legislative session.
We use batteries every day, but did you know batteries can be a fire hazard and shouldn't be thrown away in your garbage or recycling bin? The Haz Waste Program is here to help.
It’s a little vulnerable to admit, but… our Program’s heart really beats for acts of service. On Valentine's Day (and every day after), show us a little love by committing to small acts that promote the health of humans and the environment in our region. Feeling the love? Let us walk you through some acts of service that can help you show it.
The Wastemobile, a mobile hazardous waste drop-off service, starts the 2024 season Feb. 23 in Bothell.
Emmett and Jessica Henley think of their salon clients as friends. They want to make sure they can depend on the products they put in people’s hair. And they want to be ready to give the right advice when clients have questions about the products they use at home.
The Washington State Legislature's 2024 session has begun. Here are some of the hazardous waste-related policies the Haz Waste Program is tracking.
As you prepare your furry (or not so furry) friends for National Dress Up Your Pet Day, keep these tips in mind for disposing of hazardous pet grooming products and cleaning supplies.
As you make your new year resolutions for 2024, consider setting a goal to protect the environment and your community. There are simple changes you can make in your life that can make a big difference.
As the weather outside gets frightful, staying indoors is much more delightful. With fewer places to go, it's an excellent opportunity to keep homes free of hazardous waste.
As the end of the year approaches, we wanted to share some of the most intriguing questions we received from our call center. You might be surprised by the answers.
Whether you are hosting the party at your house this year or travelling to visit loved ones, we have some tips on making sure your visits are free of hazardous waste.
December 5 is World Soil Day. Find out how to grow healthy soil that can filter and break down many pollutants.
Deciding how to manage your holiday waste can feel like a hassle when you're in the swing of the season. Reduce some holiday stress by learning these simple steps for recycling packaging materials and hazardous waste now.
When your batteries run out, don’t just throw them away – recycle them! Recycling batteries is good for the environment and helps conserve natural resources. Find out how you can drop off your old batteries at a collection site near you.
Centering equity in hazardous waste disposal often means meeting people where they are. Learn more about our special hazardous waste home collection service and how we serve King County residents who may not be able to access a hazardous waste collection site.
King County gardeners can prepare their greenspaces for the colder months, all while reducing exposure to hazardous materials. Here are some tips for keeping your yard healthy and hazard-free this fall.
Indigenous communities have experienced a history of violence, expulsion, colonialist policies, and a persistent erasure from many mainstream institutions. For the Haz Waste Program, it’s critical to acknowledge this history while uplifting our shared commitment to environmental justice.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Safer Choice program helps residents and businesses easily identify products that keep people and the environment safe. The Haz Waste Program is pleased to accept the 2023 Safer Choice Partner of the Year award for the seventh year in a row.
No matter what your outdoor adventure looks like, the best packing lists will allow you to enjoy yourself in nature while reducing your exposure to toxic materials. Many products we commonly use during the summer months contain hazardous products. Get guidance around packing a bag that’s free of hazardous ingredients and learn how to safely dispose certain outdoor items once the adventure comes to a close.
If you’re looking for expert yard care advice, you should get to know Laura Matter, Program Manager at Tilth Alliance. In her role at Tilth Alliance, Laura oversees the Hazardous Waste Management Program's Garden Hotline, a collaborative effort that offers education, information, and resources to gardeners, yard maintainers, and greenskeepers of all interests and skill levels.
Supporting Black businesses is one small step in moving toward equality for Black people in the U.S., part of a bigger picture push to address institutional limitations and oppression. Meet a few small businesses in our region that use models that help our environment and strengthen community health and wellness, moving the needle towards more equitable health outcomes.
The Haz Waste Program is committed to reducing disparities in hazardous material exposures through equitable outreach and engagement. For example, bleach is a common household product for many Latinx families, and can cause significant health impacts and be fatal if ingested. Learn more about how the “Ojo con el cloro” campaign aims to educate Spanish-speaking communities about the dangers of bleach and safer alternatives.
Learn more about UTOPIA Washington, an LGBTQ organization working toward the liberation of queer and transgender Pacific Islanders and other people of color through climate change mitigation and resiliency among frontline communities in our region.
Get to know Tammy Himes of the Haz Waste Program’s Business Services team and learn more about her efforts to build relationships with small business owners around King County and better understand businesses' needs to help them address and manage their hazardous waste and protect the health and safety of their employees.
From the eyeliner and other makeup in your bathroom, to the ink of your newspaper, and the batteries in your appliances – cosmetics, paints, pigments, and batteries are commonplace in our homes and can contain harmful materials. Thankfully, new Washington state legislation is taking action to protect residents.
Get to know Trevor Peckham of the Haz Waste Program’s Research team and learn more about his efforts to apply racial equity principles to research efforts in understanding how hazardous waste impacts different populations across industries.
Together, the elements of earth, wind, fire, and water are key routes for hazardous waste to enter our region’s natural systems and impact our people, wildlife, and environment. Learn more about how to reduce your exposure to hazardous waste by the elements.
Environmental justice is the fundamental idea that all people have a right to live in a safe and healthy environment. But that wasn’t a mainstream idea until the 1980s, when a group headed by civil rights leader Reverend Benjamin Chavis helped highlight the importance of racial equity in environmental issues. Read on to learn more about the impact of these efforts.
Washington state legislature’s 2023 session began on January 9, 2023. Get to know some of the hazardous waste-related policies the Program is keeping track of throughout this year's session. And be sure to follow along with us in the coming months for updates on the progress of these bills.
We offer our region's small businesses education, outreach, technical assistance, and incentives to help make improvements that protect workers, the community, and the environment from the harmful impacts of hazardous waste. Hear directly from Trevor Fernandes and Gordon Okumu of the Program’s Business Services Team about their work to support business owners and employees who experience disproportionate exposure to hazardous materials.
Flooding is the most common natural hazard in King County. The threat of flooding and any potential impacts and risks can never be fully eliminated, but it can be reduced by being proactive. As we approach the heart of fall, fend off floods before they arise with some of these tips to start.
Lead poisoning is 100% preventable, yet it remains a childhood health concern. Read on to find out how the Haz Waste Program is helping reduce families and children's exposures to lead in their own homes.
Fall is approaching, and we're not quite ready to say goodbye to summer. But, the time heading into early fall is great for getting ahead on your yard care and preparing your gardens and yards before wetter, cooler weather settles in. We've got some tips to prepare your yards and gardens for fall weather - and to reduce you, your family, and your environment's exposure to hazardous materials.
Disposal doesn’t have to be an ordeal — take your hazardous waste to the Wastemobile! Get a glimpse into what it's like to come to one of our Wastemobile locations or traveling events and find out what you need to know ahead of time to bring your haz waste in for disposal.
The Pacific Northwest is known for its natural beauty – not least of all our gorgeous waterways. Many of the products we bring with us for a day in the sun must be properly disposed of so they don’t seep into our stormwater systems, sewers, and local waterways. Splash up on some pointers for commonly used products out on the water or while catching some rays.
Searing steak? Charring some corn? When you clean up and then safely dispose hazardous and solid waste, you help preserve the environment around you. Simple steps today can keep your favorite picnic spots lush and thriving and your cookout areas grill-ready all year round - learn from some of the tips we're sharing with our partners in King County Solid Waste Division.
Managing moss in your lawn is a matter of three easy steps to help manage the nature of your lawn’s soil, creating soil conditions that will help your grass seeds thrive without harming you, the soil underneath your feet, or even your surrounding waterways.
A new study, authored by staff from our Research Team, shows certain aluminum cookpots and pressure cookers could pose a serious health risk and expose people to lead, especially children. Researchers identified several solutions to prevent this exposure to lead, including switching to alternatives like stainless steel, purchasing certified aluminum cookware, and adopting safer cooking and storage practices.
We believe in preventing toxic exposures as much as possible, but we also think it’s all about how you handle toxics. Take this quiz to find out what kind of “toxic” hazardous waste you are. Learn a little along the way, too!
Where is the Haz Waste Program and King County's regional hazardous waste management heading in the next 10 years? Don’t let that be a mystery. Come along and see for yourself the updates we’ve made to guide and advance hazardous waste collection and prevention and in our region through 2030.
Laundry: it's inevitable. However, with images of piles of fresh clothes on our minds, we might not realize that laundry products – especially scented and perfumed products – may contain hazardous ingredients in their fragrances. Read on for some tips to help you tackle your laundry needs without exposing yourself to hazardous materials.
Spring is just about here! And for many of us, early spring is a time to get ahead of our garden and yard plans for the year. Dig into some natural and chemical-free yard care tips to help you keep your garden and yard thriving and reduce your exposure to toxic chemicals. Plus, they’ll save you money and time, too.
Pills, powders, liquids, creams – however you take your medicine, Washington state has options available to dispose of your expired or unused medicines. Since 2017, Haz Waste Program has played a role in helping King County Washington residents get rid of unwanted medicine safely and securely.
E-waste – everyone has it, but not everyone knows what to do with it. Before you toss that old device in the trash can or put it back into the junk drawer, read on for some quick and easy ways to reuse, recycle, or dispose of e-waste.
In 2021, you called our help line, you asked questions about haz waste, and we responded. Check out our recap of the most commonly asked questions and their answers, too.
The weather outside may be frightful, but handling and getting rid of automotive fluids doesn’t have to be scary. Get to know some risks behind common car fluids and how to dispose of them. Along the way, learn some tips you can rely on to avoid hazardous exposures and stay safe throughout wintry driving.
Lead is a metal that occurs naturally in the environment, however it is also a poison when it is accidentally inhaled or ingested. We provide support to families with children who have confirmed elevated blood lead levels (eBLL). With support through the Washington State Department of Health, our Residential Services Program (RSP) investigates cases of eBLL in King County.
Home renovations, whether doing them yourself or hiring a contractor, can be intimidating. To help make the process easier while supporting energy-efficient and environmentally safe choices, King County GreenTools Program in the Solid Waste Division (SWD) offers a variety of resources to help homeowners and contractors build “green.”
Kids may be back at school, but summer is not over yet! Our temperatures are still pretty warm, and vegetable gardens and local farms are at peak harvest. To celebrate this abundance and the rewards of chemical-free natural yard care, we are sharing a quick and healthy recipe to provide ideas for what to do with the beautiful basil and delicious tomatoes ripening in gardens throughout King County this month.
With summer wrapping up, back-to-school shopping is on the minds of many parents. School supply lists start appearing, and new clothes need to be bought. So how can you do all this on a budget, and purchase sustainable and environmentally-friendly items? Here are a few tips to “green” your school supplies.
Summertime in the Pacific Northwest means no rain showers on your freshly washed car! But certain car washing practices can pollute our waterways and harm wildlife. Read on to make sure your summer car wash choice supports the environment.
The weather is starting to look brighter and feel warmer, and you’re ready to use your summer gear for outdoor activities. But when you get to the garage or storage, you realize that finding those items isn’t that simple. No worries, we have you covered! Check out our guide to organizing your storage, and learn how to safely dispose of hazardous waste.
The sun is shining, and it’s time to head to the beach! Many beach visitors – ducks, geese, dogs, and humans – contribute to high levels of bacteria in the water that can make people sick. Make sure you are doing your part to keep King County’s swimming beaches clean and enjoyable for everyone!
Gardens are not only pretty to look at, they can also help sustain our ecosystem by serving as a home for pollinators. Pollinators are birds, bats, bees, butterflies, beetles, and other small animals that help plants reproduce. Creating a natural garden that attracts pollinators will help make a difference in creating a sustainable environment for current and future generations.
Hazardous chemicals are not part of the ten essentials for hiking and camping, but they can creep into backpacks nonetheless. And they can eventually contaminate the land and water—remember, rain picks up whatever it touches, and carries it to the nearest waterway. That’s hardly what anyone wants to do when basking at a mountain overlook, glen of wildflowers, or alpine lake.
Spring is here, and now is the time to find an earth-friendly sunscreen that keeps your skin protected while you enjoy the outdoors. Whether you spend time outside every day or once in a while, you need sunscreen if you’ll be in the sun for longer than a few minutes. Review these tips and recommendations before shopping for earth-friendly sunscreen options.
There’s a pep in our step these days because it’s officially springtime. With increasing sunshine and warmth, you might be looking at your yard with visions of a lush garden or lawn. Don’t let noxious weeds put a damper on your goals. Before you turn to chemical products, try safer alternatives that keep people and the environment safe from hazardous exposure.
In recent months, several companies announced plans to eliminate PFAS (also known as forever chemicals) from their food packaging. State and local governments are also looking at this issue. Washington has enacted a bill that will phase-out PFAS in food packaging as soon as safer alternatives are available.
A woman’s TikTok videos went viral after she applied Gorilla Glue, a heavy-duty adhesive, to her hair and couldn’t get it out after months of trying. People had a good laugh thinking about using glue in place of hairspray. But, even if you just use regular gel to make sure your hair is laid, it’s still a good reminder for all to double-check what’s in your bathroom cabinets. Even better, read the label before you buy.
Common hazardous products stored in homes, garages, and storage sheds—like oil-based paint, motor oil, and chemical cleaners can be left behind after a fire. Since these hazardous wastes can pose significant risk to human and environmental health, especially when not properly contained due to fire damage, they must be cleaned up before efforts to rebuild can begin.
Did you finally replace your old cellphone this holiday season? Don’t let it, or any of your other old electronics, collect dust in the closet when there are lots of quick and easy ways to reuse, recycle, or dispose of them. Old electronics should not go in the trash, but you have some options for safely getting rid of them.
Every fall, coho salmon journey from the ocean back to Pacific Northwest urban streams and creeks to reproduce and die shortly after. But after heavy rain, researchers noticed more than half, and sometimes all, of the coho in a stream would suddenly die before they could spawn. These mysterious deaths stumped biologists and toxicologists for decades. A team led by researchers at the University of Washington and Washington State University say they have finally found the answer—a very poisonous chemical related to a preservative used in car tires.
Safe disposal of hazardous waste is one of the best things you can do for human health and the environment. However, there can be some serious risks if you don’t take precautions when transporting hazardous waste to a collection site. Last November, a pickup truck carrying pails of chlorine caught fire and caused a hazmat response in Snohomish County. It’s a good reminder about the importance of handling hazardous waste with care.
Sometimes, customers will bring in plainly dangerous wastes like lab-grade chemicals to our collection sites. What’s the big deal? Lab chemicals can cause explosions. We spoke with Nick Saelee, Environmental Field Supervisor at the North Seattle Haz Waste Facility, about what happens when explosive lab-grade chemicals are brought to a collection site. “We work with local fire, police, and sheriff departments and bomb unit technicians to neutralize the chemical. After that, the product is sent for proper disposal,” Nick said.
During November through February, periods of heavy rainfall or rapid snowmelt can cause flooding and high water in King County. Most business and homes have hazardous waste. Hazardous waste can harm people and contaminate our environment if washed away by flood waters. Learn how you can prepare for flooding.
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