Hazardous Waste Management Program increases business vouchers to $1,000

The Hazardous Waste Management Program in King County has increased the maximum reimbursement available to small businesses through its Voucher Incentive Program (VIP) from $599 to $1,000. This change is designed to strengthen business participation in voluntary environmental and health improvements across the county.

The VIP is the Haz Waste Program’s most frequently issued financial incentive for businesses, helping small-quantity generators of hazardous waste offset the cost of switching to safer products, safer equipment, and other improvements that reduce pollution and protect public health. Eligible King County businesses now can receive money for 75% of expenses up to $1,000 for hazardous waste improvements recommended during an on-site consultation.

“The Haz Waste Program is not an enforcement agency, so we depend on outreach and incentives to drive the kind of changes that make workplaces in King County safer,” says Charles Wu, manager of the Haz Waste Program’s Business Services Program. “The Voucher Incentive Program is one of our most important tools available to help businesses, so we want to make sure the amount we offer keeps up with businesses’ needs and their operating costs.”

Looking at recent data and feedback from businesses, it became clear that the previous limit of $599 no longer reflected current market costs or the effort required by businesses to complete recommended improvements.

Many businesses reported that the reimbursement amount was not worth the time needed to shop for equipment, complete forms, implement changes, and schedule verification with Haz Waste’s field staff. Rising costs have widened this gap: For example, the price of a typical flammable storage cabinet has more than doubled since 2008, according to the Haz Waste Business Services team’s estimates. Businesses owned by people of color and those with limited English proficiency face additional barriers, making higher-value incentives an important equity consideration.

Increasing the maximum to $1,000 is a practical response to these challenges. The higher cap improves the cost‑benefit calculation for businesses, encourages adoption of recommended improvements, and better aligns with current prices for safety equipment and pollution‑prevention materials.

The Haz Waste Program expects the increase to help drive greater engagement with local businesses, which will boost environmental and health protections for workers and communities, as well as reduce disparities in participation by making the incentive more accessible to businesses with limited resources.

“Ensuring everyone can access our services is an essential consideration for how we design them,” says Haz Waste Program Director Maythia Airhart. “With broader access to these vouchers, more businesses can help to protect public health and the environment. It’s a smart choice that delivers good value for ratepayers.”

The Haz Waste Program’s Voucher Incentive Program is just one of a handful of financial incentives that may be available to your business. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, visit the Haz Waste Program’s Business Services website, or reach the Program at 206-296-4692 or haz.waste@kingcounty.gov. Free translation services are available.