Dangerous waste basics

Businesses that generate any amount of dangerous waste are responsible for this waste from cradle to grave. In Washington state, the Dangerous Waste Regulations determine what dangerous waste is, and how businesses should properly handle and dispose of it.

For most businesses, the process will involve these basic steps:

Designation (determine if your waste is dangerous)
Determine your generator category (small, medium, or large)
Proper containment and labeling
Recordkeeping
Waste disposal or recycling
Reporting and possible fees

This page offers some introductory videos, publications, and posters to help you better understand the basics of dangerous waste management.

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What is dangerous waste?

Washington state uses the term "dangerous waste" rather than the federal law's term of "hazardous waste." This is because Washington state's Dangerous Waste Regulations are more protective than federal laws. The definition of "dangerous waste" is more expansive than "hazardous waste."

What are the Dangerous Waste Regulations?

The regulations are based on the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), but are more protective. You may find the regulations in the following formats:

Online (searchable by topic or keyword).
Email us for a free printed and bound copy.
Download a PDF.

Videos

Unable to access YouTube? Request a free DVD copy of any of our videos.

Dangerous waste basics

Learn about dangerous waste, how the amount your business generates affects your generator category (formerly known as generator status), and the rules you must follow.

Small quantity generators (SQGs) can often follow less stringent rules than other generators.

Click the video or watch Dangerous Waste Basics: A Guide for Small Quantity Generators on YouTube.

How to designate your waste

Businesses must determine whether their waste is dangerous. This video series explains designation and how to properly handle dangerous waste step-by-step.

Click the video or watch Designate Your Waste - Is It Dangerous? on YouTube.

How to manage dangerous waste containers

Dangerous waste containers must be kept closed except when adding or removing waste. Open containers are one of the most common violations our inspectors find.

Click the video or watch Dangerous Waste Containers: An Open and Shut Case on YouTube.

Please note: Some guidance in this video is outdated since we adopted the EPA’s Generator Improvements Rule in 2019. A full list of updated citations is listed on YouTube.

Shoptalk and other publications

Shoptalk

Shoptalk, our dangerous waste and pollution prevention newsletter, comes out three times a year. It provides information on training, best practices, rulemaking, and reporting deadlines. We recommend businesses subscribe to Shoptalk for the latest issues and updates.

Guides for businesses

Businesses may find the following publications helpful. This is by no means an exhaustive list of our publications about dangerous waste, but these offer some essential guidance:

Guide to Dangerous Waste by Generator Category
Use this quick reference to find out what dangerous waste rules apply to each generator category (small, medium, or large quantity).
Guide to Dangerous Waste Training
Employee training is essential to worker safety and accident prevention.
Shop Guide for Dangerous Waste Management
This guide covers how to properly manage several common types of dangerous waste. Keep your employees, community, and environment safe by following these practices.
Dangerous Waste Regulations Self-Audit Checklist
This self-audit checklist includes many items from the dangerous waste regulations that we evaluate during a compliance inspection.

Posters

Inspect your dangerous waste drums

This poster provides quick reminders for employees doing routine inspections of dangerous waste containers. Post this near your dangerous waste accumulation area.

Download or request a copy

Spanish version:
Inspeccione sus tambores de desechos peligrosos

Check your central accumulation area

Post these guidelines near your dangerous waste accumulation area. This helps employees verify that all necessary equipment and signs are there.

Download or request a copy

Spanish version:
Revisa sus áreas de acumulación central

Managing Dangerous Laboratory Waste

If your facility has a laboratory, it's a good idea to post these safety, labeling, and storage reminders where lab workers will see them.

Download or request a copy

Labeling Dangerous Laboratory Waste

Dangerous lab waste must be labeled according to specific requirements. Post these guidelines where dangerous lab waste is generated.

Download or request a copy

Common Environmental Reports for Facilities

This two-sided mini poster (8.5 x 11 in) provides a brief overview of the most common reports, their due dates, and where to find more information.

Download or request a copy or read a plain text version

Translated content

Guía para Talleres Manejo de Desechos Peligrosos: Esta guía ayuda a los generadores de residuos peligrosos a gestionar los residuos de tiendas comunes que amenazan la seguridad de la empresa, los empleados, y la comunidad local cuando no se manejan.
Inspeccione sus tambores de desechos peligrosos: Una guía visual para inspeccionar sus bidones de desechos peligrosos.
Revisa sus áreas de acumulación central: Una guía visual para inspeccionar sus áreas de acumulación central.

We offer free language services about our programs and services for people whose primary language is not English. We can provide written information in your preferred language and interpreters in person or over the telephone.

Contact our Language Access team: civilrights@ecy.wa.gov

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Dangerous waste basics

I want to...

What is dangerous waste?

What are the Dangerous Waste Regulations?

Videos

Dangerous waste basics

How to designate your waste

How to manage dangerous waste containers

Shoptalk and other publications

Shoptalk

Guides for businesses

Posters

Inspect your dangerous waste drums

Check your central accumulation area

Managing Dangerous Laboratory Waste

Labeling Dangerous Laboratory Waste

Common Environmental Reports for Facilities

Related links