If your business didn't generate hazardous waste, your business must apply for:
- A one year waiver, if you did not generate any amount of hazardous waste in the year billed.
- An exemption, if you never generate any amount of hazardous waste.
After we receive your request, we will respond within a few business days by email. We may request additional information in order to make a determination.
Please apply before the due date on your invoice.
Unpaid fees will be sent to collections. Collections charges could be up to 50 percent of the original fee, as allowed in
RCW 19.16.500(1)(b). Your opportunity to apply for a waiver or exemption is lost after an invoice is referred to collections.
Contact the Department of Revenue to update your business mailing address, NAICS code, or other business information. We can’t update this information.
Remember, address changes may affect the mailing of your tax information.
If the bill remains unpaid, it will be sent to collections. Collections can charge up to 50 percent of the original fee, as allowed in RCW 19.16.500(1)(b). You can’t apply for a waiver or exemption after an invoice is sent to collections.
Yes, the fee applies to all businesses that generate hazardous waste in Washington.
Yes, the bill was for last year’s activities under your old tax registration number or business name. If you generated waste during that period, the fee applies. Next year, you will be billed under your new tax registration number and business name, if your business meets the criteria.
You may be seeing this fee for the first time because of changes to the business classification code (NAICS code). The federal government is responsible for the code and updates it every five years. Many businesses have had their classification codes updated during review.
Yes, but be sure to follow the payment instructions and include all invoices with the check. If you do not have the invoices, write your invoice numbers on the check.
We use the funds to help businesses manage their waste safely and provide technical assistance to help businesses:
Ecology’s toxics reduction specialists offer technical assistance to anyone requesting help. These experts can explain the Dangerous Waste Regulations, help with pollution prevention, and effective waste management. Many businesses working closely with our staff have reduced or eliminated the waste they generate.
For the purpose of the fee, dangerous waste and hazardous waste mean the same thing. Hazardous waste is a federal term and dangerous waste is a state term.
We recommend starting with dangerous waste basics: tools and resources to help you understand dangerous waste and your responsibilities.