Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) collection & disposal program
Want to participate?
Fire departments that want to participate in this program can follow these steps:
- Fill out the participation agreement.
- Fill out this survey to let us know how much AFFF you have on-site.
- Register for a site ID number if you don’t have one already.
Funding for this program will end on June 30, 2025. Please complete the above steps as soon as possible. Contact Sean Smith at 425-324-0328 or Sean.Smith@ecy.wa.gov with any questions.
In 2018, the Toxics in Firefighting law passed, which restricts the sale, manufacture, and use of AFFF for fire training in Washington. This leaves fire departments and other first responders with stockpiles of AFFF on-site they may not be able to use.
The AFFF collection and disposal program is designed to:
- Collect stockpiles of AFFF stored on-site.
- Provide a safe disposal option at no cost to those who participate.
Why participate in this program?
We will pay the costs associated with the program, such as pickup, transport, and disposal. We will also dispose of the foam in a manner that minimizes impacts to the environment and public health. However, we cannot endorse specific replacements or pay for the costs of new foam.
Who can participate in the program?
Any fire department or first responder that has AFFF on-site may participate, such as:
- Municipal fire departments.
- Fire districts.
- Fire authorities.
- Port authority fire departments.
- Fire training facilities.
When will the program start?
We published the final AFFF environmental impact statement (EIS) in Oct. 2024 based on feedback we received during a public comment period for a draft EIS in 2023. The draft EIS detailed the proposed collection and disposal program alternatives.
Here are the next steps:
- Begin enrollment of interested fire departments in the program.
- Finalize a purchase order with a qualified hazardous waste hauler.
- Schedule and begin AFFF collection.
Frequently asked questions
Related links
Contact information
Sean Smith
Product Replacement Coordinator
sean.smith@ecy.wa.gov
425-324-0328
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