Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) collection & disposal program

Want to participate?

Fire departments and other first responders can fill out a survey to express interest in participating in this program. We expect this program to launch in 2023.

We are working to implement a program to help fire departments and other first responders in Washington collect, remove, and dispose of stockpiles of AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam) at no cost to them.

As of 2018, Washington passed a law that restricts AFFF. AFFF is used to fight liquid-based fires, but AFFF is highly concerning because it:

Contains PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), toxic chemicals known to negatively impact human health, wildlife, and the environment.
Is the leading cause of PFAS contamination in our drinking water.

In 2024, we held a public comment for the AFFF draft Environmental Impact Statement that details the proposed collection and disposal program alternatives.

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What is the purpose of this program?

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.

This program is designed to:

Collect stockpiles of AFFF stored on-site.
Provide a safe disposal option at no cost to those who participate.

What are the benefits of participating?

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. This includes:

Municipal fire departments.
Fire districts.
Fire authorities.
Port authority fire departments.
Fire training facilities.

When will the collection and disposal program start?

After public comment closes for the draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) in Feb. 2024, we will:

Review comments.
Assess the available collection and disposal options.
Choose a program alternative.

Once the DEIS is finalized, we will launch the program sometime in Summer or Fall 2024.

Frequently asked questions

Contact information

Sean Smith
Product Replacement Coordinator
sean.smith@ecy.wa.gov
425-324-0328

Want to stay informed?