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Regulations & Permits > Guidance & technical assistance > Dangerous waste guidance > Common dangerous waste > Fertilizers

Fertilizers

Fertilizers are regulated by the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA). We review fertilizer product applications and advise the WSDA if these products meet Washington's laws. Businesses that sell fertilizer products in Washington must:

Fertilizers may also be considered a dangerous waste. If you have excess fertilizer, you need to designate it before you can properly dispose of it:

  • Do not put fertilizer in the trash.
  • Do not put fertilizer in the sink, toilet, or drain.
  • Do not dump excess fertilizer on the ground.

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Not a business?

If you are a household or individual looking for ways to recycle or dispose of household fertilizers or pesticides, go to 1-800-RECYCLE.

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How do you register a commercial fertilizer product?

Go to the WSDA fertilizer product registration webpage and follow their instructions. After you submit your application, we:

  • Determine if your product meets Washington's laws.
  • Consult with the Department of Health and Department of Labor and Industries.
  • Advise WSDA of our findings.

Historical database

In the past, we uploaded our findings to our Ecology fertilizer database. You can search historical data of products before they were registered for sale in Washington.

What should you do with excess fertilizer?

If your business has "leftover" or excess fertilizer (i.e., fertilizer you don't plan to use), you need to designate it. This will determine:

  • If the fertilizer qualifies as dangerous waste.
  • What your disposal options are.

What laws govern fertilizer products in Washington?

Washington takes a two-step approach to develop safeguards for fertilizer products. Fertilizers must meet the following standards:

  1. Washington standards for metals (WAC 16-200-7064) sets safe, maximum levels for adding metals to soil through the use of fertilizers.
  2. Waste-derived and micronutrient fertilizer standards (RCW 15.54.820), which includes following certain solid and hazardous waste laws.

See the Fertilizers, Minerals, and Limes law (Chapter 15.54 RCW) for more detail.

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Contact information

Need help?
Contact a dangerous waste inspector in your region