Dangerous waste basics
Businesses in Washington must follow the the Dangerous Waste Regulations (Chapter 173-303) to ensure they properly handle and dispose of dangerous waste. For most businesses, the process will involve these basic steps:
- Designation (to determine if you have dangerous waste).
- Determine your generator category (small, medium, or large).
- Proper containment and labeling.
- Recordkeeping.
- Waste disposal or recycling.
Businesses may also be subject to dangerous waste reporting and possible fees.
Download the Dangerous Waste Regulations
Click to download a PDF of the Dangerous Waste Regulations for your business.
What is dangerous waste?
Washington's Dangerous Waste Regulations are based on the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). However, Washington uses the term "dangerous waste" rather than the federal term of "hazardous waste" because the Dangerous Waste Regulations are more protective than federal laws. The definition of "dangerous waste" is more expansive than "hazardous waste."
Resources for businesses
Guides and publications
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
- Guide to Dangerous Waste Training
- Shop Guide for Dangerous Waste Management
- Dangerous Waste Regulations Self-Audit Checklist
Shoptalk: Ecology's dangerous waste newsletter
Shoptalk is our dangerous waste and pollution prevention newsletter. It comes out three times a year and provides information on training, best practices, rulemaking, and reporting deadlines. Subscribe to Shoptalk to be notified of new issues and updates.
Pollution prevention technical assistance
Businesses in Washington can take advantage of our pollution prevention technical assistance to help you understand the Dangerous Waste Regulations better, improve overall efficiency, or switch to safer products. We can also partner with and help you apply for federal pollution prevention (P2) grants.
Posters
These posters can be helpful visual reminders for your employees. Post them where people can see and reference them. Click a poster to download or request a copy.
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.
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.
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.
Labeling Dangerous Laboratory Waste
Dangerous lab waste must be labeled according to specific requirements. Post these guidelines where dangerous lab waste is generated.
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
Related links
Contact information
Need help?
Contact a dangerous waste inspector in your region.