Dangerous Waste Guidelines 

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Washington State Department of Health

Guidelines for Disposal of Dangerous Waste at CDL Sites

October 2, 2002

Disposal Facilities by County

A variety of chemicals found at clandestine drug lab manufacturing sites are designated as dangerous waste.  To protect the environment and health of Washington's communities, proper disposal of this waste is essential.  Management and disposal of dangerous waste generated in Washington is regulated by the Dangerous Waste Regulations, Chapter 173-303 WAC.  The Department of Ecology (Ecology) removes clandestine drug lab (CDL) hazardous wastes and Local Health Jurisdictions (LHJ) oversee the remediation of contaminated properties.  Circumstances arise where certified CDL decontamination contractors find chemicals after Ecology has left the site.  The following protocols should be followed when this occurs.

1. Newly Found Chemicals: Department certified decontamination contractors should contact Local health staff when additional chemicals or high-hazard chemical containers such as ammonia cylinders and HCl generators, not mentioned in the submitted work plan are found on site.

2. Ammonia Cylinders and HCl Generators: Do not touch the cylinders or generators.  Do not conduct any work in the area.  Call the WA State Department of Emergency Management (1-800-258-5990).  Your message will be relayed to the appropriate regional Ecology office and you will receive a call back.

3. Small Quantity Generator (SQG): Any dangerous waste found at CDL sites is linked to the physical address, making the property owner the SQG, not the CDL decontamination contractor.  The property owner may then contract with the decontamination contractor to provide the services of designation, and/or transport of the dangerous waste to a disposal facility.  Small quantity generators are exempt from most of the state and federal regulations if they remain within these limits:

• Generate up to 220 pounds of dangerous waste or up to 2.2 pounds of certain pesticides or poisons each month or batch at a given site.

• Determine if their waste is a dangerous waste.

• Manage their waste in a way that does not pose a threat to human health or the environment.

• Treat or dispose of their waste legally.

If over 220 pounds of dangerous waste or 2.2 pounds of certain pesticides or poisons is generated at a CDL site, additional regulation requirements apply.  Contact the LHJ for further guidance.

4. Other Dangerous Waste: In addition to clandestine drug lab chemicals left on site, contractors need to screen waste for any other dangerous waste.  Contractors may be responsible for disposal of chemicals that appear not to be associated with drug lab manufacturing.  The following list is an example of chemicals and items that must be disposed of as dangerous waste.  Do not dispose of them by dumping on the ground, in a septic system, in the sanitary sewer or in the garbage.  Check with the county regulators for specific guidance and regulations.

• Oven cleaners

• Metal/furniture polishes

• Spot removers

• Bleaches

• Toilet bowl/drain cleaners

• Weed killers

• Insecticides

• Fertilizer with weed killer

• Wood preservatives

• Gasoline/diesel fuel

• Antifreeze

• Brake/transmission fluid

• Degreasers

• Motor oil

• Automotive batteries

• Driveway sealers

• Points and thinners

• Point removers

• Stains and varnishes

• Epoxies and adhesives

• Solvents

• Pool chemicals

• Compresses gas cylinders

• Containers with unknown/suspect liquids

• Products with labels that contain the word DANGER, POISON or FLAMMABLE

• Appliances with refrigerant-refrigerators and ail conditioners

• Mercury containing items such as thermostats and fluorescent light tubes

• Computer monitors

• Light ballasts (unless marked "No PCBs")

• Asbestos, sharps and contaminated soil require special handling and in some cases permits

Disposal Procedures for Chemicals under 220 pounds

• Inspect containers for leaks and loose fitting lids.

• Place chemical containers in plastic buckets making certain to separate them by using one bucket for each container.

• Secure buckets for safe transport to hazardous waste facility.

• Provide completed paperwork to disposal facility.

Disposal Facilities by County

(This is a partial list, check with your county for comprehensive lists)

Benton County

Moderate Risk Waste Facility

3102 Twin Bridges Rd

Richland, WA  99352

(509) 942-7387

Island County

Recycle Hazardous Waste

20062 State Route 20

Coupeville, WA  98239

(360) 679-7386

King County

Philips Services

(800) 327-7759

Kitsap County

Moderate Risk Waste Facility

5551 Imperial Way

Bremerton, WA

(360) 337-5777

Kittitas County

Kittitas County Solid Waste

Moderate Risk Waste Facility

925 Industrial Way

Ellensburg, WA  98926

(509) 962-7577 or (509) 962-7070

Mason County

Moderate Risk Waste Facility

5551 Imperial Way

Bremerton, WA

(360) 337-5777 or (360) 337-5781

Okanogan County

Moderate Risk Waste Facility

1234A 2nd Ave S

Okanogan, WA  98840

(509) 422-2602

Pierce County

Philips Services Corp

1629 E Alexander Ave

Tacoma, WA

(253) 383-3044

Spencer Environmental

(800) 286-0896

Emerald Petroleum Services

(206) 832-3100

Skagit County

14104 Ovenell Rd

Mount Vernon, WA  98273

(360) 424-9532

Snohomish County

Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Station

3434 McDougall Ave

Everett, WA

(425) 388-6050

Spokane County

Waste to Energy Plant

2900 S Geiger Blvd

Spokane, WA  99204

(509) 625-7898

Valley Transfer Station

3941 N Sullivan Rd

Spokane, WA  99216

(509) 625-6885

Northside Transfer Station

22123 N Elk-Chattaroy Rd

Elk, WA 99009

(509) 625-6880

Thurston County

Thurston County HazoHouse

2418 Hogum Bay Rd

Lacey, WA 

(360) 786-5457

Whatcom County

Disposal of Toxic Materials Facility

3505 Airport Dr

(360) 380-4640

Yakima County

Moderate Risk Waste Facility

Terrace Heights Land Fill

7151 Rosa Hill Dr

Yakima, WA  98081

For more information, contact:

Gregory B.McKnight II  (360) 236-3381

Lori Hall (360) 236-3386

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DOH Home | Access Washington | Privacy Notice | Disclaimer/Copyright Information Clandestine Drug Lab Program Office of Environmental Health and Safety Washington State Department of Health 243 Israel Road S.E. Tumwater, WA  98501   PO Box 47825 Olympia, WA  98504-7825 (360) 236-3385 1(888) 586-9427 Send inquiries about DOH and its programs to the Health Consumer Assistance Office. For comments or questions regarding this Web site, please send email to EHS Web Coordinator.

       Last Update : 10/01/2007 08:56 AM