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Workers unload household hazardous waste products from the trunk of a car at a Wastemobile site.
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2024 Wastemobile Season Kicks Off on Feb. 23

The Wastemobile, a mobile hazardous waste drop-off service, starts the 2024 season Feb. 23 in Bothell.

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Stride into spring gardening with healthy soil and native plants

March 19, 2024

Dig into these natural yard care tips to keep your garden safe and healthy all year long.

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2024 Washington Legislative Session Recap: Major Environmental Wins Reduce Residents’ Risk to Toxic Exposures

March 08, 2024

In just 60 days, the Washington State Legislature has made big moves to protect residents from toxic exposure. Here are some of the hazardous waste-related policies that passed during this year’s legislative session.

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It's National Battery Day! Celebrate by learning how to properly dispose of your batteries.

February 16, 2024

We use batteries every day, but did you know batteries can be a fire hazard and shouldn't be thrown away in your garbage or recycling bin? The Haz Waste Program is here to help.

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Acts of service: the love language of hazardous waste

February 14, 2024

It’s a little vulnerable to admit, but… our Program’s heart really beats for acts of service. On Valentine's Day (and every day after), show us a little love by committing to small acts that promote the health of humans and the environment in our region. Feeling the love? Let us walk you through some acts of service that can help you show it.

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2024 Wastemobile Season Kicks Off on Feb. 23

February 08, 2024

The Wastemobile, a mobile hazardous waste drop-off service, starts the 2024 season Feb. 23 in Bothell.

News

Choosing safer hair products can be tough. Here’s how these salon owners do it.

February 07, 2024

Emmett and Jessica Henley think of their salon clients as friends. They want to make sure they can depend on the products they put in people’s hair. And they want to be ready to give the right advice when clients have questions about the products they use at home.

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January 2024 WA Legislative Session Update

January 25, 2024

The Washington State Legislature's 2024 session has begun. Here are some of the hazardous waste-related policies the Haz Waste Program is tracking.

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All King County hazardous waste collection sites closed January 13, 2024

January 13, 2024

Due to inclement weather, all King County hazardous waste collection sites are closed January 13, 2024.

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Removing hazardous grooming products and taking the perfect pet photo

January 08, 2024

As you prepare your furry (or not so furry) friends for National Dress Up Your Pet Day, keep these tips in mind for disposing of hazardous pet grooming products and cleaning supplies.

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Goal setting for a new, greener year

January 01, 2024

As you make your new year resolutions for 2024, consider setting a goal to protect the environment and your community. There are simple changes you can make in your life that can make a big difference.

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Winter Wellness: Tips on a cleaner, less toxic chilly season

December 13, 2023

As the weather outside gets frightful, staying indoors is much more delightful. With fewer places to go, it's an excellent opportunity to keep homes free of hazardous waste.

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Recapping the 4 most intriguing hazardous waste questions from our customers in 2023

December 12, 2023

As the end of the year approaches, we wanted to share some of the most intriguing questions we received from our call center. You might be surprised by the answers.

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Clearing hazardous waste before holiday hosting and traveling

December 11, 2023

Whether you are hosting the party at your house this year or travelling to visit loved ones, we have some tips on making sure your visits are free of hazardous waste.

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It's World Soil Day!

December 05, 2023

December 5 is World Soil Day. Find out how to grow healthy soil that can filter and break down many pollutants.

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Tips for safely managing holiday waste

December 01, 2023

Deciding how to manage your holiday waste can feel like a hassle when you're in the swing of the season. Reduce some holiday stress by learning these simple steps for recycling packaging materials and hazardous waste now.

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Take charge of your old batteries

November 08, 2023

When your batteries run out, don’t just throw them away – recycle them! Recycling batteries is good for the environment and helps conserve natural resources. Find out how you can drop off your old batteries at a collection site near you.

News

Hazardous waste home collection service helps meet customers where they are

October 11, 2023

Centering equity in hazardous waste disposal often means meeting people where they are. Learn more about our special hazardous waste home collection service and how we serve King County residents who may not be able to access a hazardous waste collection site. 

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Fall lawn and yard care tips for the natural gardener

October 11, 2023

King County gardeners can prepare their greenspaces for the colder months, all while reducing exposure to hazardous materials. Here are some tips for keeping your yard healthy and hazard-free this fall.

 

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Celebrating the history that shaped our region: Honoring Indigenous Peoples’ Day

October 09, 2023

Indigenous communities have experienced a history of violence, expulsion, colonialist policies, and a persistent erasure from many mainstream institutions. For the Haz Waste Program, it’s critical to acknowledge this history while uplifting our shared commitment to environmental justice.

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Haz Waste Program named EPA Safer Choice Partner of the Year for 7th year in a row

October 03, 2023

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Safer Choice program helps residents and businesses easily identify products that keep people and the environment safe. The Haz Waste Program is pleased to accept the 2023 Safer Choice Partner of the Year award for the seventh year in a row.

News

Choose Your Own (Outdoor) Adventure: Haz Waste Edition

August 09, 2023

No matter what your outdoor adventure looks like, the best packing lists will allow you to enjoy yourself in nature while reducing your exposure to toxic materials. Many products we commonly use during the summer months contain hazardous products. Get guidance around packing a bag that’s free of hazardous ingredients and learn how to safely dispose certain outdoor items once the adventure comes to a close.

News

Laura Matter runs the Garden Hotline. Here’s what she wants every King County gardener to know.

August 08, 2023

If you’re looking for expert yard care advice, you should get to know Laura Matter, Program Manager at Tilth Alliance. In her role at Tilth Alliance, Laura oversees the Hazardous Waste Management Program's Garden Hotline, a collaborative effort that offers education, information, and resources to gardeners, yard maintainers, and greenskeepers of all interests and skill levels. 

News

August is National Black Business Month

August 02, 2023

Supporting Black businesses is one small step in moving toward equality for Black people in the U.S., part of a bigger picture push to address institutional limitations and oppression. Meet a few small businesses in our region that use models that help our environment and strengthen community health and wellness, moving the needle towards more equitable health outcomes.

News

Fireworks – Safety and Proper Disposal

June 29, 2023

First, check to make sure your city or town allows the purchase and use of fireworks. If live in an area that does not ban fireworks, please follow rules of the type of fireworks allowed and the timeframe to use them. We don’t say this lightly – the harm caused by fireworks can be devastating. Read on for tips to use and dispose of fireworks properly to protect people and the environment! 

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Spanish-language campaign promotes safer alternatives to bleach

June 28, 2023

The Haz Waste Program is committed to reducing disparities in hazardous material exposures through equitable outreach and engagement. For example, bleach is a common household product for many Latinx families, and can cause significant health impacts and be fatal if ingested. Learn more about how the “Ojo con el cloro” campaign aims to educate Spanish-speaking communities about the dangers of bleach and safer alternatives.

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Are toxic chemicals hiding in your makeup? Here’s how to find safer cosmetics.

June 22, 2023

Some types of makeup frequently used in the United States and other parts of the world contain toxic chemicals, such as lead, phthalates, mercury, and formaldehyde. We're working with beauty influencers to help King County residents learn more about their cosmetics, and, if necessary, choose safer alternatives. 

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Local LGBTQ leaders combat climate change with community-centered respect and care for the land

June 07, 2023

Learn more about UTOPIA Washington, an LGBTQ organization working toward the liberation of queer and transgender Pacific Islanders and other people of color through climate change mitigation and resiliency among frontline communities in our region.

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