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.
The next time you’re feeling hungry, remember that food and hazardous waste do not pair well at any meal. Fill up on tips to help you grow your own food, graze or eat, and go (to the grocery store) all while reducing your exposure to hazardous materials.
Adding a cistern or rain garden (or both!) to your yard can help you prevent flooding, provide summer irrigation, and beautify your landscaping.
Keeping hazardous waste properly stored will not only help your disposal visit go more smoothly, it will also help keep you and your home safe.
Dig into these natural yard care tips to keep your garden safe and healthy all year long.
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.
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.
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.
The Wastemobile, a mobile hazardous waste drop-off service, starts the 2024 season Feb. 23 in Bothell.
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.
The Washington State Legislature's 2024 session has begun. Here are some of the hazardous waste-related policies the Haz Waste Program is tracking.
Due to inclement weather, all King County hazardous waste collection sites are closed January 13, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
December 5 is World Soil Day. Find out how to grow healthy soil that can filter and break down many pollutants.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Get to know Tammy Himes of the Haz Waste Program’s Business Services team and learn more about her efforts to build relationships with small business owners around King County and better understand businesses' needs to help them address and manage their hazardous waste and protect the health and safety of their employees.
From the eyeliner and other makeup in your bathroom, to the ink of your newspaper, and the batteries in your appliances – cosmetics, paints, pigments, and batteries are commonplace in our homes and can contain harmful materials. Thankfully, new Washington state legislation is taking action to protect residents.
Get to know Trevor Peckham of the Haz Waste Program’s Research team and learn more about his efforts to apply racial equity principles to research efforts in understanding how hazardous waste impacts different populations across industries.
Together, the elements of earth, wind, fire, and water are key routes for hazardous waste to enter our region’s natural systems and impact our people, wildlife, and environment. Learn more about how to reduce your exposure to hazardous waste by the elements.
The Wastemobile, King County’s traveling household hazardous waste drop-off service, kicks off its 2023 season on February 24 in Bothell, WA. Between February and October, the Wastemobile will visit rural, suburban, and urban communities around King County. Residents and small businesses can safely bring their household hazardous waste such as as oil-based paint, batteries, antifreeze, pesticides to the Wastemobile at no cost.
Environmental justice is the fundamental idea that all people have a right to live in a safe and healthy environment. But that wasn’t a mainstream idea until the 1980s, when a group headed by civil rights leader Reverend Benjamin Chavis helped highlight the importance of racial equity in environmental issues. Read on to learn more about the impact of these efforts.
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