During November through February, periods of heavy rainfall or rapid snowmelt can cause flooding and high water in King County. Most businesses and homes have hazardous waste. Hazardous waste can harm people and contaminate our environment if washed away by flood waters. Here is how to prepare for flooding:

Households

• Safely dispose of unwanted household hazardous products at a collection site. Find a location near you. 
• Reduce hazardous products in your home by purchasing the smallest amounts and using up what you have. How can you tell if a product is hazardous? If the label has the words CAUTION, WARNING, DANGER, or POISON then it's haz waste. 
• Store products properly. Keep products in their original containers when possible and label and securely close all containers.

Businesses

• Safely dispose of unwanted household hazardous products at a collection site. Find a location near you. 
• Reduce hazardous products at your property or business by purchasing the smallest amounts necessary and eliminating any surplus materials. Check out IMEX, a free listing service. 
• Keep an inventory of your hazardous materials for emergency responders.
• Write a spill plan for your hazardous materials and train employees on how to safely clean up spills.
• Keep products in their original containers if possible and label all containers.
• Keep product and waste containers sealed and in good condition.
• Contact our Business Services Team for advice about safely managing haz waste at your business. 

Additional Resources
Sign up for flood warnings and learn more about flood preparedness in King County.