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Agencies that Regulate Hazardous Materials and Wastes
The Washington dangerous waste regulations, as well as other state and local regulations, address the management of hazardous materials and wastes. Some of the agencies are described below. If situations arise in which regulations from different agencies seem contradictory or confusing, start by calling the agencies involved to resolve the situation.
Air quality
The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, or PSCAA, at 206-343-8800 and the Washington Department of Ecology at 425-649-7000 administer local and state air emission regulations.
Community right-to-know
Call the Department of Ecology’s Hazardous Substances Information Line at 1-800-633-7585 to find out if community right-to-know requirements apply to your business.
Dangerous waste
The Washington Department of Ecology enforces state dangerous waste regulations and other state environmental laws. Call the Northwest Regional Office at 425-649-7000.
Fire safety
Local fire departments implement local fire codes that govern hazardous materials For more information visit:www.rpin.org/rpinweb/PublicSafety.aspx.
Garbage and landfill disposal
Public Health - Seattle & King County implements regulations governing the handling and disposal of solid waste in King County. Certain wastes require a written permit for disposal. Complete a waste characterization form or contact the Waste Characterization Program at 206-296-4633 or wastecp@kingcounty.gov.
Septic systems
Public Health - Seattle & King County oversees regulations on septic systems. For King County, call the Eastgate Office at 206-296-4932. In other counties, contact the local health department for information..
Sewer discharges
The King County Industrial Waste Program or the local sewer agency implements regulations governing what can go into the sanitary sewer system. Call Industrial Waste at 206-263-3000 or the local sewer utility for information on discharges and to obtain approval to discharge.
Spills
For spills that are a fire or safety hazard, call 911
For spills that could reach storm drains, surface water or groundwater, contact the Washington Department of Ecology at 425-649-7000.
For spills on shipping lanes, call the United States Coast Guard at 800-424-8802
Storm drains, run-off and water quality
Storm drains are for rainwater only. For information on storm water management and water quality protection, check with your city government.
In unincorporated King County, call the Department of Natural Resources and Parks at 206-296-6519.
Transporting hazardous materials
The Washington State Department of Ecology regulates the transportation of hazardous wastes. Call the Northwest Regional Office at 425-649-7000.
The federal Department of Transportation through the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission at 360-753-6423, regulates the transport of hazardous materials and wastes.
You are also legally required to secure open loads transported on Washington roadways. For tips on securing loads go to: www.kingcounty.gov/solidwaste/facilities/secure-load.asp.
Worker safety
Call the Washington Department of Labor and Industries, Industrial Safety and Health Division, Seattle office at 206-515-2800 for information about worker safety.
