Commercial collection services

Business Hazardous Waste

Most businesses generate some type of dangerous waste, also known as hazardous waste, which can be harmful to public health and the environment. All businesses are responsible for managing their dangerous waste, and are subject to rules from the Washington State Department of Ecology and local government.  Batteries, electronics, and lights/lamps are all examples of common dangerous wastes that are required to be properly handled.

Small quantity generators, or SQGs, are businesses or non-profits that produce less than 220 pounds of dangerous waste each month, accumulate less than 2,200 pounds at any time, and generate or accumulate less than 2.2 pounds of listed wastes that are extremely dangerous. Businesses producing higher levels of dangerous waste are medium or large quantity generators, and must follow Ecology regulations.

SQGs are exempt from Ecology regulations when they follow these three basic steps to responsibly manage SQG dangerous waste:

Step 1: Determine if your business has dangerous waste

Dangerous waste is very common, and most businesses produce some. Here are some examples:

Common Dangerous Waste
Adhesives Dry cleaners Paints
Aerosol sprays Electronics Pesticides
Antifreeze Fertilizers Pharmaceutical wastes
Asbestos Fiberglass Poisons
Automotive products Inks Solvents
Batteries Lead Thinners
Cadmium Lights and lamps Treated wood
Cleaners Mercury Used oil
Dental waste Metal finishing Used shop towels


For a complete guide on identifying dangerous waste, a process known as waste designation, visit Ecology’s website.

Step 2: Handle and store dangerous waste safely
Dangerous waste needs to be properly stored and labeled before disposal. Improper handling and disposal can result in fines, safety violations, and expensive clean-up costs.
For a complete guide on dangerous waste storage, visit Ecology’s website.

Step 3: Recycle or dispose of SQG dangerous waste
The following companies provide dangerous waste disposal and recycling for SQGs in Clark County. Services and rules vary between waste companies. Contact representatives to find the best fit for your business’s dangerous waste:

  • Clean Earth625 S 32nd St, Washougal, WA 98671
    Offers a full range of dangerous waste pick-up services 
    (360) 835-8594
  • Clean Harbors, 12402 SE Jennifer St. #160, Clackamas, OR 97015
    Offers a full range of dangerous waste pick-up services
    (503) 785-0404
  • Emerald Services, 1300 W 12th St, Vancouver, WA 98660
    Specializes in automotive, commercial and industrial dangerous waste services
    (360) 693-4317
     
  • EnviroServe, 7503 NE 101st St, Vancouver, WA 98662
    Offers a full range of dangerous waste services
    (800) 488-0910
     
  • Safety-Kleen Systems, 16540 SE 130th Ave, Clackamas, OR 97015
    Specializes in parts-washers, liquid dangerous waste disposal services and more
    (503) 655-5798
     
  • Veolia Environmental Services, 5720C NE 121st Ave, Suite 105, Vancouver, WA 98682
    Offers a full range of dangerous waste pick-up services
    (360) 260-0882

ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE AND RESOURCES

Universal waste, product stewardship, and private recyclers
Businesses have recycling options for specific dangerous wastes through product stewardship laws, universal waste rules, and private recyclers. Recycling these items is often more cost effective than disposing it as dangerous waste.
See the table below for extra recycling options for specific materials and products. Always call before you drive because these options are subject to change without notice, and additional rules or restrictions may apply. Fees apply unless otherwise stated.

Dangerous Waste Recycling Options for Businesses in Clark County

Aerosols

Mail-in recycling options through:  Waste Management

Batteries

Batteries Plus Bulbs,
1218 NE 88th St, Suite #120
Vancouver, WA 98665
(360) 213-0926
Batteries Plus Bulbs,
2100A SE 164th Ave.
Vancouver, WA 98683
(360) 448-6003
Mail-in recycling options for small batteries (less than 5lbs per battery) through: Big Green BoxCall2Recycle, Cirba SolutionsClean EarthTerraCycle, and Waste Management.

Lights/Lamps

Free drop-off of 10 mercury-containing lights per day at LightRecycle Washington locations.
Mail-in recycling options through:  Waste Management.

Mercury

Mail-in recycling options through:  Waste Management.

Electronics

Small businesses (fewer than 50 employees) can participate in free electronics recycling through E-Cycle Washington.
Earth Friendly Recycling,
11825 NE 113th St, Suite 100
Vancouver, WA 98662
(360) 433-8575
EH Metal Recycling,
8801 NE 117th Ave.
Vancouver, WA 98662
(360) 334-6005
Office Depot Tech Recycling Boxes,
8812 NE 5th Ave.
Vancouver, WA 98665
(360) 573-9275
Office Depot Tech Recycling Boxes,
11505 NE Fourth Plain Blvd.
Vancouver, WA 98662
(360) 253-2048
Mail-in recycling options through:  Waste Management.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Mail-in recycling options through:  Clean Earth

Motor Oil

Free drop-off of used motor oil at participating automotive shops including AutoZone and O’Reilly Auto Parts. Visit their websites to find a location near you. Quantity limits apply, call before you drive.

Paint

Free drop-off of unused paint at PaintCare Washington locations.  Review PaintCare’s list of accepted and not accepted products before visiting drop-off sites. Locations vary in quantity of paint they will accept each day (5 gallons, 10-20 gallons, or 100 gallons).

Printer Cartridges

Check with your product’s manufacturer or retailer for recycling options.

Mail-in recycling options through:  Waste Management.

Pharmaceutical Waste:

Mail-in disposal options through:  Waste Management

Sharps/Syringes

Mail-in options through:  BD Sharps DisposalMedasendSharps Assure, Waste Management, and more.

Note: Clark County does not endorse any service providers listed. You are responsible for making sure your waste is handled and disposed of properly.

Don’t stockpile dangerous waste
Stockpiling dangerous waste can have serious consequences. Natural disasters can be devastating and cause spills at your facility. Furthermore, accumulating over 2,200 pounds of dangerous waste at any time will turn your business into a medium or large quantity generator, and you will no longer be exempt from state regulations. 2,200 pounds is about five 55-gallon drums filled with water. Don’t wait until it is too late; prevent spills and maintain your regulatory exemption status by disposing your SQG dangerous waste often and responsibly.

Are empty containers dangerous waste?
Containers that once held a hazardous substance may need disposal as a dangerous waste. Learn more on the Ecology website.

Free, non-regulatory assistance
Need more assistance managing your dangerous waste? Clark County and the City of Vancouver offer free, on-site technical assistance to local businesses. 

County Health Pollution Assistance: email or online contact form
Bob Patterson (Clark County): 564.397.4493 or email
Brett Raunig (City of Vancouver): 360.487.7195 or email