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:

• Advanced Chemical Transport, Inc. (ACTenviro),13600 SE Ambler Rd, Clackamas, OR 97015
  Offers a full range of dangerous waste services
  (971) 279-6780

• Clean Earth, 625 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

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