Two Free, Voluntary Programs to Help you Dispose of Hazardous Materials

The key to Aquifer protection is safe disposal of potentially hazardous materials. In the Spokane area, you can take advantage of two free, voluntary programs as a business owner:

1. The Spokane Aquifer Joint Board is working with the state Department of Ecology to provide assistance to small businesses. The Increased Generator Contact visit program is done on a voluntary basis, and without charge to the business. Your system of toxic and/or hazardous waste storage and disposal is assessed, as is the process of manufacturing. Often, discoveries are made that save the business money and reduce waste. This contributes to aquifer protection. Call 329-3551 for further information or to schedule a visit.
   
   
2. If you're looking for ways to reduce or prevent waste, and possibly improve your bottom line, think about completing a Waste Stream Audit. Conducted through the Spokane Regional Solid Waste System, an audit is available to companies interested in reducing their disposal bills and increasing their recycling efforts. The audit program is provided free of charge, and it is non-regulatory. Call 625-6536 for further information or to schedule a visit.

For other local information and services available from the Spokane Regional Solid Waste System, including Transfer Station hours of operation, composting, recycled building materials and more, click: www.solidwaste.org or call 625-7898.

Spokane's Waste to Energy Facility

Material Exchange System
The Industrial Materials Exchange, is a free service designed to match businesses and residential clients that produce industrial wastes, by-products, surplus materials, and other unwanted industrial materials with businesses and residential clients that need them. This is a King County, Washington program - but they may have what you're looking for, or can accept your excess materials, or help you locate other exchange systems.

Businesses With Commercial Grade Pesticides
If you have unused and unusable pesticides, contact the Washington State Dept. of Agriculture, Pesticide Management Division @ 1-877-301-4555 or 360-902-2056 or via email: wastepesticide@agr.wa.gov. This is a statewide, NO FEE collection program.

For Plastic Pesticide Container Recycling
Call 509-965-6809 or visit: www.nwagplastics.com

The Fate of Waste - give it a thought
www.epa.gov/epaoswer/non-hw/muncpl/disposal.htm

E-newsletters
To sign up for a wide variety of related e-newsletters from the Dept Of Ecology go to: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/maillist.html
Once you're at the site, select 'HHW-CESQG' to sign up for the 'Northwest Household Hazardous Waste & Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generator Programs'. You can also request to be added to the ShopTalk newsletter.

In North Idaho, call The Recycling and Household Hazardous Waste exchange/collection. Call their hotline at 208/446-1433 or the office at 208/446-1430. For waste disposal information, call 208/769-4402.

Remember: Protecting Drinking Water is OUR Legacy to the Future