December 4, 2025
 It's that time of year again. When the storm clouds roll in and the rain starts pouring, it's a good reminder to check and make sure your hazardous products are stored safely. When flood waters rise, so does the risk of paints, pesticides, and motor oil floating into places they shouldn't (like storm drains).
Here are a few tips: Store your hazardous products in their sealed, original containers. Put these products on high shelves, not the floor. And lastly, take old, unwanted, or leftover products to a Haz Waste disposal facility near you.
 The combination of cold weather and holiday prep puts us right in the middle of peak battery-buying season. That makes it the perfect moment to think about where all those used ones should go.
Batteries shouldn't go into the trash for several reasons: They can release toxic metals into the environment, they pose a fire risk when damaged, and trashing batteries is banned for all Seattle residents! Instead, take them to one of our disposal facilities or recycle them through the Call2Recycle or E-Cycle Washington programs.
Find more information on accepted battery types and quantity limits here.
 At the Haz Waste Program, our Business Services team works hard to help small businesses find practical ways to reduce toxic exposures. They do this by offering free on-site consultations and financial assistance opportunities when businesses make recommended changes (like purchasing equipment that limits hazardous exposures).
We recently caught up with Miguel Martinez, a business owner who received an on-site consultation and made the switch to a new smart washer in his auto shop. Martinez says the process was easy and the recommendations he received have saved him time and money while protecting the environment.
 You can still bring your hazardous waste to the Factoria Recycling and Transfer Station while it undergoes repairs and maintenance updates from Dec. 1, 2025 through mid-February, 2026. During this time, garbage and recycling will be closed to self-haul customers and yard waste will not be accepted.
Household hazardous waste services will remain open during our normal hours. For more information on garbage, recycling, and yard waste options during the temporary closure, check out the King County Dept. of Natural Resources and Parks blog post.
 We're here to help answer any questions you might have and always look forward to hearing from you!
You can reach us anytime by email at haz.waste@kingcounty.gov or give us a call at 206-296-4692 on Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can even contact us on Facebook or Instagram (@hazwastekc)!
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