A pilot program that provides King County businesses with a safe, convenient and free way of disposing small quantities of hazardous waste has been extended through 2009, and expanded to include an additional collection site.

The Local Hazardous Waste Management Program in King County (LHWMP) launched the pilot program in 2008 for King County businesses that generate small quantities of hazardous waste to dispose of their waste at three of the program’s collection sites – in South Seattle, Factoria and the Wastemobile, which travels throughout King County.

LHWMP has extended the pilot project into 2009, and has expanded it to include the North Seattle Household Hazardous Waste collection facility. The free service is offered to qualified King County businesses and other small quantity generators for as long as funding allows.

To be eligible, a business must qualify as a small quantity hazardous waste generator, fill out a list of materials they will be bringing for disposal, meet the volume, size, and waste type conditions, and participate in a follow-up service survey.

“The survey provides an opportunity for business owners to help our staff make our services as efficient and effective as we can,” said program administrator Jay Watson.

“The variety of businesses and types of waste that were brought for disposal during the initial portion of the pilot project shows how common hazardous products are in small businesses. Automotive shops, landscapers, painters and construction contractors all regularly handle chemicals, but so do churches, physician’s offices, theaters and property managers,” he said. “This program provides a practical and affordable option for small businesses to dispose of their hazardous materials properly.”

More details are available at www.govlink.org/hazwaste/business/sqg.html. For information on hazardous materials handling and disposal, call the Business Waste Line at 206-263-8899; or toll free 1-800-325-6165, ext. 3-8899.