As responsible corporate citizens, there are two questions every business should ask itself. . . Are we generating hazardous waste? What do we do with it?

If your company does generate any quantity of hazardous waste, even a small amount, Kitsap County, Public Works offers help.

Federal and State laws require businesses to manage their hazardous waste in a responsible manner. If you’re not sure if your business is generating hazardous waste, the following list will help identify common hazardous wastes businesses generate:

• Solvents

• Batteries

• Chemical sterilizers

• Fluorescent tubes

• Copier chemicals

• Ballasts with PCB oil

• Oil-based paints and stain

• Used photo or x-ray fixer

Improper management and/or disposal of hazardous business waste is illegal and creates serious environmental and liability problems. Kitsap County Public Works offers an affordable disposal program for businesses that qualify as a Small Quantity Generator (SQG). An SQG is any business that generates less than 220 pounds of hazardous waste per month (approximately 25 gallons of liquid waste).

Many businesses simply cannot completely eliminate the use of hazardous materials. The SQG disposal program helps them stay in regulatory compliance, resulting in a reduction in disposal fees and protecting the health of their employees.

Due to recent changes in federal and state regulations, fluorescent tubes are now considered hazardous and can no longer be disposed of in your trash. If fluorescent tubes are sent to a recycler, they are in a special category called Universal waste and not counted toward the 220 pound SQG limit. However if a fluorescent tube breaks, it must be managed as hazardous waste and the weight included in the 220 pound limit.

SQG collections are held one day a month at the Kitsap County Moderate Risk Waste (MRW} Collection Facility. Once a business determines they are eligible for the SQG program, Public Works staff provides a worksheet for the business to pre-qualify for collection. An appointment is then scheduled for each pre-qualified customer to streamline the collection day saving your businesses time and effort.

For more information about the SQG collection program, contact Kitsap Public Works Open Line (360) 337-5777, 800) 825-4940, or solidwaste@co.kitsap.wa.us. SQG information is also available at www.wa.gov/kitsap/department/pubworks.