|
September 9, 2003 News Release The Local Hazardous Waste Management Program (LHWMP) in King County has created a program to help small businesses get rid of hazardous waste. This pilot program in Federal Way, Redmond and Kenmore will cover the cost of picking up hazardous waste and transporting it to a facility for proper disposal. The business will pay only disposal costs, which vary by waste type and quantity. "We hear from small businesses that dealing with hazardous waste can be prohibitively expensive," said Jim Neely of King County's Solid Waste Division, a LHWMP partner. "'Get Rid of It' was designed to increase the amount of hazardous waste properly disposed of in King County. We will help small businesses with technical assistance and also cover the cost to pick-up and transport hazardous waste." Currently, small businesses must either self-haul, or pay for costly pick-up and transfer of hazardous waste to disposal sites in Georgetown or Kent. The "Get Rid of It" program will pick-up hazardous waste, transport it to drop-off facilities, where it will be managed properly so that is does not harm the environment. Some businesses may qualify for additional financial assistance with disposal costs through the LHWMP's Voucher Incentive Program. "This service will save area businesses both time and money, and help them to properly manage their hazardous wastes," said Rob Van Orsow, Federal Way's Solid Waste Program Coordinator. "Dentists, dry-cleaners, and auto repair shops all wonder 'how do you get rid of this stuff?' I encourage taking advantage of this pilot service - if this catches on, businesses across the county would benefit." The program will operate September and October in Kenmore and Redmond, and October and November in Federal Way. If successful, it will be expanded to other areas throughout King County. To take advantage of the program, small businesses in these communities should call 206-296-3976 for reservations and their disposal cost estimate. An operator will determine transportation and disposal needs and coordinate pick-up with a hauler. Then, the business will be contacted directly by the hauler to schedule the pick-up. When the hauler arrives, an inventory of the waste will be issued, payment for disposal costs collected and the waste taken away for proper disposal. "The program has tremendous benefits to small businesses and the environment," said Neely. "We can help small businesses manage their hazardous waste by making it less expensive and more convenient. The end result will be proper disposal of hazardous waste that is now out there." The Local Hazardous Waste Management Program in King County (LHWMP) is a cooperative effort by local government to protect and enhance public health and environmental quality in King County by helping citizens, businesses and government reduce the threat posed by the use, storage and disposal of hazardous materials. The partner agencies include the King County Water and Land Resources Division, King County Solid Waste Division, Public Health - Seattle & King County, Seattle Public Utilities and the Suburban Cities Association. Related Information
|
|
Links to external sites do not constitute endorsements by King County. |
News Releases