Hazardous Waste

Almost every household and business contains products that can potentially cause damage to human health or the environment. Cleaning products, automotive fluids, yard care products and other household chemicals need to be used, stored and disposed safely to protect ourselves and our environment. 

Households can dispose of hazardous waste, such as used oil, paint and garden products, for free at the Disposal of Toxics facility.
Businesses that produce a small amount of hazardous waste may dispose of their hazardous waste at the Disposal of Toxics facility for a fee. Find out how to be pre-approved before bringing in waste.

Disposal of Toxics

When it is time to dispose old or unused chemicals, never throw them in the household trash. Regular landfills are not designed to hold hazardous waste, and chemicals thrown in the household trash can pollute the soil and water. You can bring hazardous waste from your home to the Disposal of Toxics (DoT) Facility for free. Pre-approved small businesses can also bring their hazardous waste for a fee.

Substances accepted by DoT:

Used oil and fuels.
Automotive products
Cleaners
Fluorescent lamps - up to 10 bulbs per day.
Latex paint
Lawn & garden chemicals
Mercury thermometers and other devices
Oil-based paint & paint products
Solvents
Rechargeable Batteries (Not Alkaline batteries)

Substances NOT accepted by DoT:

Ammunition
Asbestos
Biomedical waste
Empty containers
Explosives
Radioactive waste
Unapproved business waste

For more information

For more information, contact the DoT Facility:

Disposals of Toxics Facility
3505 Airport Drive, Bellingham
360-380-4640
Monday – Friday, 9 am - 4 pm
First Saturday of each month, 9 am - 4 pm

Waste from businesses

Small businesses can be authorized to dispose of some hazardous waste at the DoT Facility. Get prices and participation information below, and call the DoT Facility for details.

2023 SQG Price List (PDF)

Introductory Letter (PDF)

Requirements for Participation (PDF)

Business Application (PDF)

Household Toxic Safety

Follow these tips to keep you and your household safe from toxic materials in household products.

Buy only what you need, and substitute less toxic or non-toxic materials when feasible.
Follow safety precautions and other instructions on the product label.
Keep all hazardous products out of the reach of children and pets.
Never pour chemicals into storm drains, sewers, septic systems, or onto the ground.
Know where you will store and dispose of materials before beginning a do-it-yourself project.
Keep all fluids separate and labeled to make proper recycling and disposal easier.