Disposal of Toxics Facility

Hazardous Waste

Disposal of Toxics (DoT) is a Whatcom County facility that accepts hazardous waste only from Whatcom County households and small businesses that qualify. Businesses need to be pre-approved before bringing in waste.


Substances accepted by DoT

We accept:

  • Cleaners
  • Automotive products
  • Fluorescent lamps - up to 10 bulbs per a day. Visit lightrecycle.org for more drop-off locations and information
  • Lawn & garden chemicals
  • Mercury thermometers
  • Oil-based paint & paint products. Visit paintcare.org for more drop-off locations and information
  • Latex paint. Visit paintcare.org for more drop-off locations and information
  • Solvents
  • Used oil and fuels

Unacceptable Substances

We do not accept:
  • Ammunition
  • Asbestos
  • Biomedical waste
  • Empty containers
  • Explosives
  • Radioactive waste
  • Unapproved business waste

Fees

  • Residents: Free (55 gallons or less)
  • Businesses: Call first for authorization and pricing

For information on disposing of medications, call the DoT.


Business Waste

Whatcom County businesses wishing to use the Disposal of Toxics Program for waste recycling/disposal must qualify as a Small Quantity Generator (SQG) under Washington state law. The following documents provide information for businesses to help determine their status. Call Disposal of Toxics at 360-380-4640 for more information.


Motor Oil & Antifreeze Recycling: DoT Satellite Sites

All sites accept up to 5 gallons of used motor oil or antifreeze and drained oil filters. Please keep oil and antifreeze separate. Filters must be properly drained - punch a hole in sealed end and let it drain for 24 hours.

Cedarville Road

Hours
Saturday
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Phone: 360-734-3490

Birch Bay

4297 Birch Bay-Lynden Road
Blaine, WA 98230

Hours
Sunday
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Phone: 360-398-2025

Nooksack Valley Disposal

1-gallon clear containers required.

250 Birch Bay-Lynden Road
Lynden, WA 98264

Hours
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Saturday
9 a.m. - Noon Sat

Phone: 360-354-3400


5 Steps to Protect Your Family’s Health & the Environment Too

1. Avoid Household Products Marked “Danger”

“Danger” means the product could poison you, cause serious damage to your skin or eyes, or easily cause a fire.

Choose instead:

  • Products marked “caution” or “warning” or products that don’t need warnings.
  • Products that are water-based such as latex paint, white glue, and some paint strippers.

2. Reduce Your Need for Yard & Garden Pesticides

Pesticides are poisonous. Besides killing bugs and weeds, they may also poison children, irritate eyes or skin, cause cancer, or kill birds and fish.

Take action by:

  • Building healthy soil by adding compost or aged manure and using slow-release organic fertilizers
  • Buying plants suitable for your site
  • Trying non-chemical products to control pests, such as:
    • Teflon tape for root weevils or soap and water solution for aphids

Call the Whatcom County Extension Office for more tips at 360-676-6736.


3. Recycle Used Motor Oil

Oil dumped in storm drains is not treated and ends up in our streams and lakes, affecting fish and birds. For curbside collection, place your motor oil in a well-marked, tightly sealed plastic jug (do not use bleach bottles) and set out next to recyclables. Disposal of Toxics has oil and antifreeze collection stations set up throughout Whatcom County.

These locations are listed above.

4. Use Less Toxic Cleaners

Some cleaners contain hazardous ingredients that can burn your eyes, skin, or lungs. Look for safer name brand substitutes or use these simple alternatives:

  • Ovens: Prevent the need! Line the bottom of the oven with aluminum foil and clean spills right away. To clean, try a cleaner without lye or a non-chlorine scouring powder, or try soap, water, and a copper scrubber.
  • Drains: Use a plunger, snake, or hose-end bladder. Prevent clogs by pouring boiling water down a slow drain, or try a product that uses enzymes to break down grease and soap.
  • Toilet bowls: Use baking soda and castile soap, non-chlorine scouring powder, or other less-toxic commercial products.

5. Dispose of Leftover Hazardous Products Properly

Never pour hazardous waste down the sink or storm drain; the chemicals can end up in local waterways or groundwater. If you throw them in the trash, the chemicals can endanger collection and disposal workers. For proper disposal options, please refer to the information provided below. If you have questions call Disposal of Toxics at 360-380-4640.

  • Learn how to dispose of various hazardous wastes in the safest way possible online (PDF).
  • Access a printable brochure containing the information on this page online (PDF). (For best results, print double sided on 11-by-17-inch paper. Some pages appear upside-down to ensure proper orientation when folded.)