FAQs • San Juan County, WA • CivicEngage

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Solid & Hazardous Waste Plan

1. What is Household Hazardous Waste?: Household Hazardous Waste is generated by either residences or non-commercial boats. It includes any liquid, solid, gas or sludge waste that is toxic, flammable, corrosive, or reactive. Some examples are:
- Oil-based paints/stains
- Gasoline, kerosene, alcohols
- Auto/boat repair products
- Chemical cleaning supplies
- Solvents/thinners
- Pesticides/weed killers
- Wood preservatives
- Aerosols/adhesives
- Pool and photo chemicals
- Contaminated motor oil or antifreeze (e.g. mixed together or with solvents)

2. How can I dispose of my household hazardous waste?: We have held annual collections on San Juan, Orcas, and Lopez Islands. Collections on Shaw and Waldron Islands have been held as needed. Look for news of a collection scheduled for your island in local newspapers, posters and on the county’s webpage. You can recycle your uncontaminated motor oil, antifreeze and lead/acid batteries at your solid waste facility during regular open hours.

3. What should I do with unwanted ammunition, flares or explosives?: Please don’t bring these to hazardous waste collections or to your island’s solid waste facility. Instead, take them to the Sheriff’s office for safe management.

4. What about disposal of unwanted medications (pharmaceuticals and over-the-counter drugs)?: Do not bring these to hazardous waste collections. Instead, take them to the drugstore on your island or to the Sheriff’s Office for proper disposal.

5. Are fluorescent light tubes and Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) considered to be hazardous?: Yes, they contain mercury, a heavy metal which has potential health risks if improperly disposed.

6. When was the disposal district made official on Lopez?: On Tuesday, June 26, Council passed the ordinance establishing the Lopez Solid Waste Disposal District (LSWDD) and appointed the Board members for the LSWDD. Lopez operations will be the responsibility of a Lopez District Board of Directors. The Board will be answerable to the County Council for budgeting and funding the operations.