Item: Household chemicals and pesticides (cleaners, solvents, garden chemicals, herbicides, fertilizers) Jurisdiction: Seattle city limits / King County, Washington Last updated: July 2026
Quick Answer
Take household chemicals and pesticides to the North Seattle Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Facility at 12550 Stone Ave N. It's open Sunday through Tuesday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (per Seattle Public Utilities — verify current hours, as a Recology partner site shows 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM). No appointment is needed, and disposal is free for all King County residents.
Household chemicals and pesticides are hazardous waste — they cannot go in your regular garbage cart, recycling bin, or any Seattle Transfer Station. The city's HHW facility is the only dedicated drop-off route for residents. King County also operates free HHW collection sites with different hours, and the seasonal Wastemobile may offer a closer option when it's running.
Do not mix different chemicals. Keep products in original labeled containers with lids secured tight. Transport containers upright in a sturdy box in your trunk or truck bed. A single call to confirm hours and acceptance saves a wasted trip.
Quick Facts
- Primary drop-off: North Seattle HHW Facility — 12550 Stone Ave N
- Hours: Sunday–Tuesday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (verify — Recology shows 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM)
- Appointment: Not required
- Cost: Free for King County residents
- Who can use it: King County residents (bring WA driver's license or utility bill)
- South facility: Exists but address and hours not confirmed in available sources — check the SPU website for details if that location is closer
- Not accepted at: Seattle Transfer Stations (North or South) — they do not take HHW
- Container limit: 5 gallons per container maximum
- Per-visit quantity limit: Not confirmed — ask the facility before bringing large volumes
- Business waste: Not eligible for city/county HHW programs
- County residents outside Seattle: Free HHW disposal is for King County residents. Residents of other counties must use their own HHW program.
Can Seattle Pick Up Chemicals Curbside?
No. Seattle does not offer curbside household hazardous waste collection. Regular garbage and recycling services do not accept chemicals or pesticides. The city's Special Item Collection program is for bulky waste and appliances — it does not cover HHW.
Seattle's Transfer Stations (North and South) also do not accept hazardous waste. The North Transfer Station has a separate HHW facility on site, but it operates under different rules and hours. Do not take chemicals or pesticides to the transfer station tipping floor — they will be refused.
If you cannot transport chemicals yourself, your only option is asking a neighbor with a vehicle or arranging a rideshare with trunk access. Do not transport hazardous chemicals on public transit.
What Chemicals and Pesticides Are Accepted
King County HHW collection sites accept the following household hazardous waste categories:
- Pesticides and herbicides
- Fertilizers
- Household cleaners (all types)
- Automotive fluids (antifreeze, brake fluid, motor oil)
- Paints and solvents
- Batteries (household and rechargeable)
- Fluorescent bulbs and tubes
- Propane tanks (small)
- Pool chemicals
The available official sources list these broad categories but do not list every individual chemical or product name. If you are unsure whether a specific product is accepted, call the HHW facility or check the King County HHW program website before hauling it.
What is NOT accepted at HHW facilities:
- Pharmaceuticals and medical waste
- Radioactive materials
- Explosives or ammunition
- Commercial/industrial quantities of chemicals
- Empty containers that once held hazardous products (these may go in regular trash once fully empty and rinsed)
Container Requirements and Preparation
The way you package your chemicals matters. The HHW facility can reject items that are improperly contained.
Do:
- Keep products in original containers with original labels — staff need to identify the contents
- Ensure all lids are tightly secured — no leaks, no drips
- Place containers upright in a sturdy box or plastic bin in your trunk or truck bed
- If a container has no label and you know the contents, label it clearly with a permanent marker
- Maximum container size: 5 gallons per container
Do NOT:
- Mix different chemicals together in one container — this can cause toxic fumes, fire, or explosion
- Pour chemicals into unlabeled containers
- Transport leaking or corroding containers — call the fire department for guidance instead
- Place chemicals loose in the passenger cabin of your vehicle
If you don't know what a chemical is: Label the container as "unknown" and tell the HHW staff when you arrive. They have protocols for identifying and handling unlabeled waste.
North HHW Facility vs. South HHW Facility
North Seattle HHW Facility (Primary)
- Address: 12550 Stone Ave N, Seattle
- Hours: Sunday–Tuesday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (per Seattle Public Utilities)
- Hours note: A Recology partner site lists Sun–Mon–Tue 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM. Call ahead or check the SPU website before visiting.
- Appointment: Not required
- Cost: Free for King County residents
South Seattle HHW Facility
A South Seattle HHW facility exists, but its address and operating hours are not confirmed in the available official sources. If the South location is more convenient for you, check the Seattle Public Utilities HHW page or call for current details before heading out.
King County HHW Facilities and Wastemobile
Seattle residents are also eligible for King County's broader HHW network. These options may offer more days and closer locations:
Factoria Recycling & Transfer Station (HHW Drop-Off)
- Days: Tuesday through Sunday
- Free for King County residents
- Accepts all HHW categories listed above
Auburn and other King County HHW sites
- Free for King County residents
- Hours vary by location — check the King County HHW website
King County Wastemobile (Seasonal)
- A mobile HHW collection service that travels to different locations throughout the county
- Operates on a seasonal schedule
- Free for King County residents
- May have long wait times during peak season
- Ask the King County HHW program about the 2026 Wastemobile schedule
Drop-Off vs. Retail Take-Back vs. Transfer Station
| Option | Cost | Pros | Cons | Verify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Seattle HHW Facility | Free (King County residents) | Dedicated HHW staff, accepts full range | Limited hours Sun–Tue only, hours discrepancy | Check seattle.gov or call |
| King County HHW Sites (Factoria, Auburn, etc.) | Free (King County residents) | More days (Factoria Tue–Sun), multiple locations | May require travel outside Seattle, hours vary | Check kingcounty.gov HHW site list |
| King County Wastemobile (seasonal) | Free | Mobile and convenient, comes to various locations | Seasonal only, limited dates, large crowds possible | Ask about 2026 schedule |
| Retail Take-Back (hardware stores) | Varies | Convenient, store hours | Policies vary per store, may not accept pesticides | Call the specific Seattle store |
| Licensed Private HHW Transporter | Paid service | Legal for businesses and bulk quantities | Expensive for household use, needs scheduling | Search for Seattle HHW disposal companies |
Transfer stations do not accept HHW. Do not take chemicals or pesticides to the North or South Transfer Station tipping floors.
Business and Bulk Chemical Disposal
Seattle and King County HHW programs serve household-generated waste only.
- Businesses cannot use free HHW drop-off. Business-generated chemical waste must go through a licensed hazardous waste transporter.
- Contractors with leftover job-site chemicals must use commercial disposal services.
- Property managers with bulk chemical waste from building maintenance should contact a licensed transporter.
King County may offer eligible small-business HHW disposal options. If you operate a small business in King County, contact the King County HHW program directly to ask about eligibility. Do not assume any business waste is accepted at residential HHW facilities.
Apartment and Renter Edge Cases
Apartment resident in Seattle: You are eligible to use Seattle HHW facilities as an individual King County resident. Your building's waste service contract does not affect your personal eligibility. Bring proof of King County residency (WA driver's license or utility bill showing your Seattle address).
Renter with large chemical volume: If you have an unusually large amount of chemicals (from a move-out, estate cleanup, or deceased relative's supplies), call the HHW facility first. Ask about per-visit quantity limits to avoid arriving with more than they can accept. You may need multiple trips.
Renter with no vehicle: Transporting chemicals without a vehicle carries spill risk. Consider asking a neighbour with a car, or using a rideshare that allows trunk storage. Do not transport household chemicals on public transit (King County Metro) — a spill in a crowded space is hazardous.
Non–King County residents: If you live outside King County but inside Washington state, you are not eligible for free Seattle/King County HHW disposal. Contact your own county's HHW program for disposal options.
How to Prepare Chemicals for Transport
- Keep products in original containers with original labels intact — this is required for acceptance
- Secure all lids — tighten firmly and check for leaks
- Place containers upright in a sturdy cardboard box or plastic bin — pack so they cannot tip over
- Do NOT mix different chemicals together
- Label unlabeled containers clearly with contents if known; mark "unknown" if you don't know
- Max container size: 5 gallons per container — larger containers may be refused
- Corroding or leaking containers: Do NOT transport — call the Seattle Fire Department for guidance
- Bring proof of residency: WA driver's license or recent utility bill showing your King County address
- Secure the load — use bungee cords or weighted items to prevent shifting during transit
Costs and Fees
- North Seattle HHW Facility: Free for King County residents
- King County HHW collection sites: Free for King County residents
- Retail take-back: Policies vary — some stores charge a small fee
- Non–King County residents: Fee status not confirmed — check with the facility
- Commercial/business disposal: Paid service via licensed transporter
HHW disposal is separate from Seattle's Special Item Collection program (which charges fees for bulky waste). Chemicals and pesticides are not eligible for that program.
Mistakes to Avoid
1. Throwing chemicals in the regular garbage or recycling
Hazardous waste is banned from Seattle's garbage and recycling streams. It creates safety risks for sanitation workers and can contaminate the landfill.
2. Mixing different chemicals
Combining household chemicals can create toxic fumes, fires, or explosions. Never pour multiple products into one container to save space.
3. Taking HHW to a transfer station
The North and South Transfer Stations do not accept hazardous waste. You will be turned away and waste a trip.
4. Transporting leaking or corroding containers
If a container is rusted, bulging, or leaking, do not put it in your vehicle. Call the fire department — they have protocols for handling unstable hazardous waste containers.
5. Assuming free disposal for non–King County residents
Free HHW disposal is for King County residents only. If you live in another county, check your local program before driving to Seattle.
6. Arriving without proof of residency
Bring your WA driver's license or a utility bill. If you cannot prove King County residency, you may be turned away or charged.
7. Ignoring the per-visit quantity limit
Exact limits are not confirmed, but every facility has some limit. If you are bringing a large volume, call ahead to avoid a wasted trip.
8. Transporting chemicals in the passenger cabin
Spills in the passenger area are harder to contain and expose you to toxic fumes. Always transport in the trunk or truck bed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put old pesticides in my regular Seattle garbage cart? No. Household chemicals and pesticides are hazardous waste and are banned from Seattle garbage and recycling. They must go to a dedicated HHW facility.
Is the North HHW facility free for Seattle residents? Yes. The North Seattle HHW facility is free for all King County residents. No appointment is needed.
What if my pesticide container has no label? If you know the contents, label the container clearly. If you do not know what is inside, call the HHW facility for guidance before transporting. Never mix unknown chemicals.
Can I bring chemicals from my business to the HHW facility? No. Seattle/King County HHW programs are for household-generated waste only. Businesses need a licensed hazardous waste transporter.
What hours is the North HHW facility open? Sunday through Tuesday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM per seattle.gov. Verify current hours before visiting — a Recology partner site shows 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM.
What about the South HHW facility? A South location exists, but its address and hours are not confirmed in available official sources. Check the SPU HHW page or call for details.
How many chemicals can I bring in one trip? The per-visit quantity limit is not documented in available sources. Ask the facility when you call to confirm.
Official Verification Checklist
Use this when you contact the HHW facility or check the SPU website. Tick each item as you confirm it.
- Confirm North HHW facility hours for today/tomorrow — call or check seattle.gov; hours discrepancy reported
- Confirm your specific chemical or pesticide is accepted — categories are listed but individual items may vary
- Confirm per-visit quantity limits — ask how many gallons or containers per visit are allowed
- Confirm South facility details (if closer) — address and hours not confirmed in the verified sources
- Check container condition — labels intact? Lids secure? No leaks? No corrosion?
- Confirm King County residency proof needed — driver's license or utility bill with current address
- Ask about Wastemobile seasonal schedule — may be closer or have different hours near you
- Verify your county residency — free disposal is for King County residents only
Sources
- Seattle Public Utilities — Collection & Disposal Hub
- Hazardous Waste Items — Seattle Public Utilities
- Where to Dispose of Hazardous Waste — Seattle Public Utilities
- North Transfer Station & HHW Facility — Seattle Public Utilities
- Hazardous Waste Management Program — King County
This guide is based on official sources available as of July 2026. Facility policies, fees, hours, and eligibility rules change. Always verify current information with Seattle Public Utilities or the King County HHW program before hauling chemicals or pesticides for disposal.