Hazardous Waste

The Moderate Risk Waste Facility, in the Port of Port Townsend Boat Haven, ceased operations in late 2022 at the request of the Port of Port Townsend.  Read the press release for more info on the closure of this facility.

Household

Residents can dispose of most household hazardous waste* at collection events, which will be held throughout the county and throughout the year. View the flyer for the 2023 schedule of events, including locations and materials accepted.  NOTE: Containers holding fuel, paint, etc. will not be returned.  

*Antifreeze, motor oil, fluorescent lights, and lithium, button, and rechargeable batteries are not accepted at collection events. The Transfer Station and Quilcene Drop Box have receptacles in the recycling area where you can dispose of these during regular hours of operation.

Many household hazardous products could be replaced by non-hazardous alternatives,  reducing or eliminating the risk of harm to residents, sanitation workers and the environment. Learn more at King County’s Safer Alternatives website.

Business

Jefferson County has contracted Clean Harbors Environmental Services, Inc. to hold a Hazardous Waste collection event for Small Quantity Generators (SQGs) each year. The next business-only event will be held in early 2024.

Businesses will need to submit a form to Clean Harbors at least two weeks prior to the event and pay Clean Harbors directly. The registration form and other relevant information will be posted on this webpage when event dates are announced.  

Questions? Call 360-385-9160.

Batteries

Rechargeable, button and lithium batteries are accepted for recycling at the following locations at no charge.

  • Public Works Office, 623 Sheridan St., Port Townsend,
    M-F, 8 am – 5 pm
  • Environmental Health, 617 Sheridan St., Port Townsend,
    M-F, 9 am – 4:30 pm
  • Transfer Station (Environmental Center in Recycling area)
    325 County Landfill Rd, Port Townsend,
    Mon. – Sat., 9 am – 4:30 pm.
  • Quilcene Drop Box
    295312 Highway 101, Quilcene,
    Tues./Thurs./Sat., 9 am – 4:30 pm (closed Noon – 12:30 pm.)

Automotive and ‘wet cell’ lead-acid batteries are accepted for recycling at the following locations.

  • Transfer Station – Disposal fees apply
    325 County Landfill Rd, Port Townsend,
    Mon. – Sat., 9 am – 4:30 pm.
  • Quilcene Drop Box – Disposal fees apply
    295312 Highway 101, Quilcene,
    Tues./Thurs./Sat., 9 am – 4:30 pm (closed Noon – 12:30 pm.)
  • Peninsula Auto Wrecking & Recycling,
    4711 S Discovery Rd.,  Port Townsend
    (Automotive size only.)  Typically no charge for disposal.

Alkaline batteries are not recyclable.

  • Place fully discharged alkaline batteries in the trash.
  • If not fully discharged, cover terminal ends with tape or wrap each battery in plastic and then place in trash.

Latex & Oil-Based Paints

Peninsula Paint Center, 315 Decatur St., Port Townsend, accepts latex and oil-based house paint, stains, and varnishes for recycling as part of the PaintCare program.

Latex paint can be disposed of in the garbage once it is thickened to a non-pourable consistency. See Tips on Latex Paint. This can include water-borne stains and sealants with instructions to clean with ‘soap and water’.  Watch King County’s brief video linked on this page.

Jefferson County’s Household Hazardous Waste Program will continue to collect latex and oil-based paints, stains and varnishes at hazardous waste collection events.

Motor Oil

Motor oil – used and unmixed – Up to 5 gallons/day/per customer at the Transfer Station or Quilcene Drop Box. Pour into designated drums or tanks at the Transfer Station/Recycle Center and Quilcene Drop Box. Also at the Port of Port Townsend for moorage tenants. All are free disposal sites.

Motor oil – contaminated with water, gas, solvents, etc. – Dispose of these at Hazardous Waste collection events. Scroll to the top of this page for dates, times, and locations for upcoming collection events.  

Oil filters – drain for at least 24 hrs. and dispose of as trash.

Medication & Sharps Disposal

Medication

Free, safe, and convenient medication disposal is available nearby at drop-off kiosks in the QFC Pharmacies in Port Hadlock and Port Townsend, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Port Townsend Police Department. For more locations  visit https://med-project.org/locations/washington/find-a-location/.

Never dispose of drugs, vitamins, or any medications down the drain, sink, or toilet. Vitamins and supplements may be disposed of with regular household trash.

Sharps

Residential “sharps” include syringes, hypodermic needles, lancets, and scalpel blades.

Sharps must be in safe, acceptable containers with tight fitting lids secured with tape. No loose sharps accepted.

  • Drop-off kiosk locations at the Transfer Station Recycle Center and Quilcene Drop Box.
  • Curbside trash collection subscribers – Place secured container
    inside trash can on top of trash.
  • Trash self–haulers – Alert Scale Attendant (solid waste fees apply)

See the Residential Sharps Disposal flyer for more information.