When disposed of improperly, hazardous waste can harm people, waterways and wildlife. Proper hazardous waste management makes good business sense, too, and can reduce your economic liability for cleanups, lower insurance costs and protect workers.
Metro offers businesses safe disposal of small amounts of hazardous waste. A business that qualifies is known as a conditionally exempt generator, or CEG.
Is your business a CEG?
Estimate the waste you produce each month and inventory the hazardous waste you currently have on hand. You may qualify as a CEG if you:
- produce less than 220 pounds of hazardous waste each month (approximately 25 gallons of liquid waste with a weight comparable to water)
- produce less than 2.2 pounds of acutely hazardous waste each month
- store no more than 2,200 pounds of hazardous waste on site.
To participate in Metro’s CEG program, and apply for credit, complete the registration process.
If your organization generates more than 220 pounds of hazardous waste or 2.2 pounds of acutely hazardous waste per month or stores more than 2,200 pounds on site, you must manage your waste according to stricter regulation and are not eligible for this program.
Are you instead looking for a transfer station credit account? Learn more
What is hazardous waste?
If you use products that are corrosive, ignitable, reactive or toxic, then you probably generate hazardous waste. Businesses and organizations that create hazardous waste include:
- construction and painting contractors
- printers
- equipment repair shops
- furniture refinishing shops
- laboratories
- dry cleaners
- metal manufacturing operation
- vehicle maintenance and auto body shops
Safe disposal of hazardous waste
Hazardous waste should always be disposed of through a designated hazardous waste management or recycling facility. Hazardous waste should not be disposed with ordinary garbage, poured into the sewer system, down storm drains, or onto the ground. Oregon law prohibits these acts.
These items are accepted at Metro’s hazardous waste facilities:
- laboratory chemicals
- paints, thinners and solvents
- pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, poisons
- cleaners, pool and spa chemicals
- printing and photo chemicals
- batteries (automotive, nickel-cadmium, button cells)
- aerosol spray products
Metro does not accept these materials through the CEG program:
- compressed cylinders (exceptions: fire extinguishers, adhesive cylinders and propane cylinders)
- biological waste
- radioactive waste
- explosives
- asbestos
- regulated PCB material
For more information about what materials are considered hazardous waste, download a fact sheet from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. DEQ is a co-sponsor of the CEG program.
Other businesses may want your unwanted materials
You may give unused products that are still in good condition to others. Any products you give to other users are not considered waste, and do not count toward your total for generator status determination. Industrial Materials Exchange (IMEX) provides a listing service for a variety of unwanted chemicals and other materials throughout the Northwest. Visit IMEX to list your items.