The Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) adopted amendments to Chapter 173-305 Washington Administrative Code (WAC), Hazardous Waste Fee Regulation on April 5, 2017.  To see the rulemaking documents visit Ecology’s website at: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/hwtr/laws_rules/HWFee/1606docs.html.  The rule includes the following changes:

• Exempts
  • Dangerous waste treated on-site by Generator
  • Non-recurrent (e.g. spill clean-up) dangerous waste
• Modifies the definition of Price Deflator which affects the maximum total fees collected. The language was updated to clarify how the fee is adjusted annually for inflation; the language is now consistent with actual practice.

The rulemaking is not expected to change fee practices but to codify current practices.  It will not require businesses to change how they report dangerous waste.  The rule is effective May 6, 2017.