Letting Go of Belongings

Once you have legal authority, your next responsibility is to identify and safeguard assets.

Household Hazardous Waste

Disposing of hazardous waste properly is essential for your health, your community, and the environment. King County provides several options for safe, responsible disposal of common household hazardous materials.

Drop-Off Facilities
Two main locations serve Seattle residents free of charge.

  • The North Household Hazardous Waste Facility is located at 12550 Stone Ave N, Seattle, WA 98133. It is open Sunday through Tuesday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

  • The South Household Hazardous Waste Facility is at 8100 2nd Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108, next to the transfer station. It operates Thursday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Both locations are closed on major holidays such as July 4, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Additional locations include the Factoria facility in Bellevue and the traveling Wastemobile.

Wastemobile (Mobile Collection)
The Wastemobile operates February through October and visits various neighborhoods in King County. It accepts up to 50 gallons of household hazardous waste (with a 5-gallon per container limit), including oil-based paint, pesticides, fluorescent bulbs, batteries, and cleaning products. Visit the King County Wastemobile schedule to find a location near you.

Free Home Pickup
King County offers a home pickup service for residents 65 and older, those with disabilities, or anyone without access to transportation. This service excludes items like latex paint, electronics, tires, and medication. To schedule a pickup, call 206-296-4692.

Accepted vs. Not Accepted Items
Accepted items include:

  • Oil-based paint, paint thinners, and solvents

  • Automotive and household batteries

  • Motor oil, antifreeze

  • Propane tanks (up to 8 gallons, maximum of 5 tanks per visit)

  • Pesticides, adhesives, fluorescent bulbs, and pool chemicals

Not accepted:

  • Latex/water-based paint

  • Electronics, medications, appliances, asbestos, ammunition, medical waste, or sharps

Battery Disposal
All types of batteries, including single-use, must be handled separately due to fire risks. Drop them off at hazardous waste facilities or the Wastemobile. Some retailers (e.g., Home Depot, Best Buy) accept rechargeable batteries. Seattle Public Utilities also offers curbside pickup for up to 2 gallons of batteries for a $5 fee.

Safe Transport Guidelines
Keep items in original containers, do not mix materials, and label anything unlabeled. Seal lids tightly and secure all items upright during transport to avoid leaks.

Latex Paint Disposal

Latex paint is not accepted at King County hazardous waste facilities, but there are safe and easy ways to dispose of it.

1. Recycle Through PaintCare
Washington State participates in the PaintCare program, which allows you to drop off leftover paint for free at participating locations. This includes interior and exterior latex and oil-based paints, stains, and varnishes in containers up to five gallons. Visit PaintCare.org to find a location near you.

2. Trash Disposal (For Small Amounts)
If you can't reach a PaintCare location, small amounts of latex paint can go in the garbage after they’re solidified. Either let a thin layer air dry with the lid off or mix with kitty litter, sawdust, shredded paper, or a paint hardener. Once completely solid, leave the lid off and place the can in your regular garbage.

3. Reuse or Donate Usable Paint
If the paint is still good—no lumps, no separation, and no strong odor—you can donate it to schools, community organizations, or reuse it for small projects like touch-ups or fences.

What Not to Do
Never pour paint down the drain or toss it in the garbage while still wet. Never bring latex paint to hazardous waste drop-off sites.