Resources

Washington State provides a number of resources to assist local government in mercury reduction and education.  This includes education and outreach tools. Additional resources are available from federal agencies, non-profit organizations, and businesses.  Information on resources specifically for businesses is available on our Mercury in Business site. 

The local government resources are in three categories:

• Programs and Projects

• Health and Environmental Databases

• Best Management Practices

o                   Progams and Projects

Washington State Department of Health (DOH) Thermostat Recycling Project

DOH received a grant from the U.S. EPA to promote the recycling of thermostats through the use of the “Take Back” Program offered by the Thermostat Recycling Corporation (TRC).  There are currently seven counties active in the program.  For further information on this program and how to encourage businesses in your community to participate, TRC project description.

o                   DOH Mercury Material Dissemination Program

To meet the DOH goal of ensuring the health of all Washington citizens, DOH developed a series of mercury education and reduction materials.  To request copies of the following materials, e-mail Madeline Beery, or phone at 360-236-3189

Washington State Purchasing Contracts

The Washington State General Administration (GA) Department has negotiated several State Purchasing Agreements that include pre-arranged contracts for handling hazardous waste, collection, recycling and disposal of fluorescent bulbs.  Local governments, schools and non-profits are all eligible to use the state purchasing contracts for hazardous waste items.  Using the GA contract is often more cost effective and safer than individual cities, counties, or school districts arranging their own method of disposal.  For information about these purchasing contracts, contact the Washington State General Administration.

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Green Businesses

Green businesses are on the rise and are continually increasing their viability by offering safe, energy-efficient alternatives to traditional products.  Cutting-edge technology and environmentally friendly products make a good team.  There are a number of resources available for businesses looking for support in “going green.” 

The EnviroStars Program, run by the King County Local Hazardous Waste Management Program, provides certification for businesses that follow environmentally sustainable and sound practices.  EnvironStars has compiled a listing of companies, dentists, professionals associations, manufacturers, and reuse/recycling resources.  The program covers not only King County, but also Jefferson, Kitsap, Pierce, and Whatcom Counties.  For a copy of the list and more information about this program, visit the EnviroStar's Web site.

Resource Venture promotes commercial recycling through the City of Seattle’s Chamber of Commerce.  The Chamber’s program provides free information and assistance to help companies set up recycling programs.  The Chamber also promotes waste prevention and recycling to its members and the Seattle business community through its Hotline (206-389-7304).  Through the hotline and via follow-up materials, the staff has provided technical assistance to over 8,000 Seattle companies. Resource Venture also conducts waste consultations or site visits.  Various companies have benefited from their individual attention regarding detailed recommendations on ways of improving waste management and procurement practices.  One of the most notable consultations was the nine-month project to help the Seattle Mariners baseball team set up a stadium-wide waste prevention and recycling program. Visit Resource Venture's Web site.

Businesses in King County seeking advice on their hazardous wastes can call the Business Waste Line: 206-296-3976.  This is an anonymous, confidential hotline for businesses.
 

Health and Environmental Databases

There are several health and environmental databases that can be used by cities and counties as they plan their mercury reduction efforts:

Haz-Map Occupational Health Database  is a tool provided by the National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health.  It is a searchable database offering specific information on possible effects of exposure to chemical and biological agents used in industry, on the job, and at home.  The types of available information include:  Hazardous Agents, Industries, Occupational Diseases, Job Tasks, High Risk Jobs, Processes, Hobbies/Activities, and Symptoms/Findings.  Hazardous Agents can be searched by type of agent, adverse effects, or from an alphabetical list.  the agent is then described briefly with information about its chemical formula, properties, synonyms, adverse effects, and exposure assessments.  Occupational Diseases and High Risk Jobs have similar searchable categories. 

TOXNET is another resource provided by the National Library of Medicine and the National Institute of Health.  It is a cluster of databases on toxicology and hazardous chemicals and includes links to Haz-Map and other NLM resources.  There area 10 searchable databases and eleven other NLM links which hold a wealth of information. 

Ecology Solid Waste Information Clearinghouse

The Washington State Department of Ecology is developing a database that will allow easy access to a wide variety of solid and hazardous waste government personnel by city and county.  That database will be available via Web 2006.
 

Other External Resource Links

Health Care Without Harm

The Luminary Project (Nursing and Healthcare)

State of Washington General Administration Office of Sustainability

City of Seattle Office of Sustainability