'HazoHouse' equips nonprofits with cleaning, maintenance supplies in Thurston County

Thurston County Solid Waste has launched a time-limited reuse program that hands out hazardous household products to registered nonprofits.

“The HazoHouse Reuse Program is designed to help Thurston County 501(c)(3) nonprofits make the most of reusable items while keeping them out of the landfill,” the county said. 

The program, which opened on Tuesday, April 1, runs through Sept. 30, gives nonprofits the opportunity to pick up used items free of charge, like automotive oils, detergents, and household cleaners, provided that the interested organizations sign a liability waiver and follow strict terms. 

Items available for pickup include household cleaners, soaps, detergents, glues, pesticides, solvents, oil-based and latex paint, motor oil, pool chemicals, and more. All are donated by the public at the county’s Waste and Recovery Center. 

The county specifies that only “10 items are allowed per visit,” and each nonprofit is “limited to one visit per day.” 

Under the program’s terms, the waiver states that all items are taken at the participant’s own risk. 

“The HazoHouse Facility (cannot guarantee) the integrity, safety, usability, or effectiveness of the products received through the HazoHouse Reuse Program. Furthermore, should you accept products from this program you do so at your own risk,” the county said. 

The county said nonprofits participating in the program get no guarantee about what the materials are, what shape they’re in, or whether they’re still legal to use. The county takes no responsibility for how the materials function once distributed. 

Also, there is no verification process in place to confirm that a substance “has not been banned or recalled,” expired, tampered with, or rendered hazardous by improper storage. 

How to participate 

To join the program, nonprofits must first complete a liability waiver and receive verification from Thurston County Solid Waste.  

Once approved, the participating organization must schedule an appointment through a phone call during business hours. Nonprofits must read and understand the county’s guidelines on hazardous material transport ahead of their visit. 

Pickups are conducted through the “south entrance of the Thurston County Waste and Recovery Center.” 

To schedule a visit, call (360) 867-2912. Distribution follows a first-come, first-served policy. 

More information, waiver forms, and detailed program instructions are available on the Thurston County Solid Waste website.