POLLUTION PREVENTION

Pollution prevention is any practice which reduces the amount of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant from entering the waste stream or otherwise released to the environment prior to recycling, treatment, or disposal; and reduces the hazards to public health and environmental impacts associated with the release of such substances. We refer to these practices as best management practices or BMPs.

Just as you may install a camera system to prevent theft or conduct an interview before hiring a new employee, best management practices are simple, yet effective actions that your business can take to prevent pollution in our community. Please click here for some BMP’s that may apply to your business.

Take a look below to see what you can do to qualify for the pollution prevention category.


Business Name:  

Apply for, achieve, and/or maintain a three star or better EnviroStars program rating. Find out how to apply. The King County EnviroStars program certifies businesses for their efforts to prevent pollution and properly manage hazardous waste.

AND

Complete a minimum of five (5) activities listed below.


Surface Water Pollution Prevention

  Use a City-provided car wash kit when conducting car wash fundraising events on property. Call (425) 587-3800 to reserve a car wash kit.
Solicit a free City of Kirkland staffed storm water assessment walkthrough. Email to request a walkthrough.
Establish a business-specific spill prevention/response program
Clean catch basins and drainage infrastructure on property once per year.
Stencil “Dump No Waste/Drains to Stream” next to catch basins in parking lot (stencil available from Public Works Department – Email to request
Use commercial car washes to wash business vehicles.
Current City of Kirkland clean fats, oils, greases (FOG) inspection.
Garbage and recycling containers lids are closed; are not leaking; and are located away from storm drains.
Cover and contain any materials stored outdoors
Other:

Landscaping

  Contract with a landscaping or pest control service provider with WSDA-licensed pesticide employees trained in an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program. Check a contractor’s current licensing status and certifications.
Springtime only: attend a Natural Yard Care Program training session.
Implement pesticide-free biological (beneficial insects), cultural (composting, mulching), or mechanical (hand pulling, pruning) controls in your landscape.
Other:

 Green Cleaning

  Use low VOC (volatile organic compound) paint products.
When replacing flooring, install carpet products certified by Green Guard or the Carpet and Rug Institute. For more information on Green Guard-certified carpet products.
Use refillable spray bottles instead of disposable aerosol cans.
Require the use of green cleaning products in janitorial contracts.
Use green equivalent alternative recipes to commercial cleaning products.
Sweep rather than hose off outside paved areas
Other:

Congratulations! You have completed the Pollution Prevention category. Please review your application and click on the “Submit” button. City staff will review your application and contact you soon.