The Washington State Department of Ecology on September 29 launched its Aqueous Film-Forming Foams (AFFF) disposal program, through which permitted hazardous waste service providers will collect PFAS firefighting foams from nearly 80 fire departments across the state. A federally approved incinerator will then destroy the waste.
The program is part of the state’s requirements under its 2018 Firefighting Agents and Equipment Law to restrict the sale, manufacture, and distribution of AFFF, as well as provide local government and state agency training with the foam. Existing stock could still be used to fight fires, and this new disposal program will help to more widely remove foams from service.
Learn more about Ecology’s AFFF collection and disposal efforts here.
