ECOWISE

Register for the ECOWISE Program

Registration is free! Once you receive your packet of information, do a "Haz Waste audit" as described in the Ecowise Guide. If your audit shows you generate less than 220 pounds per calendar month, you may join the ECOWISE program.

If you use the PDF (paper) application, return the form completed and signed to:

Michael.Fisher@MontgomeryCountyMD.gov

or

Mike Fisher
ECOWISE Program
Montgomery County Recycling and Resource Management Division
16101 Frederick Rd
Derwood, MD 20855-2223

In the State of Maryland, a "Small Quantity Generator" or SQG is a non-residential (business or non-profit organization) entity that generates less than 220 pounds (100 kg) of hazardous waste per calendar month. A "Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generator" ( CESQG) is the Federal equivalent term. BOTH terms mean you produce less than 220 pounds or 100 kg per calendar month. A SQG must also generate less than 2.2 pounds (1 kg) of acute hazardous waste per month.

The Federal government defines a "Small Quantity Generator" ( SQG) as producing between 220 pounds (100 kg) and 2,200 pounds (1000 kg) per year. The ECOWISE program is not open to businesses that are federally defined as SQGs, since they produce more than the program allows.

Absolutely! The ECOWISE program does not require a minimum quantity, nor does it obligate you to participate every month.

• No complicated paper work or manifesting is required.
• Businesses save up to 75% of costs to dispose of hazardous material compared to having a conventional pickup and disposal hazardous waste company come to your business or organization.
• No pre-registration fee
• No contractual obligation
• No minimum amount

Basically, hazardous materials have any of these properties:

• reactive
• ignitable
• combustible
• toxic, and/or
• corrosive.

Businesses cannot bring more than 220 pounds of hazardous waste to the ECOWISE program. ECOWISE also accepts liquid latex paint -- but this is not considered a hazardous waste.

For chemicals and items not listed and for a price per pound, call 240-777-6587.

Accepted materials include

• Acids (organic or inorganic)
• Alkaline button batteries
• Bases (organic or inorganic)
• Fluorescent bulbs
• Fuels, pourable
• Gasoline, gas-oil mixes, flammable liquids, unwanted fuels*
• Gel cell batteries
• Heavy Metals
• Herbicides
• Hydraulic fluid
• Lead acid batteries
• Lithium batteries
• Mercury or mercury containing products
• Ni-Cd batteries
• Oil-Based Paints
• Oxidizers
• Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCB) Ballasts
• Pesticides
• Photographic chemicals
• Reactive materials
• Solvents, both pourable and non-pourable

* We will pour off your old gas while you wait, and return your gas can if requested.

Fees are assessed on a per-pound basis, weighed at the point of collection.

Pay your ECOWISE fees:

• by credit card
• with business checks made out to Clean Harbors Environmental Services, the County's current contractor for ECOWISE.

We do not accept cash payments.

Pricing Schedule

Effective September 27, 2022, prices will increase by 7.5%.

ECOWISE does not accept certain categories of hazardous materials because they contain certain reactive, ignitable, combustible, toxic, corrosive properties and/or health and safety dangers.

Examples include:

• Explosives
• Asbestos
• Radioactive materials
• Medical waste