Waste » Business » Wastewater » Carpet Cleaning Waste

Carpet Cleaning Waste

General Information

It is illegal to discharge carpet cleaning wastewater into the storm drain system. Wastewater from carpet cleaning may contain dirt, soap, oil, grease, solvents, flame retardants and other toxic chemicals. Carpet cleaning businesses must implement responsible business practices to prevent wastewater from entering storm drains, ditches, grassed swales, catch baisns, dry-wells and septic systems because they drain to our aquifer, river and lakes.

Available Services
Self Treatment

All carpet wastewater must be filtered. Once this process is complete, only the filtered wastewater may be discharged into the sewer system via a toilet or utility sink. Please note this does not apply to areas on septic systems. At a location with a septic system, plan to store wastewater and residues in a collection tank and transport them to an authorized sewage discharge point for proper disposal. Who and Where for Spokane? Contact your local sewer authority for information about requirements. Which contact info should be included? Solid carpet waste collected in the filter may be disposed of in the garbage, unless the waste is contaminated, in which case dangerous waste regulations apply. If you need help determining the status of your waste and how to disposed of it, contact a hazardous waste specialist at your nearest Ecology office. See contact information at: https://ecology.wa.gov/About-us/Get-to-know-us/Contact-us.

Management Practices

Click here to view the Department of Ecology’s “Good Business Practices for Carpet Cleaning & Wastewater Disposal.”

Related Wastes
Safer Alternative(s)

Many cleaning products can be replaced with less toxic alternatives. In particular, use phosphate free cleaning products when possible. To prevent wastewater leaks, tanks, hoses, and fittings should be serviced regularly. To reduce the amount of lint in the wastewater, vacuum carpets before cleaning. Ask customers about the source of stains before cleaning to determine if hazardous substances are present.

Regulation(s)

Contact your local sewer authority with questions:

Spokane Wastewater Management 
509-625-4642

Spokane County Industrial Pretreatment
509-477-3604