Emergency disposal of spoiled liquid food-grade products
In rare emergency situations such as extended power outages, grocery stores and other types of commercial facilities may need to dispose of spoiled liquid food-grade products (such as milk) to the sanitary sewer.
For the emergency discharge of quantities of more than 1,000 gallons of spoiled liquid food-grade products to the sewer
Facility personnel should first contact KCIW during regular business hours (8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday) to request approval to discharge.
- Call KCIW at 206-477-5300 or TTY: 711
Outside of regular business hours: facilities with emergency discharges should call the County treatment plant serving their facility (view service area map, KC Virtual Map Counter):
- Brightwater Treatment Plant: (service area north King County and south Snohomish County). Call 206-263-9500 or TTY: 711. The second number to call, if needed, is 206-263-1760.
- Carnation Treatment Plant: (service area, the City of Carnation). For assistance call South Treatment Plant at 206-263-1760 or TTY: 711.
- South Treatment Plant: (service area of greater Seattle eastside and south King County). Call 206-263-1760 or TTY: 711.
- Vashon Treatment Plant: (service area, the Vashon Sewer District). For assistance call South Treatment Plant at 206-263-1760 or TTY: 711.
- West Point Treatment Plant: (service area City of Seattle, north King County and south Snohomish County). Call 206-263-3801 or TTY: 711.
For the discharge of quantities of less than 1,000 gallons of spoiled liquid food-grade products to the sewer
Facilities in most parts of King County (see exception below) do not have to contact KCIW prior to discharging these smaller amounts of spoiled liquid food-grade products to the sanitary sewer. In these cases, grocery stores and other types of commercial facilities should contact their local sewer agencies to request approval to discharge these wastes.
Important
Any facility with a current industrial wastewater discharge approval from King County must follow the special conditions outlined in its approval document for discharges to the County sanitary sewer.
Regardless of discharge volume, the discharge of spoiled food-grade liquids must meet King County local limits, especially as it relates to pH.
Contact KCIW for further information.
