With over four tons of improperly stored or labeled dangerous waste found, the United States Postal Service Seattle Bulk Mail Center in Federal Way was issued a $33,000 penalty for dangerous waste violations.
On Aug. 19, the state Department of Ecology reported that it issued a $33,000 penalty to the USPS Seattle Bulk Mail Center in Federal Way, 34301 9th Ave. S., for violations found during a 2024 inspection. Additionally, the department stated that it found violations in 2018, 2019 and 2022.
According to the department, it found deficiencies in the center’s identification and storage of packages containing dangerous wastes, as well as other hazardous wastes from the facility’s operations and vehicle maintenance, in all years in which the department found violations since 2018. At the Federal Way mailing center, leaking or damaged packages are set aside for disposal and if those damaged packages contain materials classified as dangerous, such as insecticides, propane, paints or cleaning products, the facility is required to properly identify them, assess their hazards and then safely store and dispose of the materials.
“The amount of dangerous waste fluctuated but was significant at times. In 2022, USPS estimated that there were 9,195 pounds (4.6 tons) on site,” the department stated. “While awaiting disposal, containers were often unlabeled and stored in crowded areas, increasing the risk of unintended chemical reactions that could pose a threat to human health and the environment.”
The 2024 inspection violations of dangerous waste laws include:
• Failure to promptly determine whether waste is dangerous and what the associated hazards are.
• Failure to safely store the waste, including maintaining adequate aisle space, using secondary containment, labeling containers, and inspecting weekly.
• Failure to properly manage universal waste (common dangerous waste such as batteries and fluorescent bulbs).
• Failure to maintain personnel training records.
According to the department, USPS has since corrected the violation that it needed to address immediately. Now it has 30 days to pay the penalty or appeal it to the Washington Pollution Control Hearings Board, the department stated.
