Domestic Animal Waste

On June 8, 2022, the State Board of Health (Board) adopted rules revising and retitling WAC 246-203-130, Domestic Animal Waste. The rule establishes minimum standards to help prevent, control, and abate health hazards and nuisance associated with the handling and disposal of domestic animal waste. This includes waste from livestock animals such as horses and cattle, and waste from nonlivestock animals such as dogs and cats. The rule includes standards to:

  • Avoid unsanitary accumulations of waste in containment areas where animals are held or housed for a period of time.
  • Prevent contamination of other people’s property, drinking water sources, and surface water bodies with potential to affect human health.
  • Promote safe handling and disposal of nonlivestock waste.
  • Promote safe stockpiling of livestock waste.

The concise explanatory statement summarizes the differences between the proposed rules and adopted rules, and the response to public comments. 

Below is a copy of the adopted rule language, supporting analyses, and other project material.

  1. Rule Language, WAC 246-203-130
  2. Final Significant Analysis
  3. Final Small Business Economic Impact Statement
  4. Rulemaking Summary and Timeline - updated 9/27/2022 at 3:08 p.m.
  5. Background report

Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050
State Board of Health Contact: Stuart Glasoe, 360-236-4111

Related Links: Meeting Materials