Scrap Uncertified Wood Stoves

If you own or use a wood stove, find out whether it's EPA-certified. Most stoves and fireplace inserts will have a label on the back or side of the stove body. Find out what a label looks like. You can also check for your stove in the EPA Certified Wood Stove database. Uncertified wood stoves are illegal to sell or purchase in the State of Washington. If you have an uncertified wood stove, we strongly recommend you replace it with a cleaner-heating, more efficient alternative.

• See Clean Heating Choices for more information.
• Sign up for burn ban alerts
• Sign up for the Wood Stove Recycling Program. Incentives are available in King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish Counties

More Reasons to Make the Switch

• During a burn ban, it is unlawful to use uncertified wood stoves.
• Uncertified stoves release twice as much air pollution as certified stoves.
• Since 1992, only EPA-certified wood stoves and fireplace inserts can be sold in Washington.
• It is illegal to install an uncertified wood stove or insert in Washington
• It is illegal to sell, give away or exchange an uncertified wood stove unless for scrap.
• Installing an uncertified stove can also void insurance policy coverage in some instances.

Minimize Smoke, Save Money

Generating excess chimney smoke (defined by state law as 20% opacity or more) is not only un-neighborly, it's against the law. View examples of varying smoke opacities. Plus, it's a sign you're not getting the most out of your fuel. Here's how to minimize smoke, increase the heat you get from your wood, and limit your impact on your neighbors:

• Consider manufactured logs such as Duraflame instead of wood. They are bug-free and burn up to 70 percent cleaner. A single log burns anywhere from two to eight hours. All are safe for open-hearth fireplaces; check the label to see which kinds are suitable for wood stoves.
• If you burn wood, use only dry, seasoned cordwood (less than 20 percent moisture). In our northwest climate, cordwood must be kept covered for a year to season it properly.
• Use only small amounts of paper and kindling to start the fire, give it plenty of air, and burn small hot fires.
• Check your chimney periodically to make sure no smoke is visible. If you see smoke, your fire needs more air or your wood may be too wet or green

Burn Responsibly

• Sign up for burn ban alerts
• Know the laws that govern burning with wood. Visit our wood burning and the law webpage to learn more. 
• Observe burn bans. During Stage 1 Burn Bans, it is unlawful to use fireplaces and uncertified wood stoves. Stage 2 Burn Bans prohibit the use of certified wood stoves and pellet stoves in addition to fireplaces and uncertified wood stoves.
• Never burn garbage - it's against the law.
• If you're not sure how to properly and safely operate your wood stove or fireplace, consult a hearth-products dealer.
• For more tips, review our Clean Burning Checklist