2019 Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan continues its approval process  

Following approval from the King County Council on April 24, the King County Solid Waste Division transmitted its amended 2019 Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan (2019 Plan) to its 37 partnering cities (all except Seattle and Milton) on May 20. Cities have until September 16 to take action on the 2019 Plan. To date, 19 cities have approved the plan, with another six cities slated to take action in the near future.   

Final adoption requires approval by cities representing three-quarters of the total population of the cities that act on the 2019 Plan. If ratified by the cities, the 2019 Plan would then be sent to the Department of Ecology, which will have 45 days to review and approve it. Final Ecology approval is expected in October 2019.

The 2019 Plan ensures King County will continue to be able to provide forward-thinking, environmentally responsible and cost effective garbage disposal for years to come. It also guides future capital improvement projects that will modernize the County’s transfer system, as well as waste prevention and recycling programs that continue the County’s leadership in these areas.    

The addition of King County Council amendments to the 2019 Plan help reaffirm the Solid Waste Division’s commitment to being good neighbors, following best practices, and meeting and exceeding regulatory requirements.

For more information about the 2019 Plan, visit https://kingcounty.gov/solid-waste-comp-plan. 

Developing alternatives to maximize capacity at the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill 

The Solid Waste Division is developing alternatives to maximize the capacity of the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill to meet the county's disposal needs as recommended in the King County Council approved 2019 Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan.

From July 25-August 26, the Solid Waste Division asked the public to provide input on what to study in an environmental impact statement for proposed future development at the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill in Maple Valley.

After review and consideration of the scoping comments, King County will prepare a draft EIS that will cover aspects of the built and natural environment, including air, water, plants and wildlife, environmental health, and transportation, among other issues. The draft EIS is expected to be issued for public review and comment in fall 2020.

Stay up to date on the project by visiting the project webpage: www.kingcounty.gov/cedar-hills-development.

Eligible customers save money with Cleanup LIFT

Since the program began on Jan. 1, 2019, more than 2,000 Solid Waste Division customers have taken advantage of the Cleanup LIFT discount. This program makes it more affordable for low-income customers to dispose of materials at King County’s recycling and garbage transfer facilities. To receive the discount, customers just have to show their ProviderOne, EBT or ORCA LIFT card when entering a facility.

Eligible customers receive $12 off the cost to dispose of garbage, refrigerant-type appliances, yard waste and clean wood. The discount is good for each type of material, every visit.

The discount is only available to King County residents who live outside the cities of Seattle and Milton, which are part of separate solid waste systems. 

For more information, visit https://kingcounty.gov/cleanup-lift.

Find out where it goes with “What do I do with…?” website

Ever wonder “What do I do with...this?” Is it recyclable or garbage? Can I donate it or bring it to a takeback location? Finding the answer to that question is easy with the Solid Waste Division’s “What do I do with…?” website.

Simply visit the site, type in the material you’re curious about, and find out where it goes. This services helps residents find alternative options for certain materials so they can be either reused or recycled instead of being sent to the landfill for disposal.

Visit the site here: www.kingcounty.gov/what-do-i-do-with

Give your items a second life at repair events

King County residents can bring in their small household items (lamps, vacuums, chairs, whatever's broken!), including clothing, and our experienced "fixers" will try to repair and mend them.

These repair events are held March through October throughout the county, and the schedule can be found at www.kingcounty.gov/repair-events

Although you are encouraged to call or write in advance to discuss your repair, all these King County repair events are first-come, first-served, with no appointments or set times.

Wastemobile Offers Convenient Household Hazardous Waste Disposal

King County residents have a safe and convenient opportunity to dispose of household hazardous materials in the form of the Wastemobile. Created in 1989, the Wastemobile is the first traveling hazardous waste collection program in the nation. It is operated by the Hazardous Waste Management Program and goes throughout the county from later winter into fall. The Wastemobile is funded through a charge on your utility bills—this means you won’t be charged a fee when you come to drop off your materials.

Residents help protect the environment and public health by safely disposing of the hazardous materials and keeping them out of drains and landfills. Since first hitting the road, the Wastemobile has collected more than 17,000 tons of hazardous household waste from nearly 500,000 customers.

The Wastemobile also provides free reusable products to the public, such as oil-based paint, stain and primer, plus wood care and cleaning products. These products are subject to availability, and residents must sign a release form prior to receiving the materials.

Visit Guiltfreekc.org to see the Wastemobile’s upcoming schedule.

Household hazardous waste disposal is also available at the Factoria Recycling and Transfer Station in Bellevue on Tuesday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.