|
March 25, 2020
Waste facilities temporarily closed: why we made this difficult decision
The Kitsap County Public Works Department is committed to protecting our facility staff, their families, and the residents that use our services. With this in mind, we made the difficult decision to close all county waste facilities to self-haul customers effective March 24, 2020.
We plan to keep these facilities closed during the two-week “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order, and will reevaluate this decision if the Governor shortens or extends the order. We are developing a plan in the event the order extends beyond two weeks. We know we need to provide you with options.
This decision was not made lightly, and we are aware the decision affects residents. Last weekend, we experienced high traffic volumes at our waste facilities, even after the Governor's guidance to practice social distancing. We had to turn people away at some facilities due to the large volumes of bulky wastes (mattresses, couches, etc.) we received.
We made the choice to close immediately instead of delaying. If we had delayed closing by even a day, the surge of traffic we would have experienced before closing would have tested the limits of our available waste capacity. It would have also defied the Governor’s social distancing order.
Curbside waste services will continue as normal. Please monitor your collection provider’s website for updates.
During this closure, we are actively researching disposal options for emergency needs and public health situations. Most people, however, can safely and responsibly managed their waste at home.
We understand your concerns about waste accumulating and have the following recommendations:
- Contact an independent trash removal company that may be able to service your waste needs on a temporary basis. The following companies have responded to our inquiry and are still operating at this time:
-
Trash Transporter LLC – (360) 649- 2435
-
TRS Trash Removal Service – (360) 373-2007
-
1-800-GOT-JUNK – (855) 221-6809
-
College Hunks Hauling Junk – (360) 208-0338
- Keep all waste securely contained inside trash cans or other sturdy plastic totes. You may want to empty totes inside your home to use for this purpose. Keep waste protected from wind and rain.
- If you’re able to start a backyard compost pile, this is a great time to do so. Diapers cannot be composted and need to be kept contained. Our website Composting in Kitsap County provides information and links on how to start a home compost pile. YouTube is another excellent resource for how-to composting video.
- To prevent odors, wash dirty containers and do not throw away food waste. Store unavoidable food waste in your freezer for the time being, if possible.
Thank you for your patience, understanding, and flexibility. This is only temporary, and we will all get through it together.
Contact Information
The Kitsap County Solid Waste Division understands these closures are unprecedented and may cause you stress.
Please submit this form if you have questions related to waste facility closures. Please do not call Kitsap1, they are experiencing greater than normal call volumes and need to be available to help with emergent issues.
We will do our best to respond to your questions within 1 business day. Provide contact information if you want a response.
|
