King County to Increase Disposal Fees

For the first time in nine years, King County, Wash., has announced solid waste rates will increase for the disposal of garbage at transfer stations.

Much needed safety and efficiency improvements to the 40-year-old solid waste handling system are the main drivers of the increased rates.

The rate increases were unanimously approved earlier this year by the King County Council, and will be in effect from Jan. 1, 2008 through 2010.

“Our system handles more than 1 million tons of garbage each year and was largely built four decades ago. Most of the facilities are operating at or over capacity,” says Kevin Kiernan, King County Solid Waste Division Director. “The county’s transfer stations require major improvements to meet the needs of the residential self-haulers, businesses and garbage collection companies who use them.”

 Even with the increases, King County’s rates will remain among the lowest in the region, and they remain below the level of inflation since the rates were last raised nine years ago.

The average increase for the customer with weekly one-can collection service is estimated to be about $0.73 cents per month.

The new rates apply to residents of King County, outside of the cities of Seattle and Milton, which are part of separate solid waste handling systems.

Yard waste disposal rates are also increasing. Beginning Jan. 1, the yard waste disposal fee will rise from $75 per ton to $82.50 per ton. The minimum fee for yard waste disposal will rise from $12.75 to $13.25.

King County operates eight transfer stations, two drop boxes and the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill. One transfer station, First Northeast in Shoreline, is closed for renovation until early 2008.

More information is available at www.metrokc.gov/dnrp/swd.