Washington County Offering Assistance with Auto Disposal

Getting rid of junk cars that create neighborhood eyesores is easier said than done, especially when it costs money.

That's why the county is offering to help.

In a pilot program that will last at least until the end of the year, residents of Thurston, Wash., can buy $40 coupons to have junk vehicles towed away and recycled. The county will pay the difference.

"It's to clean up the county most of all," said Michelle Andrews, an environmental educator with the county's Water and Waste Management department.

Improving enforcement of junk vehicle laws has been a focus of county officials, particularly Commissioner Kevin O'Sullivan, during the past two years, Andrews said.

In 2001, the county tracked -- mostly through complaints by residents --about 2,000 junk cars littering neighborhoods.

Since then, the county's hulk vehicle code has been tightened and an enforcement officer has been added, and now the county is offering to help pay for removal.

The money will come from operating reserves in the Waste Management department, she said.

The program is open only to Thurston County residents with hulk vehicles that are on property within the county.

Vehicles must meet the definition of a hulk vehicle, which includes having two or more conditions such as a damaged frame, buildup of moss or debris, shattered windows, inoperable engines, missing parts and flat tires.

"This is strictly for junk vehicles worth nothing," Andrews said. Olympian