SOLID WASTE:
The Solid Waste Division of Public Works is responsible for several program areas encompassing waste prevention, economically efficient recycling and disposal systems, litter control, hazardous waste education and disposal opportunities. This division of two staff achieves these goals through the administration of several Washington Department of Ecology (DOE) grants and contracts with other agencies.
Solid Waste Management Plan
Now Available
More About What We Do
The Solid Waste Division of Public Works is responsible for several program areas encompassing waste disposal, recycling services, waste reduction and recycling education, hazardous waste education and disposal opportunities as well as providing support for the Solid Waste Advisory Committee. The division achieves these goals through tipping fees and a grant through the Department of Ecology (DOE).
Funding
The Solid Waste Division is funded by tipping fees at the Grant County Landfill and the drop box sites. The two-year Coordinated Prevention Grant from the Department of Ecology (DOE) provides funding for plan updates, recycling and hazardous waste programs. Budget decisions are made by the Public Works Director and the Grant County Commissioners.
Disposal of Solid Waste
Grant County operates the Grant County Landfill near Ephrata and thirteen drop box sites throughout the County. The current landfill near Ephrata is a modern landfill that was expanded in 2003 to a lined facility with a leachate collection system. Waste that is delivered to the drop box sites by Grant County residents is then transported to the landfill by truck.
Public Education
A large part of Grant County Solid Waste’s programs is education. Solid Waste staff provides brochures, classroom presentations, a recycling hotline to the public for alternative and safe disposal of the waste types, a twice-yearly newsletter which is distributed to teachers, and informational booths at farmers’ markets.
Recycling Opportunities
Grant County Solid Waste provides recycling opportunities at the Grant County Landfill and most drop box sites. Materials that can be recycled at no charge at the landfill include: used motor oil, antifreeze, automotive batteries, newspaper, aluminum cans, and cardboard. Most of the drop box sites have various levels of recycling opportunities. Scrap metal and appliances may also be recycled at all solid waste sites for a fee. Refrigerators do not need to be decommissioned before arriving at a solid waste site.
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events
Grant County Solid Waste offers Household Hazardous Waste Collection events two or three times a year. These events are held on Saturdays and are for household generated waste only. The first event is held in Moses Lake during May. The second event is held in Ephrata during September. Depending on funding, a third event is held in October. Because funding for these events is provided through a grant from the Department of Ecology and Grant County Solid Waste tipping fees, there is no additional cost to participate.
What to Bring
- Pesticides
- Oil-based paints
- Toxic cleaning products
- Fluorescent light bulbs
- Hobby chemicals
- Thinners and Solvents
- Automotive products (contaminated
used motor oil, gasoline, antifreeze, brake fluid)
- Aerosols
- Products that contain Mercury (thermostats, mercury thermometers)
- Glues and adhesives
- Rechargeable Batteries
Please Do Not Bring
- Business, agency, or apartment maintenance waste
(Call 509-754-6082 for disposal information)
- Medical Wastes
- Empty containers of any type
- Explosives (like bullets, fireworks)
- Radioactive Materials like smoke detectors
- Automotive Batteries
- Uncontaminated used motor oil
- Propane Tanks
- Latex Paint (once dried out this
may be put into the garbage if paint lid is removed)
- Any other household wastes (like tires, appliances, garbage, etc.)
- Electronic Waste (call 509-754-6082 for disposal information)
For everyone’s safety, please:
- Don’t mix products.
- Keep products in original containers.
- Label products not in original containers.
- Secure products so they won’t leak.
- Store products away from the passenger compartment of your vehicle and keep them separate from items you wish to retain.
- Stay in your vehicle during unloading.
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