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MRWF recycles, disposes of 76.4 tons of household hazardous wastes in 2024

The Chelan County Moderate Risk Waste Facility continues to see growth in the amount of household hazardous waste it is safely disposing of or recycling.

In 2024, the facility squeaked out a new record, taking in 76.4 tons of household hazardous waste. In 2023, the facility took in more than 74.3 tons.

The facility welcomed 2,190 visitors last year, for an average of 70 pounds of waste dropped off per household.

Opened in December 2019, the 5,000-square-foot facility was built with a mix of state, county and city monies. The year-round facility serves as a drop-off location for citizens with household hazardous wastes such as latex and oil-based paints, antifreeze, gas, common cleaners, lawn and garden pesticides, motor oil and paint thinners and spray paints. The waste is packaged for shipment at the facility, and a contractor hauls the material away for safe recycling or disposal.

Annual tracking shows that latex paint, which the facility started collecting in 2022 when it joined Washington’s statewide paint recycling program, is by far the most popular waste dropped off at the facility, with 54,494 pounds collected last year.

Much of the material brought into the facility is flammable or toxic, including:

  • 27,000 pounds of used oil
  • 12,297 pounds of oil-based paints
  • 9,849 pounds of toxic flammable liquids (liquid pesticides, automotive fluids, linseed oil)
  • 9,257 pounds of paint-related flammable liquids (paint thinners, for example)
  • 8,800 pounds of flammable liquids (gas, diesel and kerosene)
  • 8,330 pounds of antifreeze

The majority of the material collected is recycled, as opposed to being used as an energy resource or incinerated. In 2024, 69 percent of the material was recycled, compared to 38 percent in 2020. Last year, 22 percent was used as an energy resource and only 5 percent was incinerated.

About 4 percent of the material dropped off is only partially used and in good, clean condition. It is placed on a free reuse cart. People are encouraged to take a look through the cart, which includes everything from spray paint to motor oil to household pesticides, and take something home to use.

The facility is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday as well as the first Saturday of every month. When visiting the facility at 3612 Highway 97A, bring something showing you are a Chelan County resident, such as a driver’s license or utility bill.

A list of household hazardous wastes that are accepted is on our website. The facility accepts only residential waste.

Last Updated: 02/02/2025 10:58 AM

Chelan County Calendar

Upcoming events and schedules at the county!

  • 05
    Mar 2025
    09:00 AM - 10:00 AM

    Hearing Examiner - March 5, 2025

    Posted by: Community Development

    By Zoom Video Conference or in person at 400 Douglas St.
  • 01
    Mar 2025
    09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

    Monthly Drop-Off Saturday - March 1, 2025

    Posted by: Solid Waste Management

    Drop-off Saturday at the Moderate Risk Waste Facility is March 1.

    Chelan County Moderate Risk Waste Facility
  • 21
    Feb 2025
    01:30 PM - 02:00 PM

    Public Meeting: Certify Election

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    The Canvassing Board of Chelan County, pursuant to RCW 29A.60.160, will hold public meetings at the dates and times listed below. The meetings of the Canvassing Board are open, public meetings under the applicable provisions of chapter 42.30 RCW, and each meeting shall be continued until the activity for which the meeting is held has been completed.

    Chelan County Auditor’s Office
  • 21
    Feb 2025
    09:30 AM - 10:30 AM

    Public Meeting: Public Canvassing Board Meetings

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    The Canvassing Board of Chelan County, pursuant to RCW 29A.60.160, will hold public meetings at the dates and times listed below. The meetings of the Canvassing Board are open, public meetings under the applicable provisions of chapter 42.30 RCW, and each meeting shall be continued until the activity for which the meeting is held has been completed.

    Chelan County Auditor’s Office
  • 19
    Feb 2025
    09:30 AM - 10:30 AM

    Public Meeting: Public Canvassing Board Meetings

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    The Canvassing Board of Chelan County, pursuant to RCW 29A.60.160, will hold public meetings at the dates and times listed below. The meetings of the Canvassing Board are open, public meetings under the applicable provisions of chapter 42.30 RCW, and each meeting shall be continued until the activity for which the meeting is held has been completed.

    Chelan County Auditor’s Office