Public Works

Public Works Blog

Headed to the MRWF? Secure that load for safe travels!

Posted On: December 11, 2019

Will the chip sealing crew be in your area this summer?

The new Chelan County Moderate Risk Waste Facility opened to the public on Dec. 6.

People will be able to drop off their household hazardous waste – materials such as used motor oil, antifreeze, oil-based paints, pool chemicals, and pesticides and fertilizers – at the year-round facility for safe disposal.

“We are very excited to be opening this much-needed facility,” said Brenda Blanchfield, manager of the Solid Waste program of Chelan County Public Works. “In the past, the county has held one-day collection events once a year. A permanent facility gives people more opportunities to dispose of their household hazardous wastes in a safe and responsible way and helps keep these materials out of our groundwater and rivers and lakes.”

The 5,000-square-foot facility was built on county-owned property at 3612 Highway 97A in Wenatchee. It is open to all Chelan County residents three days a week, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. The facility is free to residents; however, a $10 contribution per trip is appreciated.

If you plan on dropping off material at the facility, remember these tips:

  1. Don't mix products.
  2. Keep products in original containers when possible. Label products not in original containers.
  3. Secure products so they don't tip over or leak.
  4. Containers should be nonleaking and of 5 gallons or less in size.
  5. Transport similar products upright in cardboard boxes for safe, easy unloading.

As a reminder, the MRWF accepts paint thinners, oil-based paint and varnishes. It DOES NOT accept water-based or latex paints. That's because water-based paints can be safely disposed of in your residential garbage can if properly dried. Add a substance such as kitty litter, mulch, sawdust or shredded paper. Let the paint dry -- with the lid off -- to the consistency of oatmeal. Then toss in the garbage.

More information is on the household hazardous waste website.


Older Articles

Will the chip sealing crew be in your area this summer?

Posted On: June 15, 2020

Will the chip sealing crew be in your area this summer?

This year, the county road crew starts chip sealing the week of June 22. Do you know if they'll be on your street?...

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Road crews hit the road with COVID precautions in place

Posted On: June 04, 2020

Road crews hit the road with COVID precautions in place

Chelan County road crews are back on the road in full force after more than two months of working with reduced crew sizes during the governor’s Stay H...

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Code of the West: A reminder that life is different in the country

Posted On: September 06, 2019

Code of the West: A reminder that life is different in the country

The Code of the West was adopted in 2002 by Chelan County commissioners. It is not a formal code, but rather a philosophy or friendly advice for peopl...

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It's always wise to stay off the (wet) lines

Posted On: June 18, 2019


It's always wise to stay off the (wet) lines

Roadway striping plays a valuable role in efforts to keep travelers safe on the roadway. The Traffic Safety crew of Chelan County Public Works re-stri...

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In an emergency, don't let your address delay help from reaching you

Posted On: January 15, 2019

In an emergency, don't let your address delay help from reaching you

Have you ever asked yourself the question: When seconds count, how easily will emergency responders be able to find my home? Learn how your address ma...

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Winter is coming -- it's time to remove any vehicles parked along the roadside

Posted On: November 08, 2018

Winter is coming -- it's time to remove any vehicles parked along the roadside

With Chelan County Public Works now preparing for winter and the inevitable snowfall that will come with it, our road crews are asking residents to re...

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Preserving a piece of Cashmere's history

Posted On: October 22, 2018


Preserving a piece of Cashmere's history

Those people interested in giving the West Cashmere Bridge a new home -- and preserving its history -- have until Jan. 1, 2019, to contact Chelan Coun...

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Need wood chips? Pick them up at the Chelan Transfer Station

Posted On: September 07, 2018

Need wood chips? Pick them up at the Chelan Transfer Station

Free shredded wood chips are available at the Chelan Transfer Station until about early October....

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County to build year-round moderate risk waste facility

Posted On: September 07, 2018

County to build year-round moderate risk waste facility

Chelan County is in the process of opening a facility – called a moderate risk waste facility – that will be open year round to residents in need of s...

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2018 road preservation project revs up

Posted On: May 03, 2018


2018 road preservation project revs up

The 2018 Road Preservation Program is underway throughout Chelan County. Read about the list of roadways in the preservation program this year....

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Chelan County Calendar

Upcoming events and schedules at the county!

  • 10
    Jan 2025
    08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

    Ballots mailed for military, overseas and out of state voters

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    Ballots mailed for Military, Overseas and Out of State voters

  • 08
    Jan 2025
    01:00 PM - 02:00 PM

    Hearing Examiner - January 8, 2025

    Posted by: Community Development

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

    Monthly Drop-Off Saturday

    Posted by: Solid Waste Management

    Drop-off Saturday at the Moderate Risk Waste Facility is Dec. 7.

    Chelan County Moderate Risk Waste Facility
  • 18
    Dec 2024
    06:00 PM - 09:00 PM

    Planning Commission - December 18, 2024

    Posted by: Community Development

    400 Douglas Street
  • 18
    Dec 2024
    01:00 PM - 03:00 PM

    Hearing Examiner - December 18, 2024

    Posted by: Community Development

    By Zoom Video Conference or in person