Public Works
Public Works Blog
Headed to the MRWF? Secure that load for safe travels!
Posted On: December 11, 2019
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:
- Don't mix products.
- Keep products in original containers when possible. Label products not in original containers.
- Secure products so they don't tip over or leak.
- Containers should be nonleaking and of 5 gallons or less in size.
- 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.
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