First rate increases in 9 years will help modernize King County’s solid waste transfer stations

For the first time in nine years, King County solid waste rates will increase for the disposal of garbage at transfer stations. Much-needed safety and efficiency improvements to the 40-year-old solid waste handling system are the main drivers of the increased rates, which will still be among the lowest in the region.

The rate increases were unanimously approved earlier this year by the King County Council, and will be in effect from Jan. 1, 2008 through 2010.

"Our system handles more than one million tons of garbage each year and was largely built four decades ago. Most of the facilities are operating at or over capacity," said Kevin Kiernan, King County Solid Waste Division Director. "The county's transfer stations require major improvements to meet the needs of the residential self-haulers, businesses, and garbage collection companies who use them."

Even with the increases, King County's rates will remain among the lowest in the region, and they remain below the level of inflation since the rates were last raised nine years ago.

The average increase for the customer with weekly one-can collection service is estimated to be about 73 cents per month.

The new rates apply to residents of King County, outside of the cities of Seattle and Milton, which are part of separate solid waste handling systems.

Beginning Jan. 1, the minimum fee to dispose of garbage at solid waste transfer stations will increase from $15.50 to $17.25. The per-ton rate will rise from $82.50 per ton to $95 per ton. Adding tax and surcharge, the total cost will be $102.05 per ton.

Haulers that pick up garbage at the curb and take it to county transfer stations will pay the new disposal fees.  Residents with curbside pickup are likely to see an increase in the garbage bill from their hauler to cover the new disposal fees.

Kiernan noted that people can save money on their garbage bill by reducing the number and size of their garbage containers by recycling more. Recycling costs less than disposal.

"Recycling more will save ratepayers money, save resources and save room in the landfill for the waste that really needs to go there," he said. For recycling information, visit www.metrokc.gov/dnrp/swd/garbage-recycling/.

Yard waste disposal rates are also increasing. Beginning Jan. 1, the yard waste disposal fee will rise from $75 per ton to $82.50 per ton. The minimum fee for yard waste disposal will rise from $12.75 to $13.25.

King County operates eight transfer stations, two drop boxes and the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill. One transfer station, First Northeast in Shoreline, is closed for major renovation until early 2008. More information on the Solid Waste Division is available at www.metrokc.gov/dnrp/swd/.