Shorter hours proposed for some King County solid waste stations due to drop in garbage

Since 2007, the King County Solid Waste Division has experienced a 15 percent decrease in the amount of waste brought to its transfer stations for disposal.

That loss of garbage equates to a loss of revenue to operate the solid waste-handling system. To help make up for the reduction in revenue, the division has proposed to change operating hours at the Algona, Bow Lake, Factoria and Renton transfer stations, effective Jan. 2, 2010.

The changes represent about a 10 percent decrease in urban transfer station hours and would result in cost savings of about $600,000 next year. No changes to the operating hours of the other solid waste-handling facilities are proposed at this time.

In recommending these proposed changes, Solid Waste Division Director Kevin Kiernan said staff analyzed system-wide customer activity levels to determine which station hours could be reduced to provide savings while meeting most customers’ needs.

“The Division has cut expenses through unpaid furlough days for some staff, plus across-the-board reductions in our budget,” he said. “However, given the sustained decline in tonnage and revenue, further reductions are needed.”

Kiernan said no changes in service hours have been proposed for Shoreline or the rural facilities, but the Division will continue to look at options that meet customers’ needs while maintaining the financial integrity of the system.

“We will evaluate the need to adjust hours again in the future should tonnage rise or continue to fall,” Kiernan said.

Notice of the proposed hour changes is being provided to host cities, other cities and unincorporated area councils of the affected areas, the labor union representing affected employees, commercial haulers, and the health department. Notice will also be posted at the affected transfer stations.

Proposed changes to transfer station hours: