County dumps disposal site hours
Published 1:39 pm Thursday, December 11, 2008
By Kevin Hanson, The Courier-Herald
Those who use the Enumclaw transfer station, to dispose of garbage or drop off recycling, will have to check the calendar a bit more closely starting next week.
As part of a cost-cutting play, King County will curtail the Enumclaw facility's days and hours of operation, effective April 1.
Currently, the facility at the eastern end of Battersby Avenue is open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. every day. Beginning April 1, however, the gates will be locked Wednesday and Thursday and hours will be dropped to 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. the remaining five days.
King County, which owns and operates a series of solid waste facilities, is reducing hours of operation throughout the county. Hours at other facilities will change by June 1.
According to information provided by the county's Solid Waste Division, the reduction in operating hours stems from a desire to postpone anticipated rate increases. Currently, the county charges a "tipping fee" of $82.50 a ton for garbage disposal. It was thought the rate would be increased in 2005, but with the savings from reduced hours of operation, any increase will be postponed until 2007.
The county claims the new hours will best match the demand for services. Data shows the fewest people using the Enumclaw facility on Wednesday and Thursday.
Anyone with questions about King County's solid waste operation can call 206-296-4466 or (toll free) 1-800-325-6165, ext. 6-4466. Information also is available at www.dnr.metrokc.gov/swd
