King County Council approves Sims’ proposal to waive disposal fees for flood-damaged items

County solid waste facilities won't charge for residents' flood debris, Dec. 13-16

The King County Council today approved Executive Ron Sims' proposal to waive disposal fees at solid waste handling facilities Dec. 13-16 for county residents with flood-damaged debris.

The free disposal of flood-damaged items applies to residents of King County outside of the cities of Seattle and Milton, which are not part of the King County solid waste handling system.

A "Pineapple Express" rainstorm dumped several inches of rain onto King County Dec. 2-3, creating moderate flooding in some river basins with significant flooding in several small stream basins. While King County's flood-prevention system operated as designed, high water volumes led to localized flooding in several parts of the county.

To qualify for the free disposal offer, King County residents need to provide acceptable proof of residence such as a current utility bill or other piece of mail containing the resident's current address. The program is for King County residents with flood-related debris only. Businesses will continue to be charged regular disposal fees.

Only flood-related debris will be disposed at no charge; split loads of mixed flood-related debris and regular solid waste will be charged at the regular solid waste disposal rate. Loads will be inspected by Solid Waste Division staff, who have the right to limit quantities disposed without charge.

Standard waste acceptance rules will apply (for example, computers, monitors, TVs and cell phones are not accepted at transfer stations) and all loads would need to be properly secured; unsecured loads will be subject to extra fees.