King County’s Solid Waste Division prepares to take the rains this fall

September 24, 2020

Summary

Heavy rains are back, and that means workers with King County’s Solid Waste Division are taking steps to protect facilities to keep vital garbage and recycling services running smoothly.

Story

Rain is a fact of life in the Pacific Northwest, and for King County’s Solid Waste Division, the extra time to prepare for wet weather season protects facilities, controls polluted runoff, and preserves access to vital garbage and recycling services for 1.4 million ratepayers.
 
Actions include gutter cleaning, roof inspections and repairs at all eight transfer stations, as well as repairing and replacing water valves and filters. Workers are also installing curbing and sump pumps as needed to prevent flooding and water damage. 

At the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill, workers are hydroseeding hillsides to control erosion and mudslides, and making sure the stormwater and wastewater systems function optimally with higher water volumes. Cleaning containment ponds, setting water levels, clearing lines, replacing filters, and inspecting pumps and electrical panels will help ensure normal operation and avoid overflows and backups. Wastewater crews are also on round-the-clock standby to respond to emergencies.

The public can also take a few simple actions at home to support efficient waste collection and processing, mainly by keeping their recycling empty, clean and dry. Securely close the lids on all outdoor disposal bins, and make sure materials stay out of the rain, especially cardboard and paper, which turn moldy when wet and become useless for the manufacturers of recycled products.

More information about King County’s Solid Waste Division is available online at www.kingcounty.gov/solid-waste or by calling 206-477-4466 or 711 TTY