Solid waste disposal options for Spokane County Published Jan. 31, 2008 By Diane Wulf 92nd Civil Engineer Squadron FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Individuals residing in Spokane County have several options for disposal of solid waste. The Spokane Regional Solid Waste System is the primary source for solid waste disposal in the county. The system's main facility is located just minutes from Fairchild at 2900 S. Geiger Blvd., where the Waste to Energy facility is operated. This facility accepts municipal solid waste from all locations within Spokane County and burns trash 24 hours a day, recovering energy in the form of electricity. Not only does this facility accept trash, individuals can also bring yard waste, recycled materials, and household hazardous waste and materials to the facility. The system also operates two transfer stations that offer the same services. One is the North County Recycling Center/Transfer Station located at N. 22123 Elk-Chattaroy Road and the other is the Valley Recycling Center/Transfer Station located at 3941 N. Sullivan Road The system hours of operation vary as follows: - Oct. 1 - March 31, all facilities are open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. - April 1 - Sept. 30, all facilities extend their hours to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. The Valley facility is also open till 7 p.m. on Thursdays. The system accepts the following materials from residential users: - A wide variety of recycled materials are accepted at each facility's recycling drop-off areas at no charge. - Household hazardous waste, which includes any household item that would be considered dangerous or hazardous, is accepted at no charge. Container size must not exceed five gallons. - Yard debris and compostable materials such as leaves, grass clippings, bark, pine needles, etc. are accepted. From Oct. 1 - March 31, the first 100 pounds of yard debris is free, with quantities over 100 pounds charged 35 cents per 20 pounds. From April 1 - Sept. 30, rates vary based on time of day and quantity dropped off. - Trash is accepted at a disposal cost of $98 per ton with 140 pound minimum charge of $7.00. More detailed information about locations, times, acceptable material, etc. can be found on the system's website at http://www.solidwaste.org or by calling 625-6800. There are also facilities near Fairchild that accept inert waste only. The Recycling and Disposal Facility is located adjacent to the base at 1820 S. Graham Road. Materials accepted at the landfill include only certain segregated recyclable materials, such as wood, metal, concrete, and asphalt, certain wood products, stumps, inert materials, construction and demolition debris, asbestos, tires, and other special wastes. They do not accept typical household trash or yard debris. The facility is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the exception of certain holidays. Fees for the acceptable materials vary. Additional information about this facility can be found at: http://www.wmnorthwest.com/landfill/landfillcities/grahamroad.html or by calling 244-0151. Busy Bee Landfill and Wood Recycling is located at 14910 W. Craig Road. Materials accepted at the landfill include items such as concrete, asphalt, glass, metal, non-contaminated dirt or rock, lumber, pallets, brush, stumps, and clean green. They do not accept typical household trash. The facility is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fees for the acceptable materials vary. Additional information about this facility can be obtained by calling 244-5049.
