Special Waste

Asbestos

The National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP, 40 CFR Part 61) are the regulation governing the handling, transportation and disposal of asbestos and asbestos containing materials.  The Washington State Department of Ecology regulates air quality issues regarding asbestos and the State Department of Labor and Industry (L&I) addresses worker-related concerns.

For Kittitas County specific information on Asbestos disposal, contact Waste Management at (509) 925-9688 or the Wenatchee Landfill at (509) 884-2802 to schedule disposal.

Electronics

For information on recycling computers check out the E-Cycle Washington Website.
Read about the program here: E-Cycle Washington Program Flyer .

Demolition Debris

What is demolition waste?

Demolition waste means solid waste, largely inert waste, resulting from the demolition or razing of buildings, roads and other man-made structures. Demolition waste consists of, but is not limited to, concrete, brick, bituminous concrete, wood and masonry, composition roofing and roofing paper, steel, and small amounts of other metals like copper. Other than wood, any other material that is likely to produce gases or a leachate during decomposition. Asbestos wastes ARE NOT considered to be demolition waste.

Contractors and Commercial Haulers

Contractors and commercial haulers with pre-existing accounts have two choices for disposal for demolition debris:

1. Directly to the demolition disposal area at the Ryegrass Landfill for a fee of $9.00 per yard (must have established account with Kittitas County Solid Waste Programs), or
2. Delivery to the Ellensburg or Cle Elum Transfer Stations.

General Public Self Haul

Residents of Kittitas County may bring demolition debris to either the Ellensburg or Cle Elum Transfer Stations.

Note: For these fees to be in effect, all demolition debris must be kept separate from other garbage, yard waste, etc.

Safe Syringe Disposal

It's dangerous to throw loose needles into the trash. They will shatter under pressure and could expose waste collectors to germs such as Hepatitis B. Below are ways to properly dispose of used syringes in Kittitas County.

• STICKER Label an empty plastic bottle or milk jug with the warning – 'BIOHAZARD' using either a pre-made warning sticker, one that you make, or contact the Kittitas County Solid Waste Office for a Biohazard Sticker.
• STORE Carefully put each of your used syringes into a plastic bottle.
• SEAL Screw the cap back on tightly or put tape over the closed bottle cap when the bottle is full. Now your syringes are contained in a container that protects people from needle sticks and is unlikely to break open on its way to the landfill.
• SAFE DISPOSAL Dispose of the filled bottle at the Kittitas County Solid Waste Office or check with your local pharmacy for disposal options.

Find Local Pharmacy
Find a pharmacy participating in a needle return program. Get a commercial "sharps" container, and bring it back to the pharmacist when it is filled.

For a brochure and biohazard stickers, contact the Solid Waste Programs office.

Syringe Disposal Flyer

Liquid Wastes

Liquid waste (septage) is accepted by the County from septage pumping firms for disposal in County owned and operated liquid waste evaporation lagoons.

Mercury

Mercury can be found in, but is not limited to, old mercury switches from automobiles, thermometers and electronic equipment.

Mercury affects the nervous system impairing the way we hear, talk, see, walk, feel and think. A very small amount of mercury can do significant damage.

Petroleum Contaminated Soil

Soil contaminated by petroleum products through a spill or dumping is generally disposed of through a contractor permitted to recycle or dispose of such soil; however, for small spills of petroleum products, other options may apply.

For specific questions about special waste disposal, please contact the Solid Waste Programs office.