King County Department of Natural Resources Solid Waste Division customers are being notified this week that the second half of a two-step rate increase will be implemented January 1, 1999. The King County Council unanimously approved a four-year rate package in January 1997 after it was shown that inflation had driven up Solid Waste Division costs by 15% since the previous rate increase in 1992.

The Solid Waste Division sent letters to garbage haulers and cities to remind them of the planned increase. The basic fee to dispose of garbage at King County Solid Waste Division facilities will be $82.50 compared to the current $74.25 per ton. The minimum entry fee will be $15.25 (including surcharge and tax) compared to the current $13.00. The one-can rate for residential customers will increase about 60 cent per month. This estimate does not include additional fees that may need to be charged by residents’ garbage haulers or cities for collection service.

"We’ve cut costs and improved efficiency while still providing the same high quality service our customers have requested and have come to expect," said Solid Waste Division Manager Rod Hansen. "By working smarter, we are able to keep King County solid waste rates a bargain in the region."

Even with the new rates, by the year 2000, King County’s solid waste disposal rate will be $1.50 per ton less than the rate of inflation since 1992.

The Division processed approximately 875,000 tons of solid waste in 1997. It operates the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill, seven transfer stations, and two drop boxes and monitors eight closed landfills for environmental and human safety. The Division also provides comprehensive recycling and waste reduction services to its residential and business customers as a way to preserve landfill space, conserve natural resources and protect the environment.

More information about services and programs are on the Solid Waste Division Web site: www.metrokc.gov/dnr/swd/index.htm or by calling the King County Recycling Information Line at (206) 296-4466 (Voice) or 1-800-833-6388 (TTY Relay).

Updated: September 4, 1998