"We’re proud of this new facility," said Sims. "It’s a modern transfer station that will serve the Vashon-Maury Island community well for years to come. We worked with island residents to ensure the station will meet their needs and complement the island’s natural beauty. We hope island residents will join us on June 26 to celebrate this new public facility."

The opening ceremony for the station will occur from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 26. The transfer/recycling station is located adjacent to the existing landfill at 18900 Westside Highway SW and has the same entrance as the landfill.

Executive Sims and King County Councilmember Greg Nickels will preside over the ribbon-cutting ceremony and offer brief remarks.

The opening ceremony will include station tours, information on waste collection and recycling services, and demonstrations of waste reduction techniques. Light refreshments will be served.

The decision to construct a transfer/recycling facility was made three years ago - it was environmentally and economically the best choice. Project construction began in 1998 and was completed on schedule in May 1999.

From the outset of the project, King County worked with island residents to site and design the new facility. After the existing landfill was selected as the location for the new transfer/recycling station, County staff worked with nearby residents to design a facility that fit into the surrounding rural community.

One percent of the total project cost was dedicated to public artwork around the station. Decorative metal panels portraying images of birds, sea life, and plants surround the recycling portals on the west side of the transfer building. The King County Arts Commission selected the artists with input from the island community.

To learn more, please contact John Komorita, Project Manager, at (206) 296-4426, or

1-800-833-6388 (TTY Relay). The facility is accessible to people with physical disabilities. For special needs on June 26, please contact Julia Bassett, in advance, at (206) 296-0466.