Hazardous waste events coming to Mattawa, Moses Lake

EPHRATA — Grant County residents who have chemicals and other things that can’t go in the trash will have a chance to get rid of them this month at two hazardous waste collection events. 

The first event will be held Friday, Oct. 24, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Grant County Road District Shop, 24378 Broadway Ave. in Mattawa. The second will be held near Moses Lake on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Grant County Road District No. 2 Shop, 12171 Wheeler Road NE.  

The events last several hours, so residents don’t need to get there early, said Solid Waste Programs Coordinator Joan Sieverkropp. 

“The longer lines are usually earlier in the morning,” Sieverkropp said. “Most people think that it's going to be faster if they come earlier, and that's not usually the case.” 

Collection is free at the events, according to an announcement from the county.  

Hazardous products have labels with words such as “danger,” “caustic,” “flammable” and “poison,” according to the announcement. Examples include oil-based paint, automotive oil, paint thinner, rechargeable batteries, solvents, brake fluid, gasoline, aerosols, spot removers, drain openers, insecticides, pesticides, mercury-containing devices such as thermostats and thermometers, mercury-containing lights, swimming pool chemicals and hobby chemicals. Latex paint is also accepted.  

Items that will not be accepted include propane tanks, lead acid batteries, alkaline batteries, LiFePO4 batteries, Li-ion batteries larger than 300 watts, incandescent bulbs and LED bulbs. Other items not accepted include agricultural waste, commercial waste, explosives, ammunition, asbestos, radioactive material, cylinders, poison gases, refrigerant compressors, empty containers, leaking containers and containers larger than 5 gallons. Fluorescent light tubes should not be secured with tape. 

Products should be brought in original labeled containers if possible and packed to prevent spills during transportation. Gasoline containers will not be returned.  

The collection is only for household waste, Sierverkropp said, and county officials will screen vehicles to make sure no commercial or agricultural waste or other prohibited items are brought in. 

“I have been known to send people on their way because it doesn't meet (the requirements),” she said. 

Once it’s collected, the hazardous waste is turned over to a private contractor, Clean Harbors, for packaging and removal, Sieverkropp said. Depending on the product, it may be incinerated or recycled, but in all cases, it’s removed far from Grant County. None of it goes into local landfills, she said. 

The event is sponsored by Grant County and the Department of Ecology. For more information, call Grant County Solid Waste at 509-754-6082 ext. 3508.  

Hazardous Waste Collections 

Mattawa 

Noon to 3 p.m. Oct. 24 

Grant County Road District Shop 

24378 Broadway Ave. 

Moses Lake 

9 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 25 

Grant County Road District No. 2 Shop 

12171 Wheeler Road NE