What is the Solid Waste Division?

The Solid Waste Division is responsible for collecting and disposing of Skamania County’s municipal solid waste (MSW) (garbage), recyclables, and educating the public about waste reduction and household hazardous waste (HHW). The Solid Waste Division collects MSW and recyclables at the County’s three transfer stations, which are located in the west, central, and east parts of the county. Below are the locations, hours of operation, disposal rates and contact numbers for the transfer stations. The Solid Waste Division, coupled with the Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE), is trying to reduce the amount of MSW generated throughout the County. This is being accomplished through waste reduction education at our local schools and informational literature available at all County Transfer Facilities.  To find further information regarding waste reduction/recycling please see Recycling. For information about Household Hazardous Waste see our pamphlet.

RATES

County Rates Brochure

TO RECYCLE IT’S FREE

Why should I recycle?

Recycling offers a host of environmental, economic, and social benefits. The key benefits to recycling are it saves our natural resources and is economical feasible. For instance creating aluminum cans from recycled aluminum is far less costly than manufacturing new cans from raw materials. 

What materials can I recycle at Skamania County Transfer Sites?

All of Skamania County Transfer Sites will accept paper products, plastic bottles, tin cans, aluminum cans, glass, motor oil, and antifreeze. 

Can I recycle my cell phone?

Wireless phones contain a number of toxic materials and should be reused or recycled. There are several places available that will take your old cell phone. www.wirelessrecycling.com website will locate the nearest location for you to drop off your cell phone. 

Where can I recycle my computer and other electronics?

Throughout the Portland area, you can find several locations to drop off your old computers, printers, and other electronics for reuse and recycling. The www.eiae.org is a great website for information about recycling and reuse opportunities for used electronics where you can locate businesses to reuse or recycle your electronic equipment.  

What can I do with packing materials?

Many packing, shipping, and moving stores will take your used packing peanuts. A search for stores in the yellow pages or online under packaging or shipping should give you several locations where you can drop off your packing peanuts. At this time it is not cost effective to recycle those rigid foam blocks, though future research may change this.

Where can I recycle batteries?

Many retailers will take old auto batteries and rechargeable batteries. A great website to find a location near you to recycle batteries is www.rbrc.org. 

What do I do with unwanted household goods?

Unwanted household items such as small appliances, kitchen items, toys, books, and clothing can have a life again. Many charities and thrift shops will take your unwanted items and will resale or recycle them.

What else can I do to support the reuse and recycle program?