Free Wood-Debris Recycling Events Set To Aid Area Storm Recovery

King County Executive Dow Constantine has cleared the way for free disposal of branches, tree limbs and other wood debris left in the wake of recent wind and snow storms.

“We have made it easy for residents to dispose of debris so they can quickly put the storms of last week behind them and move on with life,” said Executive Constantine.

Free wood debris recycling for King County residents will be available on Jan. 28-29, and again on Feb. 4-5 at four locations:

• At Kent’s Russell Road Park, 24400 Russell Rd., Kent. Clean wood debris will be accepted from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.

• The Shoreline, Enumclaw and Cedar Falls solid waste facilities. For directions and hours, visit http://your.kingcounty.gov/solidwaste/index.asp.

“People living in our unincorporated and rural communities are facing numerous challenges in the wake of the wild weather of the last two weeks,” said Metropolitan King County Council Chair Larry Gossett. “This is one way to ease the financial burden that will come with cleaning up the damage to their homes and property.”

"In the aftermath of a major storm, it is important that King County work with citizens who are doing their part to recover,” said Councilmember Reagan Dunn, who represents Southeast King County. “The people who are bringing in debris from the storm are often not just helping themselves; they are also pitching in and helping their neighbors as well. I applaud the decision to help citizens recycling this wood debris."

“Some rural residents in areas with more trees suffered significant hardships in the aftermath of last week’s severe winter storms,” said Councilmember Kathy Lambert, who represents northeast King County. “Much of the damage was not covered by homeowners insurance, but they can take advantage of this opportunity for free disposal of waste wood. Those who incurred storm-related costs and damages also are reminded to report them at www.kingcounty.gov/damage.”

“The recent winter storms downed trees and branches, leaving significant debris in their wake,” said Councilmember Bob Ferguson, who represents North King County. “Waiving the fee for storm-related debris at the Shoreline Transfer Station will assist north end residents who are cleaning up after the storms.”

“There are neighborhoods in Kent littered with tree debris from not only the snow and ice storms of last week, but the high winds that have come through the region this week,” said Councilmember Julia Patterson who represents Kent on the County Council.  “Free recycling for area residents demonstrates a high level of responsiveness from County government following these major storms.”

The collection sites and events are exclusively for wood debris from the recent storms. Stumps, logs and limbs no longer than six feet in length are allowed – no brush, leaves, grass clippings, sod or soil can be accepted. These events are open to all King County residents. People bringing wood debris are reminded to secure their loads.

King County Solid Waste Division Director Kevin Kiernan says residents have several additional storm debris disposal options available, including curbside recycling (yard waste cart) and commercial recycling companies that charge a fee for their service, but may prove to be more convenient for some residents.

Storm debris disposal information is available online at http://your.kingcounty.gov/solidwaste/index.asp, or by calling the recycling hotline at 206-296-4466 or 1-800-325-6165 ext. 64466.