UPDATE 5/20/20: If you feel you can’t wait any longer to take a trip to the local transfer station, but don’t want to be stuck in a long line, here’s some good news. Transfer Station Web Cams are now live, so you can view traffic prior to your visit!
No, this has nothing to do with the stores being wiped out of toilet paper. A result of nice weather and more time at home due to Governor Inslee’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy order, Clark County transfer stations are seeing an influx of people dropping off garbage and yard debris.
The increase is creating potentially unsafe conditions for customers and staff and leads to longer wait times as staff tries to enforce social distancing guidelines. The guidelines call for people to stay at least 6 feet from others to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“We are seeing double and triple the number of visits to transfer stations compared to this time last year,” said Kim Harless, solid waste operations specialist for Clark County. “We have many options already in place to have items picked up curbside from your home. We want everyone to stay safe, stay healthy and stay home.”
Clark County residents should minimize trips to the recycling and transfer stations unless absolutely necessary. Consider these options to avoid trips to the transfer station and reduce contact with others:
- EXTRA GARBAGE – For an additional fee, extra garbage can be set out on your regular pickup day next to your garbage can, either in a 32-gallon plastic bag or 32-gallon can.
- EXTRA RECYCLING – For no additional cost, extra recycling can be set out on your regular pickup day next to your recycle cart, either in a cardboard box or large paper bag found at hardware stores.
- EXTRA YARD DEBRIS – For an additional fee, extra yard debris pickup is offered in Vancouver, Ridgefield, Washougal, Camas and rural areas of Clark County. Bag extra yard debris in large paper bags found at local hardware stores or mark containers with “yard debris”; no food scraps allowed. Extra yard debris in plastic bags will not be picked up.
- BULKY ITEMS – For an additional fee, furniture, appliances, electronics or tires can be picked up at your curbside. This service is available in Vancouver, Ridgefield, Washougal and rural areas of Clark County. Contact Waste Connections at 360.892.5370 or [email protected] to schedule a bulky waste pickup. One to two weeks advance notice is recommended.
- Camas residents can call the city’s Utility Customer Service line at 360.834.2462 for details on microwave and small furniture pickups.
- Vancouver households within city limits that have active garbage service are eligible for one free appliance pickup per year.
For more information, visit the Clark County Public Health website.
