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Leavenworth drop-off brush site permanently closed

The county-operated, drop-off brush site in Leavenworth will not re-open this spring; it is closed permanently, Chelan County Public Works announced.

The public brush site has seen decreasing participation in the last couple years, going from annually collecting more than 1,500 cubic yards to collecting 458 cubic yards in 2024, said Eric Pierson, Chelan County Public Works director and county engineer.

“Our only goal with the site was to break even, but the low participation means revenues are not covering costs, including hauling and staff time,” Pierson said. “To cover our costs, we would have to raise the fee to over $150 a drop-off. And that is not reasonable. The good news is the community has a viable option at the nearby compost facility in Winton, which may account for the drop in participation at the county site.”

The Leavenworth brush site, located at the intersection of Icicle and East Leavenworth roads, was opened in 2017 to service residents living in the apple maggot quarantine zone of Chelan County, which includes Leavenworth, Plain and Lake Wenatchee. At that time, there were no private compost businesses servicing the area.

Residents living in the quarantine area are reminded that state law prohibits brush to leave a quarantine zone. The Dryden Transfer Station is located in a pest-free area; it does not accept yard waste from the quarantine area.

For those people living in the quarantine zone, Winton MFG Compost Works, 17400 Winton Road, is open most days of the week. See the business’ website for hours and fees. People living in the Leavenworth city limits also have the option of using the city’s recycling center.

People living outside the quarantine zone can bring their yard waste to the brush yards at the Dryden and Chelan transfer stations. The Chelan facility is currently open for brush drop-off; the Dryden facility will be open for brush drop-off in April.

For information about where to take your yard debris, visit the Chelan County Solid Waste website.

Last Updated: 04/14/2025 08:45 AM

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  • 13
    Aug 2025
    09:30 AM - 10:30 AM

    Public Meeting: Public Canvassing Board Meetings

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    The Canvassing Board of Chelan County, pursuant to RCW 29A.60.160, will hold public meetings at the dates and times listed below. The meetings of the Canvassing Board are open, public meetings under the applicable provisions of chapter 42.30 RCW, and each meeting shall be continued until the activity for which the meeting is held has been completed.

    Chelan County Auditor’s Office
  • 13
    Aug 2025
    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

    Chelan County Civil Service Commission

    Posted by: Human Resources

    The Chelan County Civil Service Commission will be meeting on August 13, 2025.

    Chelan County Commissioners Office, CM Conference Room 1
  • 08
    Aug 2025
    09:30 AM - 10:30 AM

    Public Meeting: Public Canvassing Board Meetings

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    The Canvassing Board of Chelan County, pursuant to RCW 29A.60.160, will hold public meetings at the dates and times listed below. The meetings of the Canvassing Board are open, public meetings under the applicable provisions of chapter 42.30 RCW, and each meeting shall be continued until the activity for which the meeting is held has been completed.

    Chelan County Auditor’s Office
  • 05
    Aug 2025
    09:00 AM - 08:00 PM

    Election Day

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    Election Day

    Please see Ballot Drop Locations
  • 02
    Aug 2025
    09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

    Monthly Drop-Off Saturday - Aug. 2, 2025

    Posted by: Solid Waste Management

    Drop-off Saturday at the Moderate Risk Waste Facility is Aug. 2.

    Chelan County Moderate Risk Waste Facility