Public Works

Public Works Blog

Headed to the MRWF? Secure that load for safe travels!

Posted On: December 11, 2019

Free mulch available at Chelan Transfer Station

The new Chelan County Moderate Risk Waste Facility opened to the public on Dec. 6.

People will be able to drop off their household hazardous waste – materials such as used motor oil, antifreeze, oil-based paints, pool chemicals, and pesticides and fertilizers – at the year-round facility for safe disposal.

“We are very excited to be opening this much-needed facility,” said Brenda Blanchfield, manager of the Solid Waste program of Chelan County Public Works. “In the past, the county has held one-day collection events once a year. A permanent facility gives people more opportunities to dispose of their household hazardous wastes in a safe and responsible way and helps keep these materials out of our groundwater and rivers and lakes.”

The 5,000-square-foot facility was built on county-owned property at 3612 Highway 97A in Wenatchee. It is open to all Chelan County residents three days a week, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. The facility is free to residents; however, a $10 contribution per trip is appreciated.

If you plan on dropping off material at the facility, remember these tips:

  1. Don't mix products.
  2. Keep products in original containers when possible. Label products not in original containers.
  3. Secure products so they don't tip over or leak.
  4. Containers should be nonleaking and of 5 gallons or less in size.
  5. Transport similar products upright in cardboard boxes for safe, easy unloading.

As a reminder, the MRWF accepts paint thinners, oil-based paint and varnishes. It DOES NOT accept water-based or latex paints. That's because water-based paints can be safely disposed of in your residential garbage can if properly dried. Add a substance such as kitty litter, mulch, sawdust or shredded paper. Let the paint dry -- with the lid off -- to the consistency of oatmeal. Then toss in the garbage.

More information is on the household hazardous waste website.


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Chelan County Calendar

Upcoming events and schedules at the county!

  • 10
    Dec 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 December 10, 2025

    Chelan County Commissioners Office, CM Conference Room 1
  • 06
    Dec 2025
    09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

    Monthly Drop-Off Saturday - Dec. 6, 2025

    Posted by: Solid Waste Management

    Drop-off Saturday at the Moderate Risk Waste Facility is Dec. 6.

    Chelan County Moderate Risk Waste Facility