King County’s Cleanup LIFT discount program connects more people to essential waste disposal services

January 25, 2019 9:30 am

Waste disposal at King County-operated garbage and recycling transfer stations just became more affordable for an estimated 300,000 low-income residents.

King County Solid Waste Division has launched the Cleanup LIFT program, offering discounted fees to qualifying low-income residents who haul their own garbage, recyclables and compostable materials to a King County recycling and solid waste transfer facility.

Self-haul customers who show their ORCA LIFT, EBT, or Medicaid (ProviderOne) card when entering a King County facility will receive a $12 discount off the cost to dispose of garbage, and to recycle yard waste, clean wood, and refrigerators. The discount is good for each type of material, every visit. Residents of Seattle and Milton are not eligible for the discount as these cities are not part of King County’s solid waste system.

“While King County offers competitive disposal fees, we know that low-income customers spend a greater proportion of their paycheck on these types of services,” said King County Solid Waste Division Director Pat McLaughlin. “Providing a discounted rate means these customers can use more of their income on immediate needs, such as food, gas and health care.”

Customers can now recycle non-refrigerant type major appliances at no cost, including stoves, washers, and dryers at King County solid waste facilities, where scrap metal is collected.

King County’s current solid waste rate structure, including the Cleanup LIFT discount, was unanimously adopted by the Metropolitan King County Council and took effect Jan. 1. The minimum fee for self-haulers visiting a King County recycling and solid waste transfer facility increased from $24.25 to $25.25. The typical (one-can) single family curbside customer can expect their monthly bill to increase by about $0.34 per month.

The new rate enables the King County Solid Waste Division to sustain the current recycling and solid waste transfer and disposal system while investing in equipment and infrastructure upgrades, including replacing the outdated Algona Transfer Station with a new recycling and transfer station in south King County.

The new rate will also fund major projects identified in the Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan, including long-term disposal options.

King County operates eight transfer stations, two drop-boxes, the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill, and many programs to help customers recycle. Learn more about the Solid Waste Division at kingcounty.gov/solidwaste.