Burdened by branches?
Kitsap, Pierce county agencies offer options for disposal

 

Feb. 13, 2006 –The recent spate of windy weather downed trees and flung branches, leaving many Puget Sound area residents with a heap of debris. What to do with the mess? Burning it all may seem like an efficient solution – but in fact state law prohibits outdoor fires in urbanized areas; in other areas, burning is subject to additional local restrictions. Plus, with its high levels of particulate matter and toxic carcinogens, smoke from burning fallen limbs and yard waste negatively impacts air quality – and your health. Consider instead these affordable, air-friendly options available in Kitsap and Pierce counties and make the healthier choice for you, your family, and your neighbors.

In King County:

• Rainier Wood Recyclers is offering free wood recycling at its Auburn facility from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 4th. Homeowners can drop off storm debris by the pick-up truckload or small trailer for no charge. Commercial trucks are not eligible for this offer. Location: 32300 148th Avenue SE, Auburn. Tel: (253) 333-1106.

In Kitsap County:

• North Mason Fiber Company is offering a reduced rate for the collection of blown-down branches. From now through February 28th, you can drop off any size load for just $5. For details on this offer, visit Kitsap County Public Works.
• Bainbridge Disposal will offer free drop-off of storm debris and other yard waste at their spring yard waste amnesty collection event on March 25 and 26. For more information, contact Bainbridge Disposal at 206-842-4882.

In Pierce County:

• The Nisqually Indian Tribe and the South Puget Sound Salmon Enhancement Group need your fallen conifers! They are working on a salmon restoration project in the Mashel River near Eatonville, which involves constructing 11 large, woody debris jams. The log jams will provide deep pools and cover for Chinook, coho, steelhead and pink salmon. If you have conifer trees that have fallen and are at least 20 feet long and 24 inches in diameter with roots attached, they could be used for this project. Project partners can arrange transportation and other details. For more information, contact:

Florian Leischner	Debby Hyde
Salmon Restoration Biologist	Salmon Recover/Habitat Protection
Nisqually Indian Tribe	and Restoration Program
Tel: 360-438-8687	Tel: 253-798-7110
	Email: dhyde@co.pierce.wa.us

• Pierce County Department of Public Works and Utilities. Regular yard waste/debris program provides residents with free composting for 1 cubic yard of debris per business day, with additional cubic yards accepted for a subsidized rate of $7 per yard.
  For more information, www.piercecountywa.org/recycle .

Additional resources:

Air quality and health effects of outdoor burning, visit http://www.pscleanair.org/actions/smoke.aspx

Regulations and facts on outdoor burning: http://www.pscleanair.org/actions/outdoorfires/law.aspx