Nailing It Down
By Dave Murnen and Pat Beaty
We still have spring cleaning on our mind and hope you do, too.
Before we give you some ideas for inside chores, we thought we would talk about a few more places that may take what you don’t want.
In last week’s column, we mentioned the Goodwill, the Union Gospel Mission and Habitat for Humanity — local charities that each want a different mix of what you might need to cast off.
In addition, we mentioned Aberdeen Thrift City, a business that also accepts donations.
But sometimes it seems like nobody wants what you need to throw away — not even the dump! That’s why we want to remind you about the Stafford Creek Landfill.
STAFFORD CREEK LANDFILL
For yard or construction waste, the Stafford Creek Landfill, off the Westport highway, to is an option you should consider.
Located next to the Stafford Creek Prison off State Route 105 between Aberdeen and Westport, the facility is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
This is a wood-based landfill, where you pay to get rid of heavy yard waste, dirt, trees, stumps, composition roofing, shake roofing, and demolition materials including concrete, lumber and asphalt. The price varies based on the material and the volume per cubic yard (3 feet by 3 feet by 3 feet — basically the back of a pickup truck spread out).
For instance, it costs $10 per cubic yard to dispose of dirt, $17 for shake roofing and $15 for yard waste and brush (with a $25 minimum for the yard waste).
No garbage, sheetrock, insulation, metal or plastic is accepted here.
We recommend you call ahead (360-533-8361) for rules and current pricing of what you are disposing — and really compact your load!
LeMAY TRANSFER STATION
As you sort and clean up, don’t forget that clean recyclables are free to dispose of at the Recycling Center inside the LeMay Transfer Station, 4201 Olympic Highway. Items accepted include glass bottles (no plate glass windows, etc.), tin, aluminum (no scrap metal or paint cans), flattened cardboard, milk jugs, newspapers and mixed paper.
In addition, the Hazardous Waste Site, which is also located as you come into the LeMay Transfer Station, is free to use but has very limited hours. It is open on the first Wednesday and Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The E-cycle area is also free to use. This is where you can take your computer monitors, screens, towers, televisions, etc. It is available at all times for dropoff, but if you require assistance, come on Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Check out the LeMay website at graysharbor.lemayinc.com, or give them a call at 360-533-1251 for more specifics.
LOCAL METAL BUYERS
Some of what you want to get rid of might be worth a little cash in your pocket. Our area has several metal buyers that you might want to consider using.
We were able to catch up with the folks at Pay More Recycle and Salvage, which is located at 1813 Westport Road in Aberdeen, and learn about many of the things they can recycle for you — and pay you for on the spot.
“We take just about anything that’s metal,” said Pam King at Pay More.
Those things include aluminum, including cans, aluminum pots and pans, as well as anything brass, copper, zinc, lead, stainless steel, car batteries, electric motors, bicycles, barbecues, all appliances including washers, dryers, freezers and refrigerators, sheet metal, aluminum sheet, car engines, transmissions, even metal swing sets.
She said the company will also take metal car wheels — “but not the rubber tire part.”
Prices depend on the various markets, with aluminum on the lower end and metals such as copper and brass getting a lot more per pound. People are encouraged to call ahead at 360-612-3645 to ask questions and check prices with Pam.
THE CLEANUP DATES
Aberdeen: Residents have their choice of days during the month of April. A city-issued voucher accompanied by a driver’s license is the ticket to a trip to the LeMay Transfer Station between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays.
Hoquiam: Your Spring Cleanup days are June 5-8. Vouchers will be available at the Hometown Sanitation office in Hoquiam beginning May 28. Take that voucher with your license to the LeMay Transfer Station during those June days for a free trip to the dump.
Cosmopolis: Today is your day! You should have received a voucher from Cosmopolis City Hall. Check with your city officials for details.
Westport: Westport residents will receive one voucher per household, good for a trip to the LeMay Transfer Station any time it is open during the month of May. Just take it with your license to the transfer station.
Ocean Shores: Drop boxes will be placed in your community next week, April 23-25.
McCleary: Those living in McCleary will have their turn next Saturday, April 27, when drop boxes will be placed at key locations around town.
Dave Murnen and Pat Beaty are construction specialists at NeighborWorks of Grays Harbor County, where Murnen is executive director. This is a nonprofit organization committed to creating safe and affordable housing for all residents of Grays Harbor County. For questions about home repair, renting, remodeling or buying, call 360-533-7828 or visit 710 E. Market St. in Aberdeen. Our office is fully ADA-compliant.
