Free recycling event in South Lewis County set to help residents with spring cleaning

A community recycling event will offer Lewis County residents an opportunity to recycle several materials and offer proper disposal for others on Saturday, April 12, at the old Winlock Solid Waste Drop Box, 1105 Winlock-Vader Road, according to a news release from the Lewis County Department of Public Works. 

Computer and television recycling, appliance and scrap metal recycling, yard waste drop off, and household hazardous waste collection will be offered from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. during the event, which is being sponsored by the Lewis County Department of Public Works, Solid Waste Utility. 

A truck that shreds sensitive documents will be on site from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Participants should be prepared to provide proof of residency as the event is limited to Lewis County residential customers only. 

The event is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Certain recycling opportunities may end early if containers fill up. No garbage or other materials will be accepted.

Details about what can be disposed of include:

• All flat screen televisions, other TVs that are 42 inches or smaller, computer monitors and CPUs will be recycled. Each household is limited to two items. Not accepted: Digital light processing TVs or wood console TVs.
• Drop off unwanted pesticides, lawn chemicals and automotive fluids for free so they can be recycled or disposed of properly. Residential only. No business waste.

Limits include: 10 CFL lights; 5 gallons of motor oil; 5 gallons antifreeze; 5 gallons of cooking oil; no containers larger than 5 gallons; no PaintCare items (check PaintCare.org for locations and items); No pour off available, so containers must be left at the event.

• Any item that is more than 75 percent metal. Drain fluids from motors before recycling. Appliances, such as refrigerators, freezers, stoves, washers, dryers, hot water heaters and dishwashers, are accepted, but there is a limit of two large appliances per household.
• Residents may bring grass clippings, leaves and branches. Unload into the container. No plastic bags. Empty contents of yard waste bags into containers and dispose of bags in your curbside garbage container. No noxious weeds.
• Customers may bring in up to three grocery bags of sensitive documents they would like to have shredded for free. The shredded paper will be taken to a paper recycling facility to be made into new paper.

A state Department of Ecology grant is providing partial funding to pay for community recycling events. 

Anyone with questions can call 360-740-1451 or email swu@lewiscountywa.gov.