Snohomish County’s Department of Emergency Management is working with local communities and garbage hauling companies to clean up storm debris in neighborhoods following recent flood activity.
Residents whose property sustained flood damage are eligible for cleanup assistance by taking debris to temporary neighborhood drop-off locations or county transfer and drop-box stations.
“Quick clean-up following a flood of this magnitude is a step toward putting the county and its residents back on their feet,” County Executive Aaron Reardon said. “We’re making that happen at no expense to those impacted by the floods.”
“The kind of flooding we’ve experienced is a true tragedy for many families,” said Council Vice Chairman Dave Gossett. “We need to do everything we can to help them recover quickly and without unnecessary delays or costs.”
The county and private haulers are setting up temporary collection sites based on areas with the most flood damage. Residents who call 425-388-5060 to report damages to the DEM should inquire as to locations. Eligible homeowners in affected areas must show proof of residency in a flood area, such as a valid driver’s license or a current utility bill.
Materials allowed include furniture, carpeting, mattresses, wall boards, and boats and other vehicles damaged by storms. Materials not allowed include regular household garbage, food waste, wrappers, cardboard, paper, books, clothing, tires, and “miscellaneous junk” not damaged by storms.
Materials delivered to these temporary neighborhood sites must be separated into four categories; vegetation, building materials, household hazardous waste, and refrigerators and other large household appliances. Refrigerators and freezers must have contents removed, and doors should be removed or securely duct-taped shut. Farm-related debris cannot be picked up by the county but funds may be available through the local Farm Service Agency. Call 425-334-3131 for more information.
Voucher program
Residents who currently have vouchers from earlier storms may take their storm debris to one of the new temporary neighborhood drop-off locations or to a county solid waste facility. New vouchers will not be offered for the current storm damage disposal. Residents should contact the DEM Call Center at 425-388-5060 to determine eligibility and drop-off locations.
Air-quality alert
Snohomish County, like all Western Washington counties, is a no-burn area. Residents cannot burn flood debris.
Fraud warning
Residents should be wary of individuals or businesses offering storm debris or damage-related assistance. Residents, farmers and business owners with damages should contact their insurance companies, then the DEM at 425-388-5060, to report damages. Owners also can log onto www.snoco.org/departments/emergency_management, and fill out a damage assessment form. Snowstorm damage reports will be collected until Jan. 16, while flood damage will be reported until Jan. 23. Farmers also should call the local Farm Service Agency at 425-335-5634. Debris deposited along fence lines and in fields, as well as production losses, feed losses and crop damage, all need to be reported.
Regular garbage
Regular garbage will be handled by residents’ regular garbage hauler on their normal pick-up days unless instructed otherwise.
DEM staff is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays to assist or answer questions. They can be reached at 425-388-5060.
Drop-off sites
The Arlington disaster debris drop-off site is located at Weller’s Family Restaurant on 2211 Highway 530 NE in Arlington. The Oso-area disaster debris drop-off site is located at the Oso Neighborhood Recycling and Disposal Center on 30022 Ramstad Rd. in Arlington.
