SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. – Spokane County residents will pay more for garbage collection and face new fees for disposing of certain appliances starting January 1, 2026.
The Spokane County Regional Solid Waste System announced garbage rates will increase 4% and organics rates will jump 10% to cover rising disposal costs and system maintenance expenses.
The county will also implement a $30 special handling fee for appliances containing refrigerant or freon disposed at the county’s two transfer stations. This fee applies to refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners and water coolers, and comes in addition to regular garbage rates charged by weight.
Other appliances including dishwashers, microwaves, washers and dryers will continue to be charged only the standard garbage rate.
County officials said the special handling fee addresses the complex process required to safely dispose of appliances using refrigerants. These chemicals pose significant health and environmental risks due to their toxicity, requiring specialized equipment and disposal methods.
The rate adjustments reflect ongoing challenges facing waste management systems, including increased disposal costs at regional landfills and rising operational expenses for equipment maintenance and facility upgrades.
Residents seeking more information about the rate changes can contact the Spokane County Regional Solid Waste System directly or visit the county’s website for updated fee schedules.
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