If you live in Edmonds and had household items damaged in during recent rain-induced flooding, you may be able to dispose of your flood-damaged items free of charge. Disposal fees will be waived at the county’s transfer stations in Arlington, Everett and Mountlake Terrace now through Wednesday, April 13, 2011.

Residents first need to obtain a voucher before taking materials to the transfer station. A separate voucher is needed for each load. Commercial and business waste will continue to be charged regular disposal fees.Items accepted for disposal include: household furnishings, furniture, spoiled food, carpeting, water-soaked plasterboard and appliances (no refrigerators or freezers). Oil-based paint and small amounts of household hazardous waste also will be accepted with vouchers at all solid-waste facilities. Household hazardous waste includes items such as bleach, oven cleaner, solvents, moth balls and other products marked poison, flammable or corrosive. Generally, household hazardous waste is only accepted at the county’s Household Hazardous Waste facility in Everett. Hazardous waste must be kept separate from other garbage. Metal should be separated for recycling.

Customers who suffered substantial flood damage may want to call a garbage hauler for rates on large drop-off containers. The cost of these containers and their transport is not covered by the county’s free-disposal voucher. Free disposal does not include demolition debris, yard debris, wood waste, concrete, rock, soil and animal carcasses larger than 10 pounds.

Vouchers can be obtained at the following locations:
• American Red Cross, 2530 Lombard Ave., Everett;
• Snohomish County Sheriff, Community Information, 4th Floor, Courthouse, 3000
Rockefeller, Everett;
• South County Sheriff’s Precinct, 15928 Mill Creek Blvd., Mill Creek;

For more information on solid-waste facility locations and hours of operation, call the Solid Waste Division at 425-388-3425 or go to www.snoco.org/solidwaste.