Solid Waste

Proper waste management is a crucial aspect of maintaining a clean and sustainable environment. In Benton County, Washington, the management of solid waste is organized to serve both urban and rural communities with efficiency and responsibility. This article provides an in-depth overview of the Solid Waste services provided by Benton County, focusing on disposal methods, recycling options, hazardous waste handling, and available resources for residents.

The Role of Benton County Public Works in Solid Waste Management

Benton County’s solid waste program is operated by the Benton County Public Works Department in accordance with the Benton County Solid Waste Plan. This plan outlines strategic measures for managing solid waste across the county while ensuring public health, safety, and environmental sustainability. The county works in conjunction with various local cities to ensure that waste management services meet the needs of both urban and unincorporated communities.

The program is funded through a combination of county taxes and grants provided by the Washington State Department of Ecology. Benton County provides guidance and resources for safe and environmentally responsible disposal of waste through multiple facilities and events throughout the year.

Types of Waste and How to Dispose of Them

A key element of the Benton County Solid Waste program is educating residents on the various types of waste and proper disposal methods. The county categorizes waste into several types, each of which has distinct disposal protocols. It is essential for residents to follow these guidelines to prevent contamination and ensure safe disposal.

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)

Household hazardous waste refers to materials in your home that may be toxic, flammable, or reactive. Improper disposal of HHW can have severe environmental consequences, including contamination of water supplies and harming wildlife. Common examples of HHW include:

Paints and varnishes
Pesticides and solvents
Automotive products like used oil, antifreeze, and brake fluid
Mercury-containing products (e.g., thermometers and thermostats)

Benton County has a dedicated Moderate Risk Waste Facility (MRWF), located at 1709 S Ely Street, Kennewick, WA, which accepts HHW. The facility is open Wednesday through Saturday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM for residents to dispose of hazardous materials safely.

Non-Hazardous Waste

In addition to hazardous materials, Benton County residents must also manage non-hazardous waste. These include typical household waste like paper, plastics, and organic materials. Several cities within the county offer curbside collection for recycling. For instance:

Kennewick: Waste Management of Kennewick provides residential garbage and recycling services, including curbside recycling pickup.

Richland: The city of Richland offers curbside recycling through the City of Richland Solid Waste Utility.

West Richland: The city manages its solid waste program independently, ensuring that residents have access to both garbage and recycling services.

For those living outside city limits, Benton County encourages using local drop-off recycling points, such as grocery store parking lots or designated public spaces.

Benton County’s Moderate Risk Waste Facility: A Vital Resource

The Moderate Risk Waste Facility (MRWF) is an essential service for residents in Benton County. This facility allows individuals to dispose of hazardous waste in an environmentally safe manner. With the increasing environmental concerns related to improper waste disposal, the MRWF plays a pivotal role in managing the hazardous waste that cannot be handled at regular landfills.

Starting August 20, 2025, the MRWF will be fully operational, with extended hours to ensure accessibility for all residents. The facility will accept a variety of hazardous materials, including paints, cleaning products, and automotive fluids. It’s important to note that the MRWF does not accept materials like appliances, asbestos, ammunition, and radioactive materials, which require specialized disposal services.

Local Solid Waste Collection Services by City

Benton County works collaboratively with the various cities within its borders to manage waste collection and recycling. Each city manages its own solid waste services, offering either curbside collection or drop-off points for recyclables.

Richland Solid Waste Services

Address: 625 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352
Phone: (509) 942-7700
Richland Solid Waste Utility Website

Kennewick Solid Waste Services

Address: 1611 S Washington St, Kennewick, WA 99337
Phone: (509) 582-5121
Waste Management Website

West Richland Solid Waste Services

Address: 3100 Belmont Blvd, Suite 100, West Richland, WA 99353
Phone: (509) 967-3431
West Richland Utilities Website

Prosser Solid Waste Services

Address: 2021 Commercial Ave, Pasco, WA 99301
Phone: (509) 547-2476
Basin Disposal Website

Benton City Solid Waste Services

Phone: (509) 547-2476
Ed’s Disposal Website

The Benton County Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC)

The Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) plays a key role in advising the Benton County Public Works Department. SWAC members provide feedback on the solid waste management policies and help ensure the county’s solid waste plan aligns with both environmental goals and community needs. This committee works closely with the Public Works Department to review and assess waste management strategies and improvements.

Phone: (509) 786-5611

Waste Collection Events and Special Programs

Benton County organizes special waste collection events throughout the year, where residents can drop off their hazardous materials and recycle items not accepted in regular curbside pickups. The county has historically held collection events in spring and fall, depending on available funding from the state. For up-to-date information on these events, residents are encouraged to visit the county’s official website or contact the Benton County Public Works Department directly.

Additionally, small businesses in Benton County that generate small quantities of waste are offered special guidelines through the Small Quantity Generators program. This initiative helps local businesses manage their waste responsibly and in compliance with environmental standards.

Accessing Solid Waste Resources in Benton County

Benton County provides an extensive range of resources for residents looking to dispose of waste properly. To support residents in minimizing waste and maximizing recycling efforts, the Benton County GIS department offers a helpful interactive map showing local waste collection sites. This tool allows users to find drop-off locations for recyclable materials and hazardous waste.

For detailed information on acceptable waste materials, disposal locations, and event schedules, residents can visit the official Benton County Solid Waste website.

Benton County Solid Waste Contact Information

Residents can get in touch with the relevant departments for solid waste management at the following locations:

Benton County Public Works Department – Solid Waste Program
Address: 102206 E Wiser Pkwy, Kennewick, WA 99338
Phone: (509) 786-5611

Benton County Moderate Risk Waste Facility (MRWF)
Address: 1709 S Ely St, Kennewick, WA 99337
Phone: (509) 786-5611

Benton County Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC)
Phone: (509) 786-5611

City of Richland Solid Waste Utility
Address: 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352
Phone: (509) 942-7700

City of West Richland Solid Waste Utility
Address: 3100 Belmont Blvd, Suite 100, West Richland, WA 99353
Phone: (509) 967-3431

City of Kennewick (Waste Management of Kennewick)
Address: 1611 S Washington St, Kennewick, WA 99337
Phone: (509) 582-5121

City of Prosser (Basin Disposal, Inc.)
Phone: (509) 547-2476

City of Benton City (Ed's Disposal, Inc.)
Phone: (509) 547-2476

By understanding the types of waste, proper disposal techniques, and available services, Benton County residents can ensure they contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment for everyone.

Benton County Solid Waste FAQs

Where can I drop off household hazardous waste (HHW)?

Currently, Benton County's Moderate Risk Waste Facility (MRWF), located at 1709 S Ely St, Kennewick, accepts household hazardous waste. This facility provides a safe drop-off point for residents to dispose of hazardous materials such as paints, pesticides, and automotive fluids. The facility is open Wednesday through Saturday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. If you miss a scheduled event, you can still visit the MRWF or refer to the county's Types of Waste & How to Dispose of Them page for alternative disposal methods.

How do I dispose of non-hazardous waste like paper, plastic, and metal?

Benton County provides several options for recycling, especially for residents of Kennewick and Richland, where curbside recycling is offered. Residents in other areas can find designated collection bins for recyclables at locations such as grocery store parking lots. The Recycling Locations Near You tool on the county’s website can help guide you to the nearest recycling bins.

What types of waste are NOT accepted at the Moderate Risk Waste Facility?

While the MRWF accepts various hazardous materials, certain items are prohibited for disposal. These include appliances, ammunition, asbestos, and radioactive materials. For these items, specialized handling is required. It's important to consult the Waste Acceptance Policy for a full list of accepted and non-accepted materials before disposal.

Can I recycle electronics in Benton County?

Yes, Benton County residents can recycle electronics through designated drop-off points, including local events and facilities. However, some electronics may require specific disposal methods. The county's website provides information on where to take your e-waste for recycling.

Why don't I have curbside recycling if I live outside the city limits?

Residents living in unincorporated areas of Benton County are not provided curbside recycling due to the lack of a billing infrastructure for waste services outside city limits. These residents can still reduce their waste by using designated drop-off recycling bins or by visiting the Recycling Locations Near You page to find convenient recycling stations.