OSO Lea Camer and Mathalie Mericle tried to dump their garbage the past four Sundays and got turned away from the Oso Drop Box because the bins were already full.
This is the fourth Sunday weve had to take our garbage back home, said a frustrated Camer.
Craig Olds, too, has been turned away due to full dumpsters.
Yes, I have been turned away a few times, Olds said.
On Sept. 8, Olds arrived in time to continue his trip down below to dump his garbage at the North County Transfer Station in Arlington, but Camer was not able to do that. We have another appointment and dont have time to go to town. Weve carried our garbage back home every week for a month now.
The Oso Drop Box is one of five drop boxes around the county for garbage collection and recycling services provided by Snohomish County Solid Waste Department. The director of solid waste for the county, Sam Chandler, said they are aware of the problem in Oso and are seeking a short-term solution while waiting for next years budget request for $150,000 to extend the berm for loading more dumpsters.
His staff is looking around the county to find an extra lowboy that will fit in the facility as is.
We are hoping to find one in our inventory that is usable, Chandler said adding that a dumpster has to be roadworthy in order to deliver it to Oso.
If that doesnt work, well just have to send the drivers out more often. Its one of those consequences of growth and a strong economy. We are aware there is a problem.
The Oso Drop Box, at 30022 Ramstad Road, is open on Sundays only, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The North County Transfer Station, at 19600 63rd Ave. N.E. in Arlington is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. For information call 425-388-3425.