Spokane County Increases Waste Fees and Adds Charges for Refrigerant Appliances

Residents of Spokane County, Washington, will see a significant change in waste management costs starting January 1, 2026. A new ordinance has been approved, resulting in a 4% increase in garbage and recycling rates. Additionally, there will be a $30 fee for disposing of appliances that contain refrigerants, including refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, and water coolers. Regular disposal fees for other household appliances will remain unchanged.

This increase aims to address the rising costs associated with the safe disposal of these hazardous appliances. According to Spokane County officials, the additional charges are necessary to cover the expenses related to the specialized chemicals and equipment needed to manage the disposal process effectively.

Details of the Fee Structure

The new fee structure will automatically be applied to residents’ regular garbage bills, requiring no additional action on their part. Spokane County officials emphasized that the disposal of refrigerators and similar appliances is a complex process. “These hazardous chemicals must be safely recovered from each unit—a time-consuming process that requires specialized equipment and disposal methods,” stated a county representative.

While the disposal of refrigerant-containing appliances will incur this new fee, common household items such as dishwashers, microwaves, washing machines, and dryers will not see any increase in their standard disposal fees. However, there is also an additional increase of 10% for the disposal of organic materials and yard waste.

Impact on Households and Energy Costs

This fee increase comes at a time when many households already face higher energy costs, particularly in the post-Christmas season. As the winter months bring colder temperatures, energy consumption typically rises, leading to higher utility bills. During this period, some states have introduced assistance programs to help residents manage these financial burdens.

For instance, the Arkansas Utility Assistance Program allows eligible families to receive up to $200 to help cover electricity and energy bills. Such initiatives aim to provide relief during the challenging financial transition into the new year.

As Spokane County implements these changes, residents are encouraged to stay informed about their waste management options and the associated costs to better prepare for the upcoming year.