Dryden Transfer Station will not take yard waste from apple maggot quarantine area

Chelan County Public Works has announced a significant change at the Dryden Transfer Station, where plant material from apple maggot quarantine areas will no longer be accepted. This decision, mandated by state law, aims to protect Washington's apple industry and other fruit crops from the invasive apple maggot pest. The Dryden Transfer Station itself is located in a pest-free area; however, many parts of western Chelan County, including Leavenworth and Plain, are under quarantine. To avoid unintentionally transporting plant waste into a pest-free zone, residents and business owners must familiarize themselves with the quarantine boundaries. A map of these boundaries is available on the Chelan County Public Works website, and the Washington State Department of Agriculture offers a searchable map for specific addresses.

It is crucial for individuals to dispose of plant material from quarantine areas within those boundaries, either by composting, destroying it at home, or taking it to a local disposal facility. This regulation not only protects local agriculture but also underscores the importance of community awareness in pest management. Chelan County Public Works expresses gratitude in advance for compliance with these essential regulations.