Trash bins removed from Grays Harbor and Pacific County beaches
The Washington Department of Ecology is removing some trash bins along beaches in Grays Harbor and Pacific counties thanks to a recent decrease in the amount of tsunami debris reported in the areas.
Debris washing ashore has decreased partly due to weather patterns. Increases in debris are expected later in fall and winter when weather patterns shift.
Drop boxes can quickly be redeployed, generally within 24 hours if more debris begins arriving on our shores.
Trash bins will remain in place in the cities of Ocean Shores and Ocean Park and at Grayland State Park.
Earlier this year, Ecology set aside $100,000 from its litter account to address marine debris. Thus far, about $7,500 from the fund has been spent.
Placing four trash bins on hold will save about $1,000 per month.
Ecology Resources Manager Peter Lyon said: “Also, when marine debris was not fully filling one trash bin, the hauler reported to Ecology that someone put their household garbage in it. We’d like to remind people that these trash bins have been made available specifically to keep our beaches clean for everyone to enjoy and are not for personal use.”
In June, Ecology deployed the Washington Conservation Corps to clean up 57 miles of beaches. The costs for those crews did not come out of the litter account. State agencies are shouldering many current costs for addressing marine debris.
Anyone encountering oil or hazardous materials should immediately report it by calling 1-855-WACOAST (1-855-922-6278).
