News

Columbia County Announces 2024 Household Hazardous Waste Collection Schedule


Your household hazardous waste must be in your vehicle's bed, trunk, or hatchback - not the passenger compartment. Unloading may take a few extra minutes as extra safety measures will be in place. Please be patient, and please remain in your car.

Each year, the Solid Waste Division of the Public Works Department hosts several no-cost Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection events throughout Columbia County. The HHW Collection Program allows residents to drop off various toxic and unsafe materials that are not permitted in the regular disposal or recycling process. 

There will be a total of seven collection dates in 2024, open to residents county-wide. The 2024 Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Event schedule is as follows:

 

March 2
8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
St. Helens

 

May 18
8 a.m. – noon
Rainier

 

August 24
8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
St. Helens

November 2
8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
St. Helens

April 13
8 a.m. – noon
Vernonia

 

June 8
8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
St. Helens

October 5
8 a.m. – noon
Clatskanie

 

 

Please check the Columbia County website for further updates https://www.columbiacountyor.gov/departments/SolidWaste/hhw-schedule.

Items must be in containers not larger than five (5) gallons and should be secured safely during transport. Trained household hazardous waste technicians will unload materials from your vehicle. Examples of acceptable items:

  • fireworks and flares
  • gas / diesel / fuels / motor oil / antifreeze
  • lawn and garden chemicals
  • herbicides and pesticides
  • pool and spa chemicals
  • light ballasts—must be removed from light fixtures
  • fluorescent tubes
  • art and hobby chemicals
  • solvents and thinners
  • items containing mercury
  • propane and compressed gas cylinders
  • batteries – all types and applications
  • cleaners and detergents
  • poisons
  • paint and paint products (latex and acrylic paint, oil-based paint, enamel, stains, lacquers, shellacs, varnishes, primers, etc.)
  • cooking oil
  • medical sharps in OSHA-approved, puncture-proof containers
  • ammunition 

The Transfer Station’s normal disposal fees for automotive batteries, antifreeze, and fluorescent tubes are waived during HHW Collection events. Unwanted paint, used motor oil, and used cooking oil are always free to dispose of at the Transfer Station during regular business hours.

Medical sharps in a sealed, self-closing, puncture-proof, OSHA-approved container are received, at no cost, at the Transfer Station Scale House during business hours. Columbia County residents can enroll in the FREE Sharps Containers Exchange Program at the Transfer Station Scale House.

The Columbia County Sheriff's Office accepts expired or unwanted medication at 901 Port Ave., St. Helens. They are open 7 days per week, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Place items in the MedReturn collection box.

For all other materials, including materials from Very Small Quantity Generators (VSQGs, <220 lbs./mo.) and liquids in containers larger than 5 gallons, call Mark Hayes | ACT Enviro (971.303.2972) at least 2 weeks prior to an event for an appointment.

The county collects and disposes of hazardous waste through safe, environmentally responsible practices, protecting the health of our communities and the environment. For more information, contact Jacob Anderson by phone at 503-397-7259 or by email at jacob.anderson@columbiacountyor.gov.

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ABOUT COLUMBIA COUNTY’S SOLID WASTE PROGRAM

Columbia County plans, organizes, and directs recycling, reuse, waste reduction, and household hazardous waste management programs throughout its 657-square-mile area. The county also operates a transfer station in St. Helens and administers the solid waste collection events within the county's unincorporated areas.




Unforeseen Issue Complicates Apiary Road Repair Project


The Apiary Road Project east of the intersection with Highway 47 at Archibald Creek (MP 17.4), which has seen Apiary Road closed for several weeks, has been extended.

Columbia County's Roads Department and contractor, Tapani, have completed the planned replacement of a failing culvert with a bridge. Unfortunately, the concrete approach slab on the Vernonia side (nearest Highway 47) cracked during curing, possibly due to last week’s heat wave. Tapani has been working with the Roads Department to address the situation and not disrupt The Providence Hood to Coast Relay Race (commonly called Hood to Coast).

What to expect:

  1. The Hood to Coast route will be open to participants. As the cracks in the slab are not a structural issue but a long-term maintenance concern, workers will grind and seal the damaged areas to provide participants and support vehicles with a stable surface. The organizers for Hood to Coast have been contacted and notified of this development.
  2. After Hood to Coast, Apiary Road will be immediately closed to traffic. This closure will begin on 08/26 and last through 09/09. During this closure, the county will remove the damaged slab and pour a new concrete slab.

Questions or concerns can be directed to the Columbia County Public Works Department by emailing PublicWorks@ColumbiaCountyOR.gov or calling 503-397-5090.

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Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event in Rainier May 20


Your household hazardous waste must be in your vehicle's bed, trunk, or hatchback - not the passenger compartment. Unloading may take a few extra minutes as extra safety measures will be in place. Please be patient, and please remain in your car.

The City of Rainier will host a county-sponsored Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Event on Saturday, May 20, 2023, from 8 a.m. until noon. The HHW Event will be held at 690 West A Street, next to the Rainier Sewage Treatment Plant. You can drop off various toxic and unsafe household materials at no cost.

Trained household hazardous waste technicians will unload materials from your vehicle. Items must be in containers of less than five (5) gallons and should be secured safely during transport.

Examples of acceptable items are:

  • fireworks and flares 
  • gas / diesel / fuels / motor oil / antifreeze
  • lawn and garden chemicals 
  • herbicides and pesticides 
  • pool and spa chemicals 
  • light ballasts—must be removed from light fixtures
  • fluorescent tubes 
  • art and hobby chemicals 
  • solvents and thinners 
  • items containing mercury 
  • propane and compressed gas cylinders 
  • batteries – all types and applications
  • cleaners and detergents 
  • poisons 
  • paint and paint products (latex and acrylic paint, oil-based paint, enamel, stains, lacquers, shellacs, varnishes, primers, etc.)
  • cooking oil
  • medical sharps in OSHA-approved, puncture-proof containers
  • ammunition 

 Do NOT bring:

  • items containing asbestos
  • garbage or trash
  • liquids in containers larger than five gallons

The Rainier Police Department (106 West B Street) accepts expired or unwanted medication in their lobby. Place items in the Safe Medication Disposal collection box during business hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Medical Sharps containers can be obtained and exchanged at the Columbia River Fire & Rescue – Rainier Station (211 West 2nd Street) during business hours Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Unwanted paint products, used motor oil, and electronics are accepted free of charge at the Transfer Station during regular business hours, Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

There here will be four additional county-sponsored HHW collection events in 2023. Future Columbia County HHW collection dates and locations are:

  • June 10, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the St. Helens Transfer Station;
  • August 26, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the St. Helens Transfer Station; 
  • October 7, 8 a.m. to noon in Clatskanie; and
  • October 21, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the St. Helens Transfer Station.

The HHW collection event schedule is available on the Columbia County website at https://www.columbiacountyor.gov/departments/SolidWaste/hhw-schedule.

For more information, contact Jacob Anderson by phone at 503-397-7259 or by email at jacob.anderson@columbiacountyor.gov.

# # #

ABOUT COLUMBIA COUNTY'S SOLID WASTE PROGRAM 

Columbia County plans, organizes, and directs the recycling, reuse, waste reduction, and household hazardous waste management programs throughout its 657-square-mile area. The county also operates a transfer station in St. Helens and administers the solid waste collection events within the county's unincorporated areas.




Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event in Vernonia Apr. 22


Your household hazardous waste must be in your vehicle's bed, trunk, or hatchback - not the passenger compartment. Unloading may take a few extra minutes as extra safety measures will be in place. Please be patient, and please remain in your car.

The City of Vernonia will host a county-sponsored Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Event on Saturday, April 22, 2023, from 8 a.m. until noon. The HHW Event will be held at Spencer Park at 377 Bridge St. (at the parking lot of the covered basketball area). If you are a Columbia County resident, you can drop off various toxic and unsafe materials at no cost.

Items must be in containers not larger than five (5) gallons and should be secured safely during transport. Trained HHW technicians will unload materials from your vehicle. 

Examples of acceptable items are:

  • fireworks and flares 
  • gas / diesel / fuels / motor oil / antifreeze
  • lawn and garden chemicals 
  • herbicides and pesticides 
  • pool and spa chemicals 
  • light ballasts—must be removed from light fixtures
  • fluorescent tubes 
  • art and hobby chemicals 
  • solvents and thinners 
  • items containing mercury 
  • propane and compressed gas cylinders 
  • batteries – all types and applications
  • cleaners and detergents 
  • poisons 
  • paint and paint products (latex and acrylic paint, oil-based paint, enamel, stains, lacquers, shellacs, varnishes, primers, etc.)
  • cooking oil
  • medical sharps in OSHA-approved, puncture-proof containers
  • ammunition 

 Do NOT bring:

  • items containing asbestos
  • garbage or trash
  • liquids in containers larger than five gallons

Filled Sharps Containers (sealed, red, OSHA-approved, puncture-proof containers) are accepted at this event. You can also return them to the Vernonia Rural Fire Protection District, 555 E. Bridge St. (Mon-Thu 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. or call 503-429-8252 for appt.) and receive a free sharps container in exchange.

Did you know that Vernonia Hardware and Supply at 1026 Bridge St. accepts unwanted or used paint for free? Drop off your sealed paint container during business hours (9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Thu, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fri and Sat, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sun) for proper disposal.

The Columbia County Sheriff accepts unwanted or expired medication at 901 Port Ave., St. Helens. They are open 7 days per week, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Place items in the MedReturn collection box. 

Unwanted paint products, used motor oil, and electronics are accepted free of charge at the Transfer Station during regular business hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon-Sat).

The next county-sponsored HHW collection will be on May 20, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., in Rainier. The complete HHW collection event schedule is available on the Columbia County website at https://www.columbiacountyor.gov/departments/SolidWaste/hhw-schedule.

For more information, contact Jacob Anderson by phone at 503-397-7259 or by email at jacob.anderson@columbiacountyor.gov.

# # #

ABOUT COLUMBIA COUNTY'S SOLID WASTE PROGRAM 

Columbia County plans, organizes, and directs the recycling, reuse, waste reduction, and household hazardous waste management programs throughout its 657-square-mile area. The county also operates a transfer station in St. Helens and administers the solid waste collection events within the county's unincorporated areas.




Emergency Relief Culvert Bundle Replacement Project


June 29, 2022

 

During a federally-declared storm event in December 2015, high water events caused damage and erosion to multiple culvert crossings along with the road surfaces. The culverts that were damaged in that storm are located on Apiary Road MP 12.2, Apiary Road MP 17.4 and Bennett Road MP 1.0. In response to the event crews with Columbia county Public Works Department temporarily stabilized the culverts to reopen the road. 

Columbia County has since obtained Federal funding to replace and upgrade the damaged culverts. Contractors for the County will conduct the culvert replacements this upcoming spring/summer 2023. Construction is anticipated March 2023 and run through September 2023. The work will include replacing the damaged culverts with larger structures, improving drainage, placing stone embankment protection, stabilizing the subgrade, installing guardrail, and repaving the roadway in the culvert locations. The culvert at Apiary Road 17.4 will be upgraded to a small bridge and the culvert at Bennett Road MP 1.0 will be upgraded to a 12’ wide box culvert. 

Some lane restrictions and traffic delays with flaggers are anticipated during construction for Apiary MP 12.2, however no road closures are expected. The County will close Apiary Road at MP 17.4 for 4 weeks and set up a detour route using HWY 47 to HWY 30 to Larson Road and then to Old Rainier Road to access the other side of Apiary Road. The County will also close Bennett Road at MP 1.0 for 6 weeks and set up a detour route using HWY 30 to Church Road and then to Hazen Road to access the other side of Bennett Road. The County will send out more exact dates as the project gets closer.




Fernhill & Meissner Slide Repair Project


June 29, 2022

 

During a federally-declared storm event in December 2015, landslides occurred on Fern Hill Road at MP 1.0 near Rainier and on Meissner Road at MP 3.5 near Apiary. In response to the event crews with Columbia county Public Works Department temporarily stabilized the slide in order to reopen the road.

 

Columbia County has since obtained Federal funding to repair the damaged road sections on both roads. Contractors for the County will conduct the slide repairs this upcoming spring/summer 2023. Construction is anticipated March 2023 and run through September 2023. The work will include improving drainage, placing stone embankment protection, stabilizing the subgrade, installing guardrail for Meissner Road only, and repaving the roadway in the slide location.

 

Some lane restrictions and traffic delays with flaggers are anticipated during construction for Fern Hill Road, however no road closures are expected. The County will close Meissner Road for 4 weeks and set up a detour route using HWY 30 to Larson Road to Old Rainier Road and then to Apiary Road to access Meissner from the other side. The County will send out more exact dates as the project gets closer.




 



Public Works Department Offers Loaner Program to Businesses, Nonprofits, and Government Entities


The Columbia County Public Works Department is operating a loan program that allows local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and government entities to borrow some county-owned Public Works Department's equipment, supplies, or materials. The borrowing of equipment by individuals or for personal purposes is not permitted.

Organizations must receive pre-authorization before borrowing any Public Works Department item(s). The first steps in completing the Columbia County Public Works Loan Agreement are to review the Loan Agreement Policy and submit a completed Loan Agreement form. Next, submit a completed loan agreement application to the Columbia County Public Works Department before the date that the items are needed, giving adequate time for review and approval by the Public Works staff.

Some of the items that can be reserved are:

  • Variable Message Reader Board(s)
  • Roll Up Flag Signs & Stands
  • Orange Cone(s)
  • Light Tower(s)/Generator(s)
  • Barricade(s)
  • Stop/Slow Paddle Sign(s)
  • Safety Vest(s)
  • Traffic Plate(s)
  • Incident Response Trailer(s)

Links to the Loan Agreement Form and Policy are located on Columbia County’s website in the Borrowing Agreement section of the Public Works Permit & Applications page at: https://www.columbiacountyor.gov/departments/PublicWorks/permits.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: PN-Weather Delays Road Work on Scappoose-Vernonia Highway Near Bonnie Falls


Weather is delaying the completion of the road work being performed on the Scappoose-Vernonia Highway. Work on one lane of the roadway has been completed, with work on the second lane postponed due to rainy weather.  "We do not want to make a muddy mess," says Mike Russell, Columbia County Public Works Director. "We are stopping work until we get some drier days."

Road crews will return to this section of the roadway to finish addressing a severe bump at approximately milepost 16 near Bonnie Falls. Completing this work is the first phase of a multi-part plan. Future work at this location will include profiling the roadway to reestablish the grade and superelevation. It is anticipated that this will occur at a later time when conditions are more favorable for paving.

If you have questions or need more information, please contact the Columbia County Public Works Office at (503) 397-5090 or by email at publicworks@columbiacountyor.gov.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: PN-Road Work on Scappoose-Vernonia Highway Near Bonnie Falls


Expect Delays October 11 - 15, 2021

Columbia County Road Maintenance crews will be working on the Scappoose-Vernonia Highway at approximately milepost 16 near Bonnie Falls. Road work is scheduled to begin on October 11 and continue through October 15, depending on the weather. This will be the first phase of a multi-part plan and crews will return to this section of the roadway later this year to complete additional work.

Road crews will dig out a portion of the roadway near milepost 16 to address a severe bump at this location. Excavated materials will be hauled to a County-owned site on Sierks Road. One lane will be kept open during the road work, but drivers should expect delays at the site due to construction traffic and activities.

The construction schedule has crews starting work early at around 5:00 a.m. and working until at least 5:00 p.m. each day. Work zone traffic will be controlled by flaggers while crews are on-site. Please be aware of the flaggers and follow their direction.

Future work at this location will include profiling the roadway to reestablish the grade and superelevation. It is anticipated that this will occur soon after the initial dig-out work is complete.

If you have questions or need more information, please contact the Columbia County Public Works Office at (503) 397-5090 or by email at publicworks@columbiacountyor.gov.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 12, 2021 NR - Columbia County Addresses Slide Area on Scappoose Vernonia Highway


Travel will be restricted to one lane during work hours starting the week of August 15th

 ST. HELENS, Oregon - A slide area near MP 4.0 on Scappoose Vernonia Highway will be repaired this summer under a contract between the Columbia County Road Department and Thompson Bros. Excavating, Inc. of Vancouver. Funded by help from the Federal Highways Administration through the Oregon Department of Transportation in response to storm damage experienced in 2015, the project will replace the damaged roadway and improve drainage. Drivers should expect to drive on a one-lane gravel surface through the site as work progresses.

Construction begins on Monday, August 16th and Reader Boards will be placed approaching the site along with construction signing to alert drivers. If drivers want to avoid the area, they can use Apiary Road, but delays at the construction site should not be more than 20 minutes.

The project will involve excavating the roadway and reconstructing the side slopes. The project will also establish guard railing along the side of the road and will be topped off with new pavement through the construction site.

“Columbia County Public Works worked with the contractor to come up with a way to keep at least one lane open during work hours and then have both lanes open in the evenings and on weekends. The downside is that, to be as efficient as possible, traffic will have to run on gravel through the site,” said Mike Russell, Public Works Director.

Russell expects construction to be completed by Monday, September 6th.

For more information, contact Columbia County Public Works at 503-397-5090 or email at publicworks@columbiacountyor.gov .

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The Columbia County Road Department manages 550 miles of paved and gravel roads as well as 104 bridges. Its territory ranges from nearly sea level to 2,000 feet. In addition to road building, the department’s 21 employees also oversee signs, road striping, roadside vegetation, pothole repair, storm response, and regulation and permitting.


The next Columbia County Household Hazardous Waste Collection will be June 12th from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Transfer Station in St. Helens





Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event on May 15 in Rainier







2021 Schedule FREE Household Hazardous Waste Collection



Scappoose Vernonia Highway MP 4.0 Slide Repair


January 20,2021

During a storm event in 2015 a landslide occurred on Scappoose-Vernonia Hwy at MP 4.0, near Highway 47. In response to the event, crews with Columbia County’s Public Works Department temporarily stabilized the slide in order to reopen the road.

Columbia County has since obtained Federal funding to repair the damaged road section. Contractors for the County will conduct the slide repair project this coming summer. Construction is anticipated to begin in July 2021 and run through September 2021. The work will include improving drainage, placing stone embankment protection, stabilizing the subgrade, installing guardrail, and repaving the roadway in the slide location.

Some lane restrictions and traffic delays with flaggers are anticipated during construction, however, no road closures are expected. 


CANCELLED June 13, 2020 Household Hazardous Waste Collection Due to COVID 19


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 20, 2020

CANCELLED June 13, 2020 Household Hazardous Waste Collection

Due to COVID 19

Due to COVID 19, Columbia County is cancelling the June 13, 2020 Household Hazardous Waste Collection event at the Columbia County Transfer Station.

We cannot safely hold this event which typically serves over 250 vehicles.

The next Household Hazardous Waste Collection event is scheduled for Saturday August 29, 2020 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Columbia County Transfer Station 1601 Railroad Ave in St. Helens, changes or cancellations will be posted to our website.

Unwanted paint, used motor oil and used cooking oil is still be accepted at the Transfer Station 1601 Railroad Ave during regular open hours (8am-5pm Monday – Saturday) for no fee.  Medical Sharps are also accepted during open hours for no cost at the Scale House. Sharps must arrive in a sealed, self-closing, puncture-proof OSHA approved container.

The St. Helens Police Department accepts expired, unused or unwanted prescription drugs at 150 S. 13 St. Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. - noon or 1 -5 p.m. in the Med Return collection box. 

For more information, email Kathy Boutin-Pasterz at Kathleen.Boutin-Pasterz@co.columbia.or.us or call 503-397-7259.

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ABOUT COLUMBIA COUNTY’S SOLID WASTE PROGRAM

Columbia County plans, organizes and directs recycling, reuse, waste reduction, and household hazardous waste management throughout its 657 square-mile area.  The county operates the transfer station in St. Helens and administers solid waste collection franchises within the unincorporated area of the county.


Community partners work with St. Helens School District to provide meal services



“Road Closed” signs are there for a reason


October 17, 2019

Do you know how it feels when you’re in a hurry, or have travelled a long way, and you come up to a “road closed” sign? Frustrating, right? Have you ever thought about going around those signs? Well, I’m here to tell you – DON’T!

If there’s one thing road managers hate to do, it’s close roads. But they do so for a reason – and very good reasons at that. Roads are closed when it’s unsafe to travel on them. Construction, flooding, and landslides are often the reason.

Construction workers need space to work, and when a road is closed, they know they can move about safely. A motorist driving up to or through a construction area can take them by surprise or hurt them, let alone cause other significant damage.

Mike Russell, Public Works Director for Columbia County, wants drivers to respect the "road closed" signs his workers post when they're working on bridges, resurfacing roads or replacing culverts. "Please remember that we are trying our best to keep everybody safe”, he said.  A “road closed” sign should signal to drivers that there is danger beyond the sign."

In winter, when the snow and ice hits, Oregon’s rural roads can become treacherous. Road managers will close roads when snow is too deep, or when ice can’t melt because of the temperature or if trees shade the roadway from sun.

After a long winter of rain, spring melt and new storms can cause landslides or flooding. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control and potential stalling. A foot of water will float many vehicles, and two feet of rushing water will carry away larger vehicles such as SUVs and pickups.

Even with only a few inches of water flowing over a road, it’s hard to know what’s happening beneath the pavement. Entire sections of roadway can sweep away quickly. According to the National Weather Service, an average of 75 people in the U.S. died from flash floods each year from 2004-2013, with vehicle-related drowning more common than any other weather-related death.  And according to Dr. Greg Forbes, a severe weather expert, almost two of every three U.S. flash flood deaths from 1995-2010, excluding fatalities from Hurricane Katrina, occurred in vehicles.

Floodwaters powerful enough to float or trap a vehicle are also dangerous to walk through.  Just six inches of flowing water can knock you off your feet. This is particularly dangerous situation for the elderly and small children.  So please, heed the warning of the National Weather Service - "Turn around, don't drown!"

Driving past “road closed” signs can cost in other ways too. Columbia County Sheriff’s Public Information Officer Brian Pixley said deputies will issue citations for drivers going past closed road signs. “It’s a common problem,” he said, “people will drive through a crime scene or a traffic crash. We’ve even had people run into our patrol cars.”

So remember, if you see a “road closed” sign, turn around. It’s dangerous! Damage to your wallet, your vehicle or your life just isn’t worth the risk.


Public Works Quick Links
General Information
Phone Numbers
503-397-5090
Fax: 503-397-7215
Emergencies: Dial 911
Location
1054 Oregon Street
St. Helens,
OR
97051

Monday - Friday
7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.