In the short time since a battery recycling box was added to the Mercer Island Thrift Shop, Islanders have already dropped off more than 350lbs of batteries for recycling! We’re proud to help keep these batteries out of the landfill, however we need your help to ensure they make it safely to the recycling facility.

Our partner, Call2Recycle, requires that batteries be individually bagged to comply with US DOT safety regulations. This is to ensure the terminals of select battery types are protected from making contact with each other while in transit. Because battery types are often hard to distinguish, Call2Recycle recommends individually bagging or taping all batteries. Taping and bagging prevent the batteries from igniting or combusting, which can result in fires, injury, or other damage.

Here's how to help:

• Avoid placing batteries in paper bags, because paper-based products are flammable and can easily ignite.
• Avoid using paper or other materials to protect terminals.
• Please use the bags provided at the recycling box, or tape batteries together.
• Place the batteries in permitted recycling boxes only. Do not leave batteries elsewhere.
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If you have any questions on these safety guidelines, please visit the Call2Recycle website - you can also learn more about what happens to batteries when collected by checking out The Secret Life of Batteries webpage.

While private companies provide curbside garbage services across our region, these haulers utilize King County transfer stations for waste transportation and disposal. The King County Council recently approved a rate restructure for disposal fees which affect the 37 cities and unincorporated areas in King County that utilize these transfer stations, including Mercer Island. The County's rate restructure lowers the per-ton tipping fee and adds a new Fixed Annual Charge per city based upon prior waste amounts.

King County's 2024 Fixed Asset Charge for Mercer Island is $223,407, which equates to $1.43 per month per cubic yard of garbage. The new rate structure goes into effect January 1, 2024 and will become a new line item on customer bills.

The City has an interlocal agreement with King County which covers solid waste management that allows for this change. To correctly implement the restructured fees, the City needed to amend its contract with Recology to collect the new King County Fixed Annual Charge from customers. The City Council authorized the City Manager to sign this contract amendment at the November 7 City Council meeting.

You can learn more about the solid waste rate structure on the King County website.

Wet, windy weather has blanketed our region in recent weeks. Here are a few important things to know (and ways you can help):

Remember: the combination of wind, heavy rain, and falling leaves often results in clogged storm drains, which can lead to flooding and standing water on roadways. Please drive safely and slow down. High winds can also cause wet branches and debris to fall. Please keep an eye out for dangling tree limbs.

If you spot downed power lines, stay away and contact PSE. If they are arcing or pose a threat, call 911. You can see and track power outages or report new issues on PSE's website.

City Public Works crews closely monitor the weather and respond to flooded roadways and other maintenance needs. Islanders are encouraged to help by clearing leaves and debris from storm drains in your neighborhoods if it's safe to do so. Your assistance goes a long way in keeping things flowing! As always, you can report issues online using MI-Connect. This is the best way to help our crews respond to issues (and you can track their progress).