Transfer station to accept debit, credit card payment

The Kootenai County garbage transfer station on Ramsey Road will start accepting debit and credit card payments in March.

The county commission approved the new service Tuesday, saying it will help the county collect more money.

The new $12 million transfer station west of Post Falls on Pleasant View Road also will take cards when it opens this fall.

Currently patrons can only use cash or a check to pay for dumping waste.

County residents pay an $88 annual fee to dispose of garbage.

The county charges an additional fee for commercial businesses that want to dump.

Residents also have to pay extra to dump loads that total more than 2,000 pounds, as well as roofing, more than eight tires or tires on rims.

Solid Waste Director Roger Saterfiel said the credit and debit card service also will help the county capture some of the bad debt that’s written off when people drop off trash and then claim they forgot their wallet.

He estimates an average of about $200 in bad debt each month.

“You can get a hamburger with a credit or debit card,” Saterfiel said. “Why not do your garbage that way?”