Klickitat County Solid Waste 2003-13 Fair Survey Report Introduction

The surveys were conducted over a period of four days during the county fair. Four different surveys were given, each on a different day, with subjects covering Public Outreach, Organics, Recycling and Household hazardous Waste. The purpose of the survey was to measure county residents’ knowledge and awareness of county solid waste programs and activities. 2013 marks the eleventh year we have conducted these surveys.

In an effort to motivate people to fill out a survey we gave them a coupon which could be redeemed for $1.00 toward the purchase of a food or beverage item at one of the participating local vendor booths during the county fair. Most of the vendors are non-profit groups like the senior class of a local high school or a local chapter of Kiwanis.

Anyone of any age, a resident of the county or just a visitor from out of state attending the county fair can take the survey and receive a coupon. Information collected on the survey for age and the “town closest to their home” allow us to filter the results later. Below is the unfiltered response for one day of the survey. As you can see it is heavily weighted toward the younger population.

10 or 11 to 19 to Less 18 49 50 + 2003 13.8% 39.8% 17.1% 29.3% 2004 19.1% 36.8% 22.1% 22.1% 2005 30.5% 52.6% 13.7% 3.2% 2006 28.0% 38.7% 16.0% 17.3% 2007 38.7% 36.0% 14.7% 10.7% 2008 37.3% 20.0% 20.0% 22.7% 2009 36.0% 26.7% 25.3% 12.0% 2010 29.3% 40.0% 14.7% 16.0% 2011 20.3% 45.9% 14.9% 18.9% 2012 32.4% 40.5% 13.5% 13.5% 2013 34.7% 44.0% 6.7% 14.7%

On the following pages the responses shown are filtered to include only residents of Klickitat County and most cases, age 11 or older.

1 of 30 Klickitat County Solid Waste Public Outreach 2003-13 Fair Survey Report

Public Outreach

The public outreach survey attempts to measure which media are most effective at reaching the population. We use direct mail, newspapers, radio ads and talk shows, telephone hot line, a web site, public speaking, planned workshops, outreach through public events and onsite visits on request.

Age of Survey Pool: In the most recent filtered results approximately 60% are teens, 40% parent or grandparent age. There appears to be a 60/40 split between teens and parental age responses over time.

11 to 19 to 18 49 50 + 2003 46.2% 19.8% 34.0% 2004 45.5% 27.3% 27.3% 2005 75.8% 19.7% 4.5% 2006 53.7% 22.2% 24.1% 2007 58.7% 23.9% 17.4% 2008 31.9% 31.9% 36.2% 2009 41.7% 39.6% 18.8% 2010 56.6% 20.8% 22.6% 2011 57.6% 18.6% 23.7% 2012 60.0% 20.0% 20.0% 2013 67.3% 10.2% 22.4%

2 of 30 Klickitat County Solid Waste Public Outreach 2003-13 Fair Survey Report

Community Representation:

Goldendale area residents make up the majority of the responses, which is expected. The county fair is located in Goldendale and Goldendale is the largest population center in the county, accounting for about 1/3rd of the total county population. Other communities significantly represented are Bickleton, Centerville, Glenwood, Klickitat and Lyle. It is interesting to note that these communities are all less than 40 miles from Goldendale. The communities with very low response are either located more than 40 miles from Goldendale or have relatively small populations.

all ages 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Alderdale 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 1.4% 0.0% 0.0% 2.7% 0.0% 0.0% Bickleton 4.8% 3.2% 12.5% 6.1% 15.0% 15.1% 10.1% 18.3% 16.4% 11.9% 9.9% Bingen/WS 1.0% 4.8% 5.7% 4.1% 2.5% 0.0% 2.9% 1.4% 0.0% 3.0% 2.8% BZHusum 1.0% 1.6% 1.1% 0.0% 2.5% 1.4% 0.0% 2.8% 4.1% 6.0% 0.0% Centerville 0.0% 4.8% 3.4% 4.1% 5.0% 4.1% 4.3% 8.5% 2.7% 9.0% 7.0% Dallesport 0.0% 1.6% 0.0% 0.0% 2.5% 2.7% 0.0% 0.0% 1.4% 3.0% 0.0% Glenwood 2.9% 3.2% 0.0% 8.2% 5.0% 15.1% 1.4% 11.3% 5.5% 1.5% 7.0% Goldendale 71.4% 52.4% 68.2% 63.3% 57.5% 43.8% 73.9% 53.5% 56.2% 50.7% 69.0% Klickitat 7.6% 9.5% 5.7% 4.1% 2.5% 2.7% 1.4% 1.4% 4.1% 6.0% 1.4% Lyle 7.6% 14.3% 0.0% 8.2% 7.5% 1.4% 2.9% 1.4% 2.7% 3.0% 0.0% MaryHill 1.9% 1.6% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Roosevelt 0.0% 1.6% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 1.4% 1.4% 1.4% 0.0% 4.5% 0.0% Snowden 1.0% 0.0% 2.3% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% TroutLake 1.0% 0.0% 1.1% 2.0% 0.0% 0.0% 1.4% 0.0% 4.1% 0.0% 2.8% Wishram 0.0% 1.6% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 1.5% 0.0% Other 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 11.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%

3 of 30 Klickitat County Solid Waste Public Outreach 2003-13 Fair Survey Report

4 of 30 Klickitat County Solid Waste Public Outreach 2003-13 Fair Survey Report

Favorite Radio Stations:

We run public service announcements on all of the radio stations listed. We also appear on talk shows on KLCK am and KIHR am.

Station Format: Coverage KMCQ contemporary pop music west/central KLCK oldies/local talk central KYYT country west/central/east KACI am/fm conservative talk west/central/east KIHR contemporary pop music and local talk west KMSW pop/rock/hip-hop west/central KCGB rock/metal west/central

Strongest response is for the local country western music station, KYYT, which also happens to have the strongest signal. This response may also reflect the fact that the survey was performed at the local county fair and rodeo event. The response would be quite different if we did the surveys at the Huckleberry Festival located on the west end of the county in Bingen/White Salmon.(It would be interesting to see the results but are financial and manpower limitations.)

KLCK moved its broadcast tower in 2010 so the signal is weaker in all of Klickitat County. It was the news/talk/sports source for the Goldendale area, but in 2011 the live talk show was canceled and listener numbers dropped. KACI 1300 appeals to an older, more conservative audience but has a strong signal during daylight hours. KMSW and KCGB appeal to a younger audience. KIHR, which has the weakest response in this survey is only available in the Bingen/White Salmon area which is not well represented by the survey pool. (It would be more well represented in a survey conducted at the Huckleberry Festival.) KMCQ has gone through some management, signal strength and format changes over the period of the surveys and the responses for this station have declined.

The chart below shows the radio stations where we place radio ads and the percent of the survey pool indicating they listen to each station. KLCK and KYYT are more focused on Goldendale where KIHR is more focused on White Salmon/Bingen and not received in Goldendale. With the majority of responses to this survey coming from Goldendale residents the results do not reflect listeners preference for the west end of the county.

Radio Stations Heard : 11 and Older 2003 70% 2004

60% 2005 2006 50% 2007 40% 2008 30% 2009

20% 2010 2011 10% 2012 0% 2013 KMCQ_Q104 KLCK_1400 KYYT_102-3 KACI_1300 KACI_97-7 KIHR_1340 KMSW_92-7 KCGB_105-5

5 of 30 Klickitat County Solid Waste Public Outreach 2003-13 Fair Survey Report

With that in mind it is still interesting to look at the results as a reflection of radio listening trend in the Goldendale community.

Age Group 11-18 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 KMCQ_Q104 29.2% 40.0% 18.4% 21.4% 8.7% 6.7% 11.1% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 3.1% KLCK_1400 6.3% 8.0% 18.4% 17.9% 8.7% 20.0% 22.2% 7.1% 0.0% 29.6% 25.0% KYYT_102-3 37.5% 44.0% 55.1% 64.3% 65.2% 33.3% 66.7% 57.1% 64.7% 51.9% 53.1% KACI_1300 4.2% 8.0% 6.1% 0.0% 4.3% 0.0% 5.6% 3.6% 0.0% 11.1% 0.0% KACI_97-7 12.5% 0.0% 12.2% 10.7% 13.0% 13.3% 5.6% 25.0% 20.6% 7.4% 18.8% KIHR_1340 0.0% 0.0% 2.0% 3.6% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 3.6% 0.0% 3.7% 0.0% KMSW_92-7 12.5% 16.0% 10.2% 21.4% 8.7% 0.0% 5.6% 0.0% 11.8% 7.4% 12.5% KCGB_105-5 16.7% 0.0% 6.1% 0.0% 8.7% 0.0% 0.0% 7.1% 5.9% 7.4% 6.3%

A relatively high number of teens indicate they listen to radio. The survey results indicate we are reaching over 50% of the teen age group through radio on the various stations.

6 of 30 Klickitat County Solid Waste Public Outreach 2003-13 Fair Survey Report

Age Group 19-49 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 KMCQ_Q104 12.5% 16.0% 0.0% 3.6% 4.3% 0.0% 5.6% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 3.1% KLCK_1400 12.5% 12.0% 10.2% 10.7% 8.7% 13.3% 16.7% 7.1% 8.8% 7.4% 0.0% KYYT_102-3 22.9% 28.0% 14.3% 21.4% 30.4% 86.7% 61.1% 21.4% 23.5% 11.1% 6.3% KACI_1300 4.2% 0.0% 4.1% 0.0% 4.3% 0.0% 16.7% 0.0% 2.9% 3.7% 0.0% KACI_97-7 0.0% 0.0% 2.0% 0.0% 4.3% 0.0% 5.6% 0.0% 2.9% 0.0% 0.0% KIHR_1340 2.1% 0.0% 0.0% 3.6% 4.3% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 3.7% 0.0% KMSW_92-7 2.1% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 8.7% 6.7% 11.1% 10.7% 2.9% 3.7% 0.0% KCGB_105-5 0.0% 4.0% 0.0% 0.0% 8.7% 0.0% 5.6% 0.0% 2.9% 7.4% 0.0%

The survey results indicate we are currently reaching about 10% of parent age group through radio. Five years ago it was thought we were reaching 30-40% of this age group. Over the period of the surveys it looks like radio is becoming less effective at reaching the parent age target audience. Some programming changes at KLCK resulted in local businesses switching to other sources for in store audio. Computer, cell phone and tablet access to other sources of information and entertainment by this age group may also be taking a toll on radio listenership.

7 of 30 Klickitat County Solid Waste Public Outreach 2003-13 Fair Survey Report

Age Group 50 + 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 KMCQ_Q104 12.5% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 4.3% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% KLCK_1400 39.6% 28.0% 4.1% 21.4% 13.0% 66.7% 27.8% 32.1% 17.6% 3.7% 9.4% KYYT_102-3 22.9% 20.0% 2.0% 14.3% 8.7% 20.0% 16.7% 10.7% 11.8% 0.0% 12.5% KACI_1300 10.4% 20.0% 0.0% 10.7% 13.0% 6.7% 16.7% 10.7% 8.8% 11.1% 3.1% KACI_97-7 6.3% 4.0% 0.0% 0.0% 4.3% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 5.9% 3.7% 0.0% KIHR_1340 0.0% 4.0% 0.0% 3.6% 0.0% 6.7% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 3.7% 0.0% KMSW_92-7 0.0% 4.0% 0.0% 3.6% 0.0% 0.0% 5.6% 0.0% 0.0% 3.7% 0.0% KCGB_105-5 2.1% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 6.7% 0.0% 0.0% 2.9% 0.0% 0.0%

The survey results indicate we are reaching about 25% of the grandparent age group through radio. This age group also appears to be listening to less radio. There is a fairly clear decline in this age group over time.

The decline of locally produced radio is likely a contributor to this trend. We have no clear way to measure where this audience has gone but suspect alternative sources for audio news and entertainment like satellite, cell phone or internet based content.

8 of 30 Klickitat County Solid Waste Public Outreach 2003-13 Fair Survey Report

Media Sources Acknowledged:

Age 11 + 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 q4-radio 41.0% 40.0% 40.6% 46.9% 42.5% 51.1% 54.5% 51.0% 33.9% 44.2% 43.8% q5-KC web 19.0% 20.0% 17.2% 32.7% 10.0% 17.8% 38.6% 15.7% 15.3% 14.0% 8.3% q6-SW web 11.4% 3.6% 6.3% 16.3% 2.5% 2.2% 11.4% 9.8% 10.2% 4.7% 16.7% q7-mail 10.5% 23.6% 18.8% 34.7% 42.5% 44.4% 52.3% 37.3% 28.8% 30.2% 29.2% q8-phone 37.1% 7.3% 10.9% 12.2% 12.5% 13.3% 15.9% 15.7% 16.9% 7.0% 16.7% q9-workshop 23.8% 5.5% 18.8% 12.2% 15.0% 6.7% 18.2% 11.8% 3.4% 9.3% 16.7%

Radio and direct mail remain the most effective media for reaching the public.

9 of 30 Klickitat County Solid Waste Public Outreach 2003-13 Fair Survey Report

Age 19 + (as a percentage of age group) 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 q4-radio 64.9% 56.7% 80.0% 67% 76% 67% 73% 74% 52% 56% 56% q5-KC web 24.6% 30.0% 33.3% 48% 18% 27% 50% 17% 24% 38% 25% q6-SW web 8.8% 3.3% 20.0% 29% 0% 3% 19% 13% 8% 13% 38% q7-mail 7.0% 36.7% 46.7% 48% 76% 60% 62% 52% 52% 56% 81% q8-phone 50.9% 6.7% 20.0% 10% 24% 13% 23% 13% 24% 13% 38% q9-workshop 33.3% 3.3% 0.0% 0% 6% 3% 15% 4% 4% 0% 25%

Radio and Direct Mail continue to be the most well recognized outreach media vehicles, with both above 50% in 2013. Use of the website as an information source was near 40% in 2013. In the most recent years radio has declined. There was a break in radio advertising from spring to fall on the local Goldendale station during 2011 and one of the local stations suffered a loss of listeners due to format and signal strength changes. Telephone contact shows an increase over time possibly due to correcting the way our phone number is listed in phone directories and in our direct mail layout.

Two other vehicles are not presented as options on this survey; newspapers and public event booths. We have increased our participation at public events in recent years but still only use newspapers for special circumstances. Trying to measure public event recognition, using a survey conducted at a public event would pretty much guarantee a 100% affirmative response at least for that one event.

10 of 30 Klickitat County Solid Waste Organics 2003-13 Fair Survey Report

Organics

The organics survey asks questions looking for responses to indicate 1) how many people are still using outdoor burning of lawn and garden waste as a disposal option. 2) How many people are composting their lawn, garden, food, livestock manure, paper or wood waste? 3) How many people are aware of xeriscape as an alternative to high water/chemical dependant landscaping?

Age of Survey Pool

The distribution of responses remains heavily weighted in the teen age group at 46% of the filtered responses but for the first time in many years the adult responses outnumber the teen responses.

11 to 18 19 to 49 50 + 2003 42% 26% 32% 2004 44% 18% 39% 2005 59% 19% 23% 2006 62% 21% 17% 2007 61% 21% 18% 2008 65% 14% 21% 2009 68% 15% 17% 2010 64% 11% 25% 2011 63% 13% 25% 2012 68% 17% 14% 2013 46% 30% 24%

11 of 30 Klickitat County Solid Waste Organics 2003-13 Fair Survey Report

Community Representation:

Approximately 60% of the responses indicate Goldendale as the town closest to their home. However, the surveys are conducted at the local county fair which is located in Goldendale.

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Alderdale 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 1.1% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Bickleton 3.0% 10.8% 0.0% 20.0% 9.5% 19.8% 16.9% 17.2% 13.8% 12.0% 9.2% Bingen/WS 9.0% 1.1% 11.5% 2.2% 0.0% 1.1% 0.0% 1.1% 3.2% 0.0% 2.3% BZHusum 6.0% 2.2% 3.1% 0.0% 0.0% 1.1% 0.0% 4.3% 1.1% 5.4% 2.3% Centerville 0.0% 4.3% 1.0% 7.8% 8.4% 2.2% 5.6% 3.2% 5.3% 10.9% 3.4% Dallesport 4.5% 0.0% 8.3% 1.1% 2.1% 1.1% 0.0% 3.2% 0.0% 3.3% 0.0% Glenwood 1.5% 5.4% 0.0% 6.7% 5.3% 4.4% 4.5% 4.3% 8.5% 5.4% 8.0% Goldendale 64.2% 64.5% 5.2% 55.6% 63.2% 53.8% 66.3% 57.0% 46.8% 58.7% 59.8% Klickitat 3.0% 2.2% 61.5% 2.2% 4.2% 5.5% 2.2% 4.3% 5.3% 3.3% 4.6% Lyle 7.5% 4.3% 3.1% 2.2% 5.3% 7.7% 2.2% 1.1% 6.4% 1.1% 2.3% MaryHill 0.0% 0.0% 2.1% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Roosevelt 0.0% 0.0% 1.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 2.2% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Snowden 0.0% 3.2% 0.0% 1.1% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 1.1% 0.0% 0.0% TroutLake 0.0% 2.2% 1.0% 1.1% 2.1% 1.1% 1.1% 0.0% 7.4% 0.0% 8.0% Wishram 1.5% 0.0% 2.1% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 2.2% 1.1% 0.0% 0.0% Other 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 2.2% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Out of County 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%

12 of 30 Klickitat County Solid Waste Organics 2003-13 Fair Survey Report

Outdoor Burning

The survey question asked respondents if brush or tree limbs had been burned at their household in the past 12 months.

We actively discourage burning of garbage and advocate alternatives to burning of brush, but there are no subsidized alternatives to burning in Klickitat County. Within the individual age groups we could say perhaps the 50+ age may be doing less outdoor burning, while the parent age group may be doing more outdoor burning.

Klickitat County does not have a cheap, convenient alternative to outdoor burning for brush and tree limbs. Outdoor burning is still permitted for about 2/3 of the population and local fire districts encourage rural homeowners to build “defensible space” around their homes by removing flammable vegetation within 100 feet of structures. They also discourage leaving flammable brush piles on site. Brush is expensive to dispose of in a landfill as it does not compact well and local transfer stations charge by the cubic yard. One ton of brush can cost as much as $250 to landfill and will require several loads shipped to the transfer stations. On site burning does not include transportation or disposal fees.

Also of note, the period covered by these surveys coincides with the period following the closure of our brush and tree limb chipping program. With that said it appears that over 50% of the population are engaged in some outdoor burning of brush and tree limbs. 2/3rds of the Klickitat County population live in rural areas where burning is least restricted.

As a percent within age group 11 to 18 19-49 50 + 2003 37.5% 13.6% 50.0% 2004 42.9% 35.7% 54.8% 2005 38.6% 64.3% 76.5% 2006 48.7% 61.5% 45.5% 2007 27.0% 30.8% 54.5% 2008 63.4% 77.8% 46.2% 2009 26.8% 33.3% 30.0% 2010 21.1% 57.1% 50.0% 2011 48.9% 22.2% 27.8% 2012 39.5% 72.7% 55.6% 2013 26% 65% 13%

13 of 30 Klickitat County Solid Waste Organics 2003-13 Fair Survey Report

As a percent within age group For age 19 and older 19-49 50 + 2003 13.6% 50.0% 2004 35.7% 54.8% 2005 64.3% 76.5% 2006 61.5% 45.5% 2007 30.8% 54.5% 2008 77.8% 46.2% 2009 33.3% 30.0% 2010 57.1% 50.0% 2011 22.2% 27.8% 2012 72.7% 55.6% 2013 65% 13%

There was a large and well publicized wild fire in the Goldendale area in September of 2011 which may have led to more homeowners clearing and burning combustible vegetation near their homes in the following years. There was a second large fire in September of 2012 on the west end of the county and a third large fire in the central county in 2013. This may impact future behavior of homeowners clearing land and removing flammable natural vegetation from around their homes.

14 of 30 Klickitat County Solid Waste Organics 2003-13 Fair Survey Report

Composting:

This survey question asked which of the listed items each household composted.

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 YardGarden 50.0% 47.5% 36.0% 42.9% 49.2% 41.3% 35.0% 30.5% 51.1% 41.3% 34% LivestockBedding 17.2% 23.8% 13.3% 20.6% 26.2% 23.8% 8.3% 15.8% 16.0% 14.3% 19% Food 27.6% 23.8% 33.3% 30.2% 44.3% 42.9% 31.7% 46.3% 46.8% 42.9% 36% Manure 22.4% 28.8% 25.3% 25.4% 36.1% 31.7% 8.3% 26.3% 30.9% 33.3% 21% Paper 12.1% 20.0% 14.7% 19.0% 19.7% 19.0% 18.3% 34.7% 21.3% 25.4% 18% WoodChips 8.6% 10.0% 8.0% 12.7% 13.1% 14.3% 5.0% 8.4% 9.6% 17.5% 12% None 24.1% 18.8% 28.0% 27.0% 24.6% 27.0% 35.0% 15.8% 18.1% 20.6% 33%

There is a strong indication that half of the households in survey pool are practicing some kind of home composting. About 1/3 of the responses specifically indicate no composting takes place in their household. About 1/3 of the responses indicate yard and garden waste and/or food waste are composted in their household. Another 20% indicated composting of manure and/or livestock bedding.

It seems odd that this survey pool does not report more composting of livestock bedding, given that the survey was taken at a county fair where livestock showing is a major event. This does suggest we could make a greater effort to encourage this practice. It may also be that this survey pool does not distinguish between pure manure and livestock bedding. It is highly unlikely that livestock bedding or manure are being landfilled. It may be that they do not manage the bedding and manure for the purpose of maximizing use of the end product on crops or gardens which indicates an area we can focus on in future public outreach efforts.

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16 of 30 Klickitat County Solid Waste Organics 2003-13 Fair Survey Report

Xeriscape:

This survey question attempts to measure public awareness of xeriscape as an alternative to landscaping that requires greater use of water and chemicals.

Percent Correctly Identifying Definition of Xeriscape 11-18 19-49 50+ 2006 51.3% 38.5% 45.5% 2007 35.1% 38.5% 54.5% 2008 34.1% 55.6% 38.5% 2009 36.6% 11.1% 80.0% 2010 51.0% 50.0% 31.6% 2011 26.7% 33.3% 55.6% 2012 55.8% 63.6% 77.8% 2013 41.9% 55.0% 43.8%

There appears to be a slight trend toward greater awareness or understanding of xeriscape landscaping emerging in these survey results within the 19-49 age group.

17 of 30 Klickitat County Solid Waste Recycling 2003-13 Fair Survey Report

Recycling

The recycling survey attempts to measure population choosing to make use of existing recycling options, and to measure their knowledge of what is or is not recyclable in Klickitat County.

Age of Survey Pool:

As with other surveys, the teen age group accounts for the largest block of responses.

11 to 18 19 to 49 50 + 2003 43.8% 25.0% 31.3% 2004 50.0% 26.3% 23.7% 2005 57.9% 23.7% 18.4% 2006 61.3% 18.7% 20.0% 2007 83.9% 12.9% 3.2% 2008 34.8% 28.8% 36.4% 2009 49.3% 20.0% 30.7% 2010 59.5% 21.5% 19.0% 2011 18.6% 69.8% 11.6% 2012 54.8% 23.3% 21.9% 2013 60.3% 21.8% 17.9%

18 of 30 Klickitat County Solid Waste Recycling 2003-13 Fair Survey Report

Community Representation:

Goldendale area citizens continue to represent the majority of the survey responses but in the most recent survey Bickleton and Centerville, which are predominantly rural, are well represented.

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Alderdale 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 1.4% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Bickleton 7.4% 7.9% 6.7% 6.8% 18.0% 21.2% 13.3% 21.5% 26.5% 19.2% 9.0% Bingen/WS 4.9% 2.6% 4.0% 0.0% 0.0% 4.5% 1.3% 0.0% 2.4% 0.0% 1.3% BZHusum 2.5% 3.9% 1.3% 1.4% 0.0% 4.5% 1.3% 3.8% 0.0% 5.5% 0.0% Centerville 0.0% 6.6% 2.7% 4.1% 1.6% 3.0% 4.0% 6.3% 3.6% 11.0% 12.8% Dallesport 3.7% 0.0% 0.0% 1.4% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Glenwood 3.7% 3.9% 5.3% 6.8% 0.0% 4.5% 5.3% 1.3% 3.6% 6.8% 7.7% Goldendale 54.3% 56.6% 73.3% 75.7% 65.6% 47.0% 69.3% 53.2% 49.4% 54.8% 62.8% Klickitat 11.1% 5.3% 1.3% 0.0% 1.6% 4.5% 1.3% 5.1% 6.0% 1.4% 3.8% Lyle 4.9% 5.3% 0.0% 2.7% 6.6% 6.1% 1.3% 0.0% 6.0% 1.4% 1.3% MaryHill 3.7% 1.3% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 3.8% 0.0% 1.4% 0.0% Roosevelt 1.2% 1.3% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 3.0% 1.3% 2.5% 0.0% 2.7% 0.0% Snowden 0.0% 2.6% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 1.5% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% TroutLake 0.0% 1.3% 5.3% 0.0% 6.6% 0.0% 1.3% 0.0% 2.4% 1.4% 1.3% Wishram 2.5% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 2.5% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Other 0.0% 1.3% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%

19 of 30 Klickitat County Solid Waste Recycling 2003-13 Fair Survey Report

With Goldendale removed from the sample the bar graph below shows the communities of Bickleton, Centerville, Glenwood, Klickitat and Lyle with significant participation in the survey.

20 of 30 Klickitat County Solid Waste Recycling 2003-13 Fair Survey Report

Recycling Service Participation:

This question tries to identify recycling program participation. The results given below show the combined responses from ages 11 and older.

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Curbside Recycle 36.8% 26.3% 30.3% 30.7% 24.2% 28.8% 41.3% 35.4% 22.9% 37.0% 42.3% Drop Off Recycle 50.6% 51.3% 48.7% 22.7% 24.2% 43.9% 41.3% 51.9% 50.6% 57.5% 41.0% Glass Recycling 16.1% 39.5% 39.5% 53.3% 45.2% 24.2% 18.7% 15.2% 16.9% 19.2% 20.5% Scrap Metal 18.4% 19.7% 15.8% 21.3% 17.7% 19.7% 21.3% 10.1% 21.7% 19.2% 21.8% White Goods 14.9% 22.4% 11.8% 8.0% 14.5% 18.2% 9.3% 13.9% 12.0% 17.8% 14.1% Used Oil 19.5% 27.6% 19.7% 12.0% 17.7% 24.2% 17.3% 11.4% 10.8% 9.6% 16.7% Electronics 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 14.1%

Glass recycling and used oil recycling appear to be on a downward trend. There are some individuals and non-profit fund raising groups collecting glass and plastic beverage containers for the 5¢ deposit redemption in Oregon. We do not know the extent of this effort but do know it has expanded in the past few years. We do not have a way to track the volume of glass recycled through the Oregon bottle deposit program. Used oil collected at our transfer stations has been declining for several years. We attribute this to fewer residents changing their own oil. Residents who do change their own oil have other alternatives for recycling used oil through local shops that have used oil heaters. In 2013 we suspended used oil collection after discovering PCB contamination for the second time in two years.

There also appears to be a small declining trend in recycling of white goods. This could be a reflection of fewer individuals purchasing new appliances and a reflection of the recent economic climate.

21 of 30 Klickitat County Solid Waste Recycling 2003-13 Fair Survey Report

Curbside recycling service participation appears to be in the 40% range with the higher numbers being in the more recent surveys. Drop-off recycling appears to be somewhere between 40-50% also with higher numbers in recent surveys with the exception of 2013. The numbers for curbside and drop-off recycling are consistent with the ratio of residents with curbside garbage service and self-haul garbage service. Self haulers are more likely to use the drop off recycling facilities at the transfer stations and users of curbside disposal service are more likely to use the curbside recycling service.

The survey results combined with information we have on residential garbage service subscriptions would indicate a very high percentage of curbside disposal subscribers also subscribe to curbside recycling and that the majority of them are located in incorporated cities or small towns. A lower percentage of the rural population are recycling when they self haul their garbage to one of the transfer stations. This indicates an area where we can focus our public outreach efforts in the future.

22 of 30 Klickitat County Solid Waste Recycling 2003-13 Fair Survey Report

Identifying Recycling Contamination:

This survey question attempts to measure the ability to identify the difference between recyclable materials and non-recyclable materials in a short list of common household products.

Measure of ability to identify contaminants in recycle bag Average of correctly identified contaminants by age group 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 11 to 18 55.0% 67.1% 52.9% 51.1% 70.3% 44.2% 75.4% 66.3% 46.1% 50.4% 53.9% 19 to 49 65.0% 54.2% 63.5% 56.0% 34.5% 55.3% 45.6% 59.8% 43.3% 37.3% 61.8% 50 + 68.3% 71.3% 65.3% 54.4% 8.9% 49.3% 59.0% 56.7% 46.2% 52.1% 70.2%

The 2013 results are on the high side of most recent years. This may be a result of modifications to the survey that keep moving the goal post. Our efforts to educate the public on contamination of recycling focus on the most prominent current forms of contamination. We modify the survey to include the forms of contamination that are showing up in the current collection stream. As a consequence this survey question may be more a measure of our ability to identify areas where more education is needed to address low public awareness than it is a measure of the effectiveness of our past outreach and education efforts.

The surveys do not measure improvement in learning the same information since the first survey. The survey does provide an opportunity to educate people about the current forms of contamination at the time they take the survey.

23 of 30 Klickitat County Solid Waste Household Hazardous Waste 2003-13 Fair Survey Report

Household Hazardous Waste

Age Pool of Survey

Most responses to this survey were from the 11-18 age group, with the majority of the remainder in the 19 to 49 age group.

As percent of age 11 + 11 to 18 19 to 49 50 + 2003 44.9% 25.5% 29.6% 2004 52.1% 12.7% 35.2% 2005 55.4% 17.6% 27.0% 2006 54.8% 24.2% 21.0% 2007 61.8% 16.2% 22.1% 2008 62.3% 24.6% 13.0% 2009 85.5% 9.1% 5.5% 2010 80.0% 18.3% 1.7% 2011 75.3% 15.6% 9.1% 2012 72.3% 12.3% 15.4% 2013 68.2% 18.2% 13.6%

24 of 30 Klickitat County Solid Waste Household Hazardous Waste 2003-13 Fair Survey Report

Community Representation:

As with all the surveys, Goldendale area residents represent nearly half of the responses.

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Alderdale 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 1.7% 2.9% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Bickleton 4.5% 7.0% 8.2% 10.0% 23.5% 17.4% 20.0% 23.3% 19.5% 21.5% 10.6% BingenWS 1.8% 5.6% 0.0% 0.0% 1.5% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 3.9% 0.0% 1.5% BZHusum 0.9% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 1.5% 1.4% 1.8% 8.3% 2.6% 3.1% 0.0% Centerville 0.9% 9.9% 5.5% 3.3% 1.5% 2.9% 1.8% 6.7% 6.5% 10.8% 6.1% Dallesport 4.5% 2.8% 0.0% 1.7% 0.0% 0.0% 1.8% 1.7% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Glenwood 4.5% 2.8% 9.6% 1.7% 4.4% 2.9% 3.6% 5.0% 3.9% 6.2% 9.1% Goldendale 55.0% 63.4% 72.6% 73.3% 52.9% 62.3% 54.5% 50.0% 45.5% 46.2% 60.6% Klickitat 9.9% 4.2% 0.0% 3.3% 2.9% 5.8% 1.8% 1.7% 1.3% 4.6% 4.5% Lyle 9.0% 1.4% 1.4% 3.3% 5.9% 2.9% 5.5% 3.3% 9.1% 1.5% 3.0% MaryHill 2.7% 1.4% 0.0% 1.7% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 1.5% Roosevelt 2.7% 0.0% 1.4% 0.0% 0.0% 2.9% 1.8% 0.0% 1.3% 3.1% 0.0% Snowden 0.0% 1.4% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 1.3% 0.0% 0.0% TroutLake 2.7% 0.0% 1.4% 0.0% 2.9% 1.4% 3.6% 0.0% 5.2% 3.1% 3.0% Wishram 0.9% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Other 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 3.6% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%

25 of 30 Klickitat County Solid Waste Household Hazardous Waste 2003-13 Fair Survey Report

HHW Product Key Words:

This survey question lists common product label words one should look for when trying to determine if left over product should be treated as HHW. The words listed on the survey are “danger”, “warning”, “caution”, “flammable”, “combustible”, “poison”, “caustic” and “irritant”. The correct answer is all of the above. It is sort of a trick question and not very many responses mark all of the choices.

as percent of age group 11 to 18 19 to 49 50 + 2003 17.3% 13.0% 7.5% 2004 52.0% 79.2% 65.5% 2005 44.8% 70.2% 78.8% 2006 64.0% 71.7% 75.0% 2007 86.0% 59.2% 76.9% 2008 51.2% 76.5% 70.8% 2009 49.2% 72.5% 62.5% 2010 53.1% 65.9% 100.0% 2011 69.2% 91.7% 80.4% 2012 50.0% 57.8% 68.8% 2013 51.1% 78.1% 79.2%

The chart above indicates adults have correctly identified the hazard warning words between 60-80% of the time over the 11 year span of the surveys. Teens have correctly identified the hazard warding words 40-70% the same period of time.

There is still room for improvement in all age groups.

26 of 30 Klickitat County Solid Waste Household Hazardous Waste 2003-13 Fair Survey Report

Identify Non-HHW Product:

This survey question seeks to measure the public’s ability to identify the difference between HHW products and non-HHW products in a list of common household products. The percentages reflect the number of correct answers within each age group rather than the number within an age group compared to the entire pool of responses.

11 to 18 19 to 49 50 + 2003 33.7% 46.7% 46.0% 2004 36.5% 77.8% 30.0% 2005 43.9% 33.3% 46.7% 2006 55.9% 60.0% 74.4% 2007 57.1% 54.5% 66.7% 2008 51.9% 66.7% 74.1% 2009 42.6% 13.3% 55.6% 2010 77.1% 93.9% 100.0% 2011 21.8% 5.6% 14.3% 2012 62.4% 70.8% 33.3% 2013 66.7% 66.7% 81.5%

This question is perhaps another case where the results, to some degree, reflect moving the goal post. The form of the question has remained the same over the years but the items in the list change. Some years the correct answer is more easily identified than other years. The correct answers to the 2010 question were more obvious than previous years so I made them less obvious in the 2011 survey. In more recent years we tried to strike a balance between obvious and subtle. Even with the volatility of the last few years’ reflected in the results, there still appears to be a trend of improvement over the full period of the surveys. The trend also applies to all age groups.

27 of 30 Klickitat County Solid Waste Household Hazardous Waste 2003-13 Fair Survey Report

HHW Drop-off Locations:

The question asks people to identify the locations of the four HHW drop-off locations in Klickitat County from a list of communities in Klickitat County. Given that most of the responses are from Goldendale residents it is not surprising that more people were aware of the HHW drop-off site in Goldendale. The next largest group of survey responses came from Bickleton which is near the Roosevelt HHW drop-off site. The responses seem to indicate that respondents are only concerned about parts of the program that directly pertain to their circumstance.

There does appear to be a decline in the number of correct responses to this question. The only explanation for that trend at this time would be the increasing percentage of younger people taking the survey coupled with their lower awareness level of hazardous waste identification. There has been no change to the form or detail of this question over the life of the surveys.

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 BZHusum 33.7% 31.0% 28.4% 32.3% 39.7% 26.1% 9.1% 28.3% 18.2% 23.1% 40.9% Dallesport 49.0% 40.8% 37.8% 53.2% 44.1% 39.1% 14.5% 38.3% 28.6% 36.9% 37.9% Goldendale 69.4% 74.6% 67.6% 83.9% 72.1% 63.8% 40.0% 60.0% 59.7% 58.5% 78.8% Roosevelt 54.1% 49.3% 45.9% 40.3% 57.4% 40.6% 27.3% 33.3% 29.9% 46.2% 59.1%

28 of 30 Klickitat County Solid Waste Summary Conclusions 2003-13 Fair Survey Report

Summary Conclusions

People seem to enjoy taking the survey. Some of the questions have right and wrong answers so it is a bit of a challenge. We have transparencies to overlay each survey showing the correct answers so the respondents get immediate feedback on their level of awareness. This is actually a very good way to engage people in a conversation and a learning experience. The greatest value of doing the surveys may be in the dialogue that takes place in the process of taking the survey and checking the answers against the transparency.

There are some obvious shortcomings in the survey process so the data must be viewed noting some qualification. The 100 person samples for each survey represent only 0.5% of the county. The sample group is heavily weighted to the population in or near Goldendale. The sample is heavily weighted to the middle and high school age population. With that said, many of the survey results are supported by other anecdotal evidence indicating the responses are possibly more representative of the general population than one might expect.

Public Outreach:

Radio and direct mail are still the most effective media we use for reaching all ages. However there are indications of a declining trend for the media we have historically used. In the most recent responses to these surveys the one clearly increasing response is the use of the phone. This may be a reflection of increased use of cell phones as a tool to consume media.

The survey question related to use of the telephone was actually intended to be about calling the solid waste office on the telephone to talk with someone. It was not about using a phone, or cell phone, to consume any of the other forms of media.

We have not attempted to use internet advertising to reach our target audience, but may need to look into using this media if the trend of using of other forms of communication continue to decline.

The web site appears to be the third most effective media outreach tool over the period of the surveys but in the most recent survey phones and workshops were reported equal to the web site.

Organics:

Burning: The 2013 survey results indicate one of the highest levels of open burning over the period of these surveys for the 19-49 age group. The current results may reflect homeowner reaction to large wildfires that displaced many homeowners in September of 2011. Other homeowners were indirectly impacted and more homeowners have engaged in clearing ladder fuels around their homes in 2013. In most areas of Klickitat County burning is allowed and is the least costly way to remove ladder fuels. There was another large fire on the west end of the county in 2013 so we may see a continuation of this trend in 2014.

Compost: Only 33% of the responses say they don’t compost anything in the latest survey. That would indicate that 67% of the respondents are doing some form of composting. Over time there appears to be an increase in all forms of composting except livestock bedding.

The most common type of composting is yard and garden waste mixed with food waste. There appears to be an increase in the number of people saying they compost food waste and paper.

Xeriscape: There appears to be a slight trend toward more people in the age groups under 50 years old correctly identifying the meaning of the term xeriscape in our surveys. The over 50 age group results are volatile year over year, which is probably a reflection of the small sample size for this age group.

29 of 30 Klickitat County Solid Waste Summary Conclusions 2003-13 Fair Survey Report

Recycling:

Participation: Our surveys indicate declining participation in glass and used oil recycling by survey respondents over time. Declines in glass recycling could be a reflection of fewer products being packaged in glass containers. Declines in used oil recycling could be a reflection of more people using commercial oil change services which for the most part are located in Oregon or in the Yakima valley and do not report recycling of oil by the vehicles origin.

In the most recent survey results about 40% of responses indicated they participate in curbside recycling services and about 40% use the recycling drop-off facilities at the transfer stations. This would indicate about 80% recycling which seems a bit high. Over the period of all surveys the curbside participation average is lower than 40% and the drop-off recycling rate is higher than 40%. The total participation would be closer to 70%. This is also closer to the ratio of people living in a town or city, about 33% of the population, and the number of people living in a rural area, which is near 67% of the total county population.

Contamination: In our 2013 survey responses from all age groups came in at above 50% accuracy when picking out non-recyclable materials from a list of mostly recyclable materials. This is one of the better responses but still nothing to celebrate.

Our actual contamination rate is about 10-15%. There is definitely room for improvement in this area.

The results for this part of the recycling survey may be influenced by the fact that we keep changing the question to include the most recent form of contamination showing up in the collected materials.

Household Hazardous Waste:

Hazard Warnings: Being able to correctly identify HHW by reading product containers labeled with key words remains in the 50-80% range, with older age groups recording higher levels of correct answers. This is a question that has not changed over the years. There does appear to be a small improvement over the period of the surveys.

Identifying HHW: We have changed the contents of the lists over the years and some years the correct answer has been easier to identify than other years. In 2010 the correct answer was as obvious as it was difficult in 2011. Changing the way the question is asked obviously distorts the results of the survey on this question. Even so there does appear to be a long term trend toward more accurate responses over time.

HHW Drop-Off Sites: The final question asked where the HHW drop off facilities are located. Over the years the question has not changed in any substantive way. The drop-off locations have not changed. The responses in the 2013 survey are better than most years, but, the survey results do appear to show a long term trend of declining awareness.

Perhaps this trend reflects people who have curbside garbage service who don’t have a need to know where the transfer stations are located, combined with people who know the closest transfer station to their home, but do not need to know where the other ones are that are located 30 miles away from their home.

Conclusion:

Given the size of the survey pool and the location of the survey it would be a mistake to conclude that the responses accurately represent all citizens of Klickitat County. The exercise does provide some insight and is an opportunity to reflect upon the way we interact with the public in our solid waste education efforts. The act of conducting the survey is a great opportunity to interact with the public on solid waste issues.

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