State ecology officials offer rebate for old woodstoves in Kittitas County

CLE ELUM, Wash. (AP) — The Washington Department of Ecology is offering a $250 rebate to Kittitas County residents who turn in their old woodstoves to be recycled.

The offer is part of a plan to reduce wood smoke in the county. Officials say it's an incentive to get cleaner home heating options out to residents.

The county and the nonprofit HopeSource will be collecting the stoves on Sept. 26 at the Cle Elum transfer station on Mine Road.

The stoves must be in working order and free from ash and debris to qualify for the offer.

Funds for the deal were authorized by the state Legislature as part of an effort to reduce air pollution caused by wood smoke.

“Wood smoke is a year-round problem in Kittitas County and reducing the amount of smoke produced in old woodstoves can really make a difference,” explained Ecology smoke manager Jay Carmony. “We’ve had great success with these events and we hope folks will make a change for the better and get a cash reward for doing so.”