Transfer station in St. Helens to make it easier to test for asbestos, lead

The harmful substances of asbestos and lead will be easier to detect thanks to the efforts of the Columbia County Solid Waste Department.

A new drop box is installed at the St. Helens Transfer Station for asbestos and lead testing services, offering county residents a convenient and affordable way to access comprehensive testing services.

The St. Helens location joins five other drop boxes located in the Portland, Vancouver and Salem areas.

Key features at the Columbia County location include multiple asbestos testing turnaround options and affordable testing, with asbestos testing starting as low as $31.50 per sample.

There’s free pick-up service from the drop box, and same-day testing allows you to drop off samples by 10 a.m. and receive same-day results.

The solid waste department says certified inspectors will conduct thorough asbestos surveys.

According to the department, “The Solid Waste Department remains committed to providing fast, reliable and affordable asbestos and lead testing services.”

For more information about department services, or to schedule a test, contact Jacob Anderson, the solid waste coordinator, at 503-397-7259 or jacob.anderson@columbiacountyor.gov.

The transfer station is located at 1601 Railroad Ave. in St. Helens.