Beyond Waste is the state plan for managing hazardous and solid waste. This 30-year plan has a clear and simple goal: eliminate wastes and toxics whenever we can and use the remaining wastes as resources. This will contribute to economic, social, and environmental vitality.

Avoiding wastes and the use of toxic chemicals is the smartest, cheapest, and healthiest approach to waste management. The Beyond Waste Plan shifts from a reactive approach, focusing on management and clean-up, to a proactive approach, with an emphasis on preventing waste in the first place.

The Beyond Waste Plan focuses on five areas or initiatives:

1. Moving Toward Beyond Waste with Industries
2. Reducing Small Volume Hazardous Materials and Wastes
3. Increasing Recycling of Organic Materials
4. Making Green Building Practices Mainstream
5. Measuring Progress Toward Beyond Waste

The five initiatives were chosen as starting points for moving Beyond Waste because they represent large portions of the waste stream, they impact human health and the environment, and there is momentum and opportunity moving in these areas. In addition to these areas, the plan also addresses current issues in solid and hazardous waste systems.

The Beyond Waste Plan was originally written in 2004 and is being updated in 2009.

Beyond Waste Plan 2009 Update - SEPA (State Environmental Policy Act) Review

The five year update of the Beyond Waste Plan, as required by state law, is almost complete. The 2009 plan update is scheduled to be issued in December 2009, after SEPA review.

For more information on the SEPA review click here.

Third Annual Beyond Waste Progress Report Issued

Ecology has released the third annual report documenting progress toward the Beyond Waste plan’s five-year goals. The 16 performance indicators track overall progress on the priority Beyond Waste initiatives.

A Beyond Waste Progress Report will be issued each year. Read the Progress report.

How to & Examples

Ideas and Resources for Beyond Waste Actions at the Local Level

Organic Resource Recycling

Turn your organic wastes into resources. Learn how the beneficial reuse of organics, from soil amendments to bioenergy, provides environmental, economic and human health benefits for your community. more...

Green Building

Learn about green building practices in your area. Green buildings are designed to last longer, use healthier materials, and be less expensive to operate. Green building efforts can help to eliminate waste generated by building construction, and grow markets for healthy, sustainable building materials. more...

Environmentally Preferable Purchasing

Find out how to purchase environmentally preferable products and save money at the same time. more...

Toxics Reduction

Learn more about current mercury reduction efforts. more...

Local Solid Waste & Hazardous Waste Plans

Incorporate Beyond Waste goals, principles and actions into your local solid waste and/or hazardous waste plans. more...