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Introduction

This is the 2009 update to the Beyond Waste Plan, Washington's statewide plan to reduce wastes and toxic substances. The Washington State Department of Ecology originally published the plan in November 2004. Together with related background papers, this plan comprises the updated state Hazardous Waste Management Plan and the Solid Waste Management Plan. This summary contains all of the Beyond Waste Plan recommendations and milestones. The original background papers show the history behind the issues.

A plan update is required every five years. The original Beyond Waste Plan covers the 30 years from 2005 to 2035, and is still relevant. This update does not make significant changes. It sets out the next five years of work (2010-2015) based on the progress made so far, and brings the plan current with emerging issues.

As with the original plan, the update process included public input. Numerous parties commented on the Beyond Waste Plan update documents, which Ecology greatly appreciates. Ecology carefully considered all of the comments, and made changes that significantly improved the draft update. A summary of major comment themes and how we addressed them is available.

Carrying out the recommendations contained in the plan will provide significant benefits to Washington's people, economy, and environment. We look forward to continuing the important collaboration stated through this project. It will take the partnership efforts of all sectors of Washington's economy and society to move "Beyond Waste."

Background

Purpose

State law requires Ecology to develop and regularly update statewide hazardous waste and solid waste plans (Chapter 70.105 and 70.95 Revised Code of Washington [RCW]). Prior to 2004, Ecology’s Hazardous Waste & Toxics Reduction Program and the Waste 2 Resources Program (formerly the Solid Waste & Financial Assistance Program) independently developed these state plans. In November 2004, the two programs jointly issued the Washington State Hazardous Waste Management Plan and Solid Waste Management Plan. This plan is called the Beyond Waste Plan due to the vision that is the plan’s focus. This is a required five-year update of the 2004 plan.

The Beyond Waste Plan provides statewide guidance for reducing the use of toxic substances, decreasing waste generation, increasing recycling, and properly managing any wastes that remain. The vision statement (see box to the right) sums up the plan’s direction.

What does it mean to go “Beyond Waste”?

“Beyond Waste” means that we stop throwing things away without thinking about it. It means we strive to stop making and using products containing harmful materials and look for effective, safer alternatives. Beyond Waste also means placing greater emphasis on a healthy environment through closer examination of short-term activities that may bring about long-term unintended impacts.

The decisions and choices we make every day affect the air, water, food, and health of the environment and people now and for generations to come. Our children and grandchildren deserve to inherit a healthy and safe environment. We can move toward that goal by realizing that large quantities of wastes and commonplace toxic substances are dangerous and often unnecessary.

Why should we move “Beyond Waste”?

Over the years, Washington’s government, businesses, and citizens put considerable effort into making positive changes in waste management practices. Yet problems remain. We still throw away millions of dollars worth of recyclables every year. Toxic substances remain prevalent in our environment as evidenced by mercury in fish, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in orcas, and the flame-retardant polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) in human breast milk.

Beyond Waste can help improve our waste management system and help us solve other problems, including mitigating climate change and protecting Washington waters. Washington State’s Climate Action Team (CAT)  recommended adopting many of the Beyond Waste actions, especially as they relate to organics recycling, green building, environmentally preferable purchasing, and product stewardship.

CAT consultants determined that implementing Beyond Waste can significantly reduce climate-changing greenhouse gas emissions. Implementing the Beyond Waste Plan will also contribute greatly to protecting Washington waters, such as reducing toxics in Puget Sound. Waste that is improperly disposed, including products containing toxics, often contaminates storm water. We will help to keep our waters clean by minimizing toxics and properly managing our waste.

Many people mistakenly perceive that the existing waste management system works very well, so there is no need to fix what is not broken. This perception is generally founded on one (or more) of five misconceptions about the current hazardous waste management system, solid waste management system, or toxic materials in general. These misconceptions can foster a false impression that we are already doing everything needed to protect Washington’s people and environment from hazardous materials, solid wastes, and hazardous wastes.

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