Current Solid Waste System Issues

Recommendation SW14: Evaluate financing for the solid waste system, including moving toward Beyond Waste, in consultation with the SWAC and interested parties

Conduct evaluations of how solid waste is financed currently, and the extent to which needs are able to be met. The first evaluation should be completed within five years, and ongoing evaluations should be conducted as needed, but at least every five years. The state Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) should play a key role in monitoring the solid waste financing situation, and should alert Ecology when discussions and evaluations are needed. These evaluations should be done in collaboration with key stakeholders of the solid waste system, and parties (of differing perspectives), including, but not limited to, business, industry, citizens, and elected officials. When discussions addressing specific waste streams are called for, stakeholders having a particular interest in such materials or products should be identified and encouraged to participate.

Specific Steps

Within two years of plan adoption, the state SWAC, together with the other stakeholders, will examine how programs and services are funded now, including consideration of the extent to which the current system supports waste disposal over recycling and/or waste reduction. The SWAC, in cooperation with Ecology, will create a report on these issues.

Within five years:

Evaluate the extent to which the existing financing mechanisms will be able to cover the identifiable costs to implement Beyond Waste effectively and determine whether changes are needed.
Examine a range of potential financing mechanisms and other actions, if needed, and collaboratively work to inform and educate all parties, and to implement successful options.
Evaluate options for moving from end-of-life financing to up-front financing.
Evaluate current opportunities to incorporate complete cost models into solid waste system decision making.
Identify regulatory barriers that may need to be addressed.
Expand partnerships--some needs can be funded and carried out by non-governmental organizations and the business sector.
Work toward the elimination of subsidies, tax breaks and incentives that serve to encourage waste generation and toxic substance use. Replace with incentives to reduce wastes, use fewer resources, reduce use of toxic substances, and reduce overall environmental footprints.

As part of the evaluation, consider the following potential actions to help move toward a long-term Beyond Waste future.

While continuing to rely on user fees to fund solid waste programs and services, begin shifting from predominantly end-of-life fees (such as disposal fees) to up-front fees (such as cost internalization) where practical opportunities exist.
Begin incorporating complete cost and benefit models into solid waste system decision making.

Most solid waste management decisions are based on traditional cost-benefit analysis. More informed decisions can be made by incorporating external costs not captured by current accounting practices.
Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a tool that can be used to evaluate traditional (internal) costs and benefits as well as external costs and benefits. LCA is an emerging policy tool that provides a way to connect solid waste practices and policy to sustainability.

Potential Actions for the Long Term

As actions are taken and progress is made toward achieving the Beyond Waste goals, a stable and long-term financing system must be in place to ensure the delivery of solid waste programs. These mechanisms must have the flexibility to meet the needs of urban and rural areas of Washington. It is not possible to fully anticipate what will be needed in the coming decades as we shift toward the Beyond Waste goals. Performance indicators and regular evaluation will help to determine next steps along the way. Entities involved in the current system (WUTC, local governments, haulers, Ecology, and others) should discuss and consider the following long-term actions:

Continue to promote all facets of product stewardship, including product and process redesign, take-back, advance recovery fees and leasing services instead of owning products.
Continue to ensure that incentives to encourage more sustainable behaviors are maintained.
Incorporate the complete costs of solid waste collection and disposal into the prices charged for them.

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