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Solid Waste Authorities and Local Planning Issues

Today's Reality

The role of state government is to set environmental protection standards for designing and operating disposal facilities, to provide competent technical advice to local governments and citizens, to regulate the garbage collection industry, and to coordinate the overall system. Ecology reviews locally issued permits and solid waste management plans, defines minimum functional standards for all types of solid waste facilities, and provides technical support and grants for waste reduction, recycling, and solid waste enforcement programs. Ecology also collects and tracks a wide array of data, which we publish in the Solid Waste Annual Report. (www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/swfa/solidwastedata/report.asp) Finally, Ecology supports and encourages the waste management priorities established in RCW 70.95, with waste reduction as the highest-priority waste management strategy, followed by recycling and responsible disposal.

Local governments have primary responsibility to manage solid waste. The counties, the jurisdictional health departments (JHD) and the cities share that responsibility. Statewide regulation of solid waste collection and the private hauling companies is delegated to the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC). Cities may choose to provide collection services themselves, or to contract for collection services.

Local health departments enforce environmental regulations. They do so by issuing permits for solid waste handling facilities and by regulating the operations of these facilities. They also enforce ordinances governing illegal dumping. Private companies play a major role in collecting and hauling solid waste, and in operating transfer stations, landfills, waste-to-energy, composting, and recycling facilities.

Moving toward the Beyond Waste vision entails carefully assessing opportunities to align responsibilities, regulatory structures, and planning and funding with the Beyond Waste priorities while meeting existing needs for services. It is also important to consider future needs and financial assurance mechanisms and other tools that maintain accountability. Equally important is the need for continued enforcement to preserve the integrity of the recycling and solid waste system, especially with regard to the illegal recycling and disposal practices that continue to occur. Washington's goals for the proper management of solid waste require that each individual recognize their role and responsibility in preserving our natural resources and protecting the environment and human health through their actions.

Goals: What Washington will look like in 30 years (by 2035)

Local plans and programs prioritize waste and toxics reduction.

Programs to reduce the volume and toxicity of waste are in place and effective throughout the state. Local planning promotes statewide infrastructure to convert waste to resources, and contribute to achieving Beyond Waste goals and recommendations.

The solid waste regulatory structure facilitates eliminating wastes and toxics.

The laws and rules governing solid waste management have been rewritten to accommodate a society where most wastes and toxics have been eliminated; those few wastes remaining are reused or safely managed.

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