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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 government 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.

Local governments have primary responsibility to manage solid waste. That responsibility is shared between the counties, the jurisdictional health departments (JHD) and the cities. Statewide regulation of solid waste collection 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 are charged with enforcing environmental regulations. They do so by issuing permits for solid waste handling facilities and by regulating the operations of these facilities. They also are charged with enforcing ordinances governing illegal dumping.

As recycling continues to expand, it is critical to assure compliance with solid waste regulations and laws. It is also important to consider future needs for financial assurance mechanisms and other tools that maintain accountability. 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. Equally important is the need for continued enforcement vigilance 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 also require that each individual recognize his or her role and responsibility in preserving our natural resources and protecting the environment and human health through his or her actions.

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