Financing Solid Waste for the Future

Today's Reality

Washington's current solid waste system consists of a number of programs, services, and activities provided to both residents and businesses/organizations by the solid waste industry, manufacturers, counties, cities, state government, the federal government, and various non-governmental organizations. These activities are aimed primarily at managing wastes in the municipal solid waste stream. Large quantities of wastes are also generated from agricultural, industrial, and large institutional settings. These wastes are not generally included in the municipal solid waste stream.

One goal of the Beyond Waste effort is to have costs of a product's complete life cycle incorporated into product pricing, which can occur in various ways. This goal’s focus ultimately lies in creating products in manners that conserve natural resources, minimize waste, are compatible with biological processes, and limit the use of materials that create significant negative impacts on the ecosystem. Incorporating external costs will affect pricing signals in the market in such a way that costs will reflect what is and what is not supportable.

This new perspective on accounting for costs and setting prices does not imply only a one-way street of additional expenses. Less pollution means reduced health problems and cleanup costs; eliminating artificial subsidies can result in reduced use of resources; and actions that result in new, “green jobs” produce economic benefits of their own. Investing in the Beyond Waste future can reduce costs and liabilities for businesses, create new jobs, open new markets, and maintain economic vitality while simultaneously reducing environmental impacts to healthier and more sustainable levels. A healthier and more sustainable environment benefits every person in Washington. Some up-front expenses are needed to realize long-term environmental, health, and societal gains, and some of these actions and investments may bring economic gains more quickly.

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