Publication Summary

This document is a summary of the work Ecology has conducted in the Beyond Waste Project. The project includes long-range strategic plans for decreasing solid and hazardous wastes, properly managing wastes that remain, and reducing the use of toxic substances.

Ecology has identified five initiatives, or areas of focus, to work on first in pursuing the Beyond Waste vision. That vision is, "We can transition to a society where waste is viewed as inefficient, and where most wastes and toxic substances have been eliminated. This will contribute to economic, social and environmental vitality."

The updated Beyond Waste Plan is the mechanism for implementing these initiatives in collaboration with local governments, the private and non-profit sectors, academia, environmental organizations, communities and citizens. This plan will guide decision-making that will have major effects on waste management and waste generation for many years to come.

This document provides summaries of the five key initiatives. These initiatives focus on reducing hazardous and solid wastes and substances in Washington. In short, successful implementation of these five initiatives will:

1. Significantly reduce most wastes and the use of toxic substances in Washington′s industries.

2. Reduce and, where possible, eliminate small-volume hazardous wastes from businesses and households.

3. Expand the recycling system in Washington for organic wastes such as food wastes, yard waste, and crop residues.

4. Reduce the negative impacts from the design, construction, and operation of buildings.

5. Develop a system to measure our progress in achieving our goals.

In addition to the five key initiatives, several priority issues are discussed in the plan. These relate to the existing hazardous waste and solid waste management systems and recommendations for addressing these needs are also included.