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Department of Ecology News Release - November 20, 2006
06-243
BELLEVUE –The state Department of Ecology (Ecology) has awarded 48 grants totaling $6.6 million to support waste reduction and recycling in seven counties in the agency’s northwest region. Statewide, about $18.2 million has been designated for waste reduction and recycling programs at the local and county level.
Every two years, Ecology awards the Coordinated Prevention Grants to local governments to help them manage solid and household hazardous-wastes, prevent illegal dumping, and promote recycling and composting programs.
“These grants are important to our efforts to move Washington forward and maintain our well-earned reputation as a clean, green part of the world,” said Governor Chris Gregoire. “The real work to reduce waste and promote recycling for a healthier, more sustainable Washington takes place in local communities."
The grants are supported by a tax paid by wholesale distributors of petroleum and other hazardous materials, under the voter-approved Model Toxics Control Act of 1989.
King County Department of Natural Resources & Parks Solid Waste Division will use a $622,284 grant to support King County's Annual Northwest Natural Yard Days. A regional partnership of 41 local government agencies, this popular activity results in the annual diversion of more than 6 million pounds of grass clippings from the landfill. Northwest Natural Yard Days also promotes water conservation, toxics reduction, and other natural yard care methods. The grant will also fund the county’s EcoDeals program, marketing recycled content and other environmentally preferable products offered by local retailers. King County expects to reach 50,000 citizens and register 1,000 consumers.
Seattle Public Utilities will use a $664,080 grant to fund its Natural Soil Building program. This results in the diversion of over 800,000 pounds of yard and food waste through backyard composting. Other benefits include water conservation and reduction of toxic fertilizers and pesticides. Seattle Public Utilities will also use state grant funding to develop, establish, and promote commercial waste reduction and recycling programs. These programs will result in 175 new business referrals for city recycling programs. The programs will also result in seven new building projects that meet national standards for excellence in sustainable building.
Public Health – Seattle & King County will use $1.2 million in grant funding for solid waste enforcement activities such as illegal dumping investigation and follow-up. These activities will result in the investigation of 1,600 illegal dumping complaints, nearly 50 percent of which will be resolved through enforcement actions. State grant funding also supports Seattle and King County's industrial materials exchange program (IMEX). IMEX matches industrial waste generators with waste users, keeping toxic products out of the local waste stream. In 2005, the IMEX program facilitated 60 exchanges that diverted over 50,000 pounds of material from the waste stream. These exchanges saved Washington businesses over $87,000 in purchasing costs and $8,000 in disposal costs. Finally, the grant will support collection of 1.8 million pounds of household hazardous waste per year. This waste would otherwise end up in our landfills, wastewater systems, and surface/groundwater resources.
Snohomish County Solid Waste Management Division will use a $900,656 grant for the operation of its moderate-risk waste facility (collects household and small business hazardous waste). This facility will collect and properly dispose of more than 4,000 tons of hazardous materials from 33,000 homes and businesses in two years.
The City of Bothell will use a $33,128 grant to divert from the landfill 250 tons of construction debris, scrap metal, and wood. These efforts will also divert 125 cubic yards of clean green brush and stumps coming from 2,400 households.
The King County suburban cities (Algona, Auburn, Bellevue, Black Diamond, Bothell, Covington, Des Moines, Enumclaw, Federal Way, Issaquah, Kenmore, Kent, Kirkland, Lake Forest Park, Maple Valley, Newcastle, Normandy Park, Pacific, Redmond, Sammamish, SeaTac, Seattle Public Utilities, Shoreline, Skykomish, Snoqualmie, North Bend, Carnation, Tukwila, and Woodinville) will use $794,365 in grant funding to support local waste prevention and recycling efforts. These will include special recycling and household hazardous waste collection events. The cities will also provide residential and commercial waste reduction and recycling education and outreach. They will carry out green building education and promotion activities, and promote yard waste and food waste composting. These grant funded programs will divert over 6 million pounds of materials from the waste stream and reach over 19,000 households and businesses.
Snohomish County Health District will use a $192,729 grant for solid waste enforcement activities. These activities will include investigating hundreds of complaints and taking enforcement action on noncompliant offenders. The health district will also use the grant for hazardous waste and small quantity generator outreach and technical assistance.
The cities of Edmonds ($38,079) and Lynnwood ($32,800) will increase recycling awareness of residents and commercial businesses. The cities will emphasize organic materials, diverting a total of 235 tons of such material from the landfill.
The City of Everett will use a $92,707 grant for three projects. The city will support 20 multifamily recycling programs. It will also establish new resource-conservation programs in 20 businesses. Lastly, it will divert 10 tons of food waste through worm-bin education programs.
The City of Marysville will use a $26,615 grant to reach 100 percent participation in multifamily recycling programs. The city will also establish new resource conservation programs in 50 businesses.
The City of Arlington will use a $12,815 grant to reach a 95 percent participation in multifamily recycling programs. The city will also develop a business outreach program for recycling.
Skagit County Public Works will use a $288,042 grant to collect 200 tons of household and small business hazardous waste. The county will also provide technical assistance to small-quantity generators of hazardous waste, and it will provide recycling education to the community.
Skagit County Health Department will use a $99,729 grant to prevent illegal dumping and enforce solid waste codes.
Island County Solid Waste will use a $229,279 grant for the operation of its moderate-risk waste facility. The facility will collect and properly dispose of 300 tons of hazardous materials from 5,000 customers. The county will also prioritize recycling opportunities for an update to its solid waste management plan.
Island County Health Department will use a $99,729 grant to permit and inspect solid waste facilities and investigate solid waste complaints.
Kitsap County Public Works will use a $449,961 grant to collect 919 tons of household and small business hazardous waste, as well as provide numerous waste prevention and recycling activities. These will include school and youth education, residential information about recycling, business technical assistance, and yard waste diversion. Also, the county will give green building assistance in the city of Bremerton.
Kitsap County Health District will use a $170,895 grant to provide EnviroStars outreach and recognition to local businesses. The health district will also perform solid waste enforcement, including complaint response and investigation.
Whatcom County Public Works will use a $506,162 grant to collect 547 tons of household and small business hazardous waste, as well as provide numerous waste prevention and recycling activities. Whatcom County Health Department will use the funds to complete solid waste compliance inspections, prevent litter and illegal dumping, and provide biosolids compliance.
San Juan County Public Works will use a $126,098 grant to promote and coordinate two special hazardous waste collection events. These events will provide collection and proper disposal of household hazardous waste generated on the islands of San Juan County. In addition, the county provides used oil and battery collection on the ferry-served islands; this service is available throughout the year during regular transfer station operating hours. With these programs, San Juan County Public Works will collect and properly dispose of nearly 50 tons of hazardous waste.
San Juan County Health Department will use a $77,808 grant for solid waste enforcement activities. These activities include illegal dump enforcement, permit review, and ensuring compliance at permitted solid waste facilities and closed landfills. These efforts continue to ensure the health and safety of San Juan County citizens.
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Ecology media contact: Larry Altose, public information officer, 425-649-7009
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
