Title
2022 Waste ReSources Management Plan Update
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Receive a briefing about the status of the Waste ReSources Management Plan update.
Report
Issue:
Briefing and discussion on the status of the Waste Resources Management Plan update.
Staff Contact:
Ron Jones, Senior Planner, Public Works Waste ReSources 360.753.8509
Presenters:
Ron Jones, Senior Planner, Public Works Waste ReSources, 360.753.8509
Gary Franks, Director, Public Works Waste ReSources, 360.753.8780
Background and Analysis:
The Waste ReSources Utility’s mission is to lead and inspire our community toward a waste-free future.
We carry out our mission through our strategic role of “providing opportunities to eliminate waste”, which include solid waste (garbage, recycle, and organics) collection services, and education and outreach on how to recycle/compost better, and reduce waste overall.
The Utility is guided by a Zero Waste Vision Resolution (2006), which directed the utility to draft its first master plan, The Toward Zero Waste Plan (2008), which was updated in 2015 as the Waste ReSources Management Plan. The utility’s plan is not a state or federal regulatory requirement; however, the Plan serves as a valuable tool used to guide the utility in effective and efficient management of solid waste collection and education and outreach programs.
The City fulfills its regulatory requirement as a signatory to the Thurston County Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan. The County Plan addresses the planning needs for the County, for which the city is a part. The City’s Waste ReSources Management Plan, addresses the specific issues unique to the City’s Waste ReSources operation and how it serves the community.
In fall of 2020, utility staff began the Plan scoping process and issued a request for qualifications (RFQ) for a consultant to assist with the plan update.
In May 2021, staff met with UAC to present the 2022 Waste ReSources Plan update scope of work and schedule. UAC was supportive of the Plan update process which included hiring a consulting firm to assist in the following areas:
• Financial analysis and financial plan
• Electrified fleet alternatives
• Education and Outreach program review and recommendations to include cultural and linguistic diversity
• Metrics to include connection to climate mitigation and greenhouse gas emissions
• Plan writing
At the November 4, 2021 meeting, staff will provide a status update on progress achieved to date.
For reference, the 2015 Waste ReSources Management Plan is available on the City’s website. Click on the hyperlink listed in the staff report.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The Utility provides essential garbage, recycle, organics collection, and educational services to the community.
Options:
Not applicable
Financial Impact:
None at this time. The Utility will utilize a financial consultant to update the financial strategy for the Utility, by conducting cost of service, capital needs, and corresponding rates, and multi-year rate projections.
Attachments:
Link to 2015 Waste ReSources Plan
Waste ReSources Management Plan Summary Document