Title
PUBLIC HEARING - Draft 2015-2020 Waste ReSources Management Plan
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Land Use and Environment Committee and the Utility Advisory Committee both reviewed the Waste ReSources Management Plan and recommend forwarding the draft to Council for a public hearing and approval.
City Manager Recommendation:
Following the public hearing, Move to accept the recommendation of the Land Use and Environment Committee and the Utility Advisory Committee to approve the draft 2015-2020 Waste ReSources Management Plan.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve the plan after receiving comments on the draft 2015-2020 Waste ReSources Management Plan.
Staff Contact:
Ron Jones, Senior Program Specialist, Public Works Waste ReSources, 360.753.8509
Presenter(s):
Ron Jones, Senior Program Specialist, Public Works Waste ReSources
Background and Analysis:
The 2015-2020 Waste ReSources Management Plan (Plan) sets the strategic direction for the Waste ReSources Utility. The Plan outlines goals, objectives and strategies to reduce the total amount of waste produced, increase recycling and composting, maintain safe and efficient operations, and ensure responsible financial management.
Waste ReSources staff, with support from Cascadia Consulting Group, worked collaboratively to update the 2008-2013 Plan and create this new 2015-2020 Plan. The Plan is consistent with the City’s Comprehensive Plan, which establishes a policy for utilities to create and regularly update their master plans. The Plan is also consistent with the Thurston County Solid Waste Plan that the City adopts through an interlocal agreement. Since the City operates under the County’s Plan, this Plan is not subject to state review and approval.
The Utility Advisory Committee (UAC) and Land Use and Environment Committee (LUEC) both reviewed the draft Plan. The UAC formally recommended approval of the Plan at their May 7, 2015, meeting. The LUEC gave their approval for the Plan at their June 23, 2015, meeting. The draft Plan and appendices are available on the City’s website (see hyperlink) for public review and comment. No comments were received.
Key issues addressed in the Plan include:
• Whether the City should begin providing commercial recycling services;
• Strategies to increase recycling of construction and demolition waste;
• Strategies to increase residential organics collection;
• Whether to continue to include glass in mixed recycling collection; and
• Management of recycled materials.
If the City adopts the Plan, staff will further evaluate strategies and policies with potential service and rate implications, prior to implementation.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
All City residents, businesses and organizations are customers of the Waste ReSources Utility. Customers will be interested in services, waste reduction and recycling opportunities. Some commercial garbage customers have expressed an interest in receiving recycle collection from the City. To date, no person or group has expressed concerns over any of the proposed strategies in the Plan.
Options:
Option 1: Move to approve the draft 2015-2010 Waste ReSources Management Plan. If adopted, Waste ReSources can begin implementing the planned strategies and continue progress toward zero waste.
Option 2: Provide feedback to staff on desired changes to the Plan with a recommendation to bring back to council. This option will delay Plan implementation. The amount of time it is delayed would depend on the scope of the recommended changes.
Option 3: Do not recommend approving the Plan and provide guidance to staff on next steps. If the Plan is not approved, it will delay implementation and stall efforts to continue progress toward zero waste.
Financial Impact:
None at this time. The Plan does not recommend changes to rates. Implementing the Plan may have future service and utility rate implications.