Title
2022 Waste ReSources Management Plan Update
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Provide feedback on Waste ReSources Management Plan Scoping
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 which is 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.
The 2015 Plan provides an excellent starting point for what is anticipated as a minor update. The Plan update will retain the same general framework of goals and structure, with a focus on key issues and finances.
Since beginning the work, staff has:
• Reviewed the Utility’s key challenges
• Determined that the 2015 Plan framework and goals remain valid
• Enlisted the assistance of a consulting firm
During the May 6, 2021 UAC meeting, we anticipate discussing:
• Planning requirements
• Project assumptions and timeline
• Utility accomplishments from 2015 Plan (a quick overview)
• Key challenges
• 2022 Plan goals and objectives
The City will use 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
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):
Olympia residential recycling customers have an interest in how the impacts to recycling, can impact customer rates and the City’s recycle acceptance list.
Options:
Not applicable
Financial Impact:
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 <https://www.codepublishing.com/WA/Olympia/?wr/OlympiaWRNT.html>
Waste ReSources Management Plan Summary Document