Title
Review and approval of 2023-2030 Waste ReSources Master Plan
Recommended Action
Receive a briefing on the 2023-2030 Waste ReSources Master Plan, and provide input to staff with an eventual recommendation to Council for adoption
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive a briefing on the 2023-2030 Waste ReSources Master Plan, and provide input to staff with an eventual recommendation to Council for adoption
Staff Contact:
Ron Jones, Senior Program Specialist, Public Works Waste ReSources, 360.753.8509
Presenter:
Ron Jones
Background and Analysis:
The Waste ReSources Management Plan (Plan) sets the strategic direction for the Waste ReSources Utility. The Plan presents four goals along with subsequent strategies and actions toward reducing the total amount of waste produced, increased diversion through recycling and composting, maintaining safe, equitable, and efficient operations, and ensuring responsible and equitable financial management.
Waste ReSources staff, together with support from Cascadia Consulting Group, worked collaboratively to update the 2015 Plan and create this new 2023-2030 Plan. The Waste ReSources Management Plan is consistent with the City’s Comprehensive Plan, which establishes a policy for utilities to create and regularly update their utility master plans.
The City of Olympia fulfills Washington State’s regulatory requirement by being a signatory to the Thurston County Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan. The County Plan addresses the solid waste disposal and planning needs for the entire County. The Waste ReSources Plan provide strategic direction for the City’s Waste ReSources Utility.
The Utility Advisory Committee (UAC) received briefings on the Plan on three occasions (May 6, 2021; November 4, 2021; May 5, 2022). Subjects covered include:
• Education and Outreach program review and recommendations to include cultural and linguistic diversity
• Development standards for solid waste
• Electrified fleet alternatives
• Cost of Service Study and rate equity
• Shared waste compactors in downtown
• Goals and metrics
The Plan includes strategies that support Olympia’s climate; and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. These include strategies around education and outreach for diverse populations, embedding equity principles into Utility operations, and further exploration of utility rate equity for customers.
At the December 1, 2022 meeting, staff will brief the UAC on the Plan and will be seeking input and a recommendation to city council. Staff can return in February to receive the council recommendation, thereby giving UAC members additional time for consideration.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Community members, businesses and organizations are customers of the Waste ReSources Utility. They will be interested in the services and waste reduction and recycling opportunities put forth in the Plan, which will guide the utility’s work over the next seven years.
Options:
1. Move to recommend approval of the draft Plan to City Council. This gives the utility strategic direction and in the best position to implement the goals, strategies, and actions.
2. Request staff to revise the draft Plan based on UAC recommendations. This would delay implementation of the Plan and subsequent goals, strategies, and actions.
3. Do recommend approval of the Plan. This would result in the utility not having strategic direction for making informed decisions about services, waste prevention, and utility rates.
Financial Impact:
Implementing the 2023-2030 Waste ReSources Management Plan will have service and utility rate implications.
Attachment:
Waste ReSources Management Plan