Title
2023-2030 Waste ReSources Master Plan review and recommend for approval
Recommended Action
Receive a briefing update on the 2023-2030 Waste ReSources Master Plan and provide staff with a recommendation to Council for adoption.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive a briefing update on the 2023-2030 Waste ReSources Master Plan, and provide staff with a 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 Utility Advisory Committee (UAC) received briefings on the Draft Waste ReSources Management Plan (Plan) on four occasions (May 6, 2021; November 4, 2021; May 5, 2022 and December 1, 2022).
At the December 2022 meeting staff provided a copy of the draft plan along with a presentation. UAC members were given the option to submit additional comments after the December meeting.
Since that meeting, the Plan was updated to include numerous comments received from UAC and posted as a public draft to the City’s website on December 14, 202. Staff notified the Coalition of Neighborhood Associations about the opportunity to comment on the Plan and included a copy and link to the webpage. To date, only one public comment has been received beyond those given by UAC. SEPA review was initiated on January 5, 2023 and can take up to 60 days for a determination.
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.
Plan scoping and development began well ahead of the City’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), and climate programs, including their respective frameworks. Even so, the Plan incorporates these issues into its goals, strategies and actions. The equity and climate frameworks will be useful in future updates.
Climate Analysis:
The Plan will contribute to the City's overall climate goals through its waste prevention and recycling strategies and actions, such as waste prevention messaging, supporting legislative initiatives and improving recycling capture at multi-family and mixed-use buildings. The Plan also supports reduced greenhouse gas emissions by coordinating with the City's Fleet Operations to electrify the City's fleet. It is an easier conversion for light duty trucks, however electric solid waste trucks are not yet capable of operating even one-half day on a full charge and cost at least 50 percent more. A study showed that certain types of solid waste trucks may never be electrified due to their demanding function. It will be necessary to have the charging infrastructure in place as well.
Equity Analysis:
The Plan supports the City's overall equity initiatives through its strategies and actions. Data was incomplete for all groups and additional outreach during implementation will be useful. The plan is focused toward benefiting groups that are burdened, such as low income, through rate equity work, and diverse populations through improved education and outreach programs.
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 with a letter of recommendation to the City Council. This gives the Utility strategic direction 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 not 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 future service and utility rate implications.
Attachment:
Draft Waste ReSources Management Plan