Local solid and hazardous waste planning
Local governments are required to develop comprehensive solid waste management plans. These plans serve as a guiding document for local governments' solid waste programs, including detailing all existing solid waste handling facilities within a county (or city planning independently) and 20-year estimates for needed future solid waste facilities. The plan also provides detailed information on recycling programs, waste reduction, reuse strategies, and schedules for program implementation.
Local governments are also required to plan for reducing small-volume hazardous materials and wastes, or moderate risk wastes. These plans are known as local hazardous waste management plans and have separate requirements from local comprehensive solid waste management plans. As cities and counties implement and update their solid waste plans, some have chosen to combine the two plans or simultaneously revise their local hazardous waste management plan.
State Solid and Hazardous Waste Plan
Washington is also required to have a solid and hazardous waste management plan. The state's plan promotes sustainable materials management and aims to reduce wastes and toxic substances. The plan is the result of a collaborative effort among many stakeholders, including local government, business, and non-profits. Regional planners and other Ecology staff are available to assist jurisdictions to plan for and implement programs that advance the State Plan.
Funding for local plans
Ecology provides financial assistance to local governments to help fund the maintenance and implementation of their solid and hazardous waste plans through the Local Solid Waste Financial Assistance program (previously the Coordinated Prevention Grant program).
Contact information
Peter Guttchen
Lead local government planner
peter.guttchen@ecy.wa.gov
564-999-3287
Michelle Mulrony
Solid waste planner, Central Region
michelle.mulrony@ecy.wa.gov
509-406-3959
Benton, Chelan, Douglas, Kittitas, Klickitat, Okanogan, and Yakima counties
Steven Gimpel
Solid waste planner, Eastern Region
steven.gimpel@ecy.wa.gov
509-934-5483
Columbia, Franklin, Spokane, Walla Walla, and Whitman counties
Paula Wesch
Solid waste planner, Eastern Region
paula.wesch@ecy.wa.gov
509-939-6119
Adams, Asotin, Ferry, Garfield, Grant, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, and Stevens counties
Audrey Taber
Solid waste planner, Northwest Region
audrey.taber@ecy.wa.gov
425-414-5267
Island, Kitsap, Skagit, Snohomish, and Whatcom counties
Diana Wadley
Solid waste planner, Northwest Region
diana.wadley@ecy.wa.gov
425-429-4639
King and San Juan counties, and some King County cities (including Seattle)
Christina Kullberg
Solid waste planner, Southwest Region
christina.kullberg@ecy.wa.gov
360-999-3769
Clark, Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Thurston, and Skamania counties
Lacy Kooiman
Solid waste planner, Southwest Region
lacy.kooiman@ecy.wa.gov
360-688-4125
Clallam, Cowlitz, Jefferson, Pacific, Pierce, and Wahkiakum counties