King County Council approves 2019 Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan, city approval process begins

Following approval from the King County Council on April 24, the King County Solid Waste Division transmitted its amended 2019 Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan (2019 Plan) to its 37 partnering cities (all except Seattle and Milton) on May 20. Cities will have 120 days to take action on the 2019 Plan once each individual city receives a hard copy.

Final adoption requires approval by cities representing three-quarters of the total population of the cities that act on the 2019 Plan during the 120-day period. If ratified by the cities, the 2019 Plan would then be sent to the Department of Ecology, which will have 45 days to review and approve it. Final Ecology approval is expected in October 2019.

This transmittal culminates a years-long effort to update the 2001 Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan. This far-reaching document guides how King County will manage garbage and recycling for the next six to 20 years, including ways to prevent garbage; recommendations on garbage and recycling collection, transfer, and disposal; landfill management; and how to pay for these services.

The transmitted 2019 Plan ensures King County will continue to be able to provide forward-thinking, environmentally responsible and cost effective garbage disposal for years to come. It also guides future capital improvement projects that will modernize the County’s transfer system, as well as waste prevention and recycling programs that continue the County’s leadership in these areas.    

The addition of King County Council amendments to the 2019 Plan help reaffirm the Solid Waste Division’s commitment to being good neighbors, following best practices, and meeting and exceeding regulatory requirements.

For more information about the 2019 Plan, visit https://kingcounty.gov/solid-waste-comp-plan. 

South County Recycling and Transfer Station online open house seeks community input through June 2

The Solid Waste Division is working on the design of a new recycling and garbage transfer station in south King County to replace the aging Algona Transfer Station. Community members are invited to learn about the project and share their input on facility design, the new services to be provided, and other aspects of the project. The County is seeking input from south County community members so the new station reflects operational needs and community needs and values. The online open house is available through June 2.

For more information about the South County Recycling and Transfer Station project, visit https://kingcounty.gov/south-county.

Or schedule a briefing by contacting King County Solid Waste Division’s Government Relations Administrator Dorian Waller at dwaller@kingcounty.gov or 206-263-1368.

Eligible customers save money with Cleanup LIFT

Since the program began on Jan. 1, 2019, more than 1,000 Solid Waste Division customers have taken advantage of the Cleanup LIFT discount. This program makes it more affordable for low-income customers to dispose of materials at King County’s recycling and garbage transfer facilities. To receive the discount, customer just have to show their ProviderOne, EBT or ORCA LIFT card when entering a facility.

Eligible customers receive $12 off the cost to dispose of garbage, refrigerant-type appliances, yard waste and clean wood. The discount is good for each type of material, every visit.

The discount is only available to King County residents who live outside the cities of Seattle and Milton, which are part of separate solid waste systems. This service is not available to businesses.  

For more information, visit https://kingcounty.gov/cleanup-lift.

King 5 Highlights Recycling Right

Regional media is helping King County get the word out about our Recycle Right campaign. King 5 News recently ran a story on how to avoid common recycling mistakes.

The story is a great reminder that when it comes to recycling right, there are three things you need to know:

1. Make sure your recycling is empty, clean and dry before putting it in the blue bin

2. Always recycle plastic bottles, tubs and jugs; glass bottles and jars; metal cans; cardboard; and paper

3. When in doubt, find out by checking with your city or recycling collection company

Looking for more information on how to recycle right? Visit our website: kingcounty.gov/recycle-right

Dispose of your waste guilt free with King County’s Hazardous Waste Management Program

Homes and hazardous waste don’t mix. The Hazardous Waste Management Program in King County has resources that can make your home safer.

Learn about common hazardous products and how to safely get rid of them. Find a disposal location or, if you’re a senior or person with disabilities, schedule an in-home pick up. And if you want to find safer product alternatives for your home and garden, we’re here to help. Best of all, these services are already funded through your utility bill, so there’s no fee.

Visit guiltfreekc.org to learn more.