Financing solid waste for the future

Local Government Funding for Solid Waste in Washington State: 2023

Section 104 of House Bill 1799 of the 2022 legislative session required that we contract a study on the adequacy of local government solid waste management funding.

Resource Recycling Systems, sub-contracting with Cascadia Consulting and FCS 
Group, performed the study, which researched:

• Current funding mechanisms
• Funding needed to implement the Washington Association of Solid Waste Managers core service model
• Alternative funding mechanisms
• Policy proposal impacts to local government solid waste funding

There are five chapters and three appendices:

• Chapter 1: Executive Summary and Recommendations
• Chapter 2: Current Funding Types
• Chapter 3: Core Services Funding Needs Analysis
• Chapter 4: Alternative Funding Models
• Chapter 5: Fiscal Impacts from Policy
• Appendices: Local Government Funding for Solid Waste in Washington

There is also a legislative report:

• Report to the Legislature: Local Government Funding for Solid Waste in Washington

Funding Mechanisms for Solid Waste: 2017

In 2017 we contracted a study to research funding mechanisms for solid waste. Cascadia Consulting Group partnered with FCS Group and Abbe & Associate to conduct the study in three parts: 

1. Update current funding mechanisms used in Washington State.
2. Identify potential funding mechanisms to consider.
3. Recommend funding mechanisms to consider. 

The study included seven documents:

• Part 1 - Update Current Funding Mechanisms
  • Part Appendix - Stakeholder Survey #1 and Comments
• Part 2 - Identify Potential Funding Mechanisms
  • Part 2 Appendix: Funding Matrix Database (Excel file)
  • Part 2 Appendix: Utility Cost Recovery Practices and Implications for Solid Waste Funding in Washington
• Part 3 - Recommended Funding Mechanisms
  • Part 3 Appendix: Stakeholder Survey #2 Feedback on Proposed Options

Earlier Studies and Resources: 2004-2011

Additional research and reports on solid waste financing are also available. 

• Report to the Legislature: Local Government Funding for Solid Waste in Washington
• University of Washington Intern Report: Waste Not: How Washington State Residents Pay for Garbage, Recycling, and Organic Waste: 2011
• Washington State University Report: Revenue Sources to Fund Recycling, Reuse, and Waste Reduction Programs: 2011
• Solid Waste Management Cost Flows in Washington State Report: 2007
• Beyond Waste Plan Background Paper: Financing Solid Waste for the Future: 2004