Local solid and hazardous waste planning
Local governments are required to maintain 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 information on recycling programs, waste reduction, reuse strategies, and schedules for program implementation. Requirements for local solid waste planning are found in RCW 70A.205.040 through RCW 70A.205.075, RCW 70A.205.110, and RCW 70A.205.115.
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 update their solid waste plans, some have chosen to integrate their hazardous waste plan to form one combined plan. Requirements for moderate-risk waste planning are found in RCW 70A.300.350 and RCW 70A.224.020, used oil recycling.
Planning resources
- Guidelines for Solid and Hazardous Waste Management Plans
- Cost Assessment Questionnaire – Designated Recyclables Lists template
- Solid waste and recycling data
- Municipal Research and Services Center of Washington solid waste information
- Office of Financial Management population data
- Local solid waste advisory committee guidance (SWAC)
- Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission solid waste carrier information – includes tariffs and service area maps
- Contamination Reduction and Outreach Plans (CROPs)
- Recycling Reform Act
- Organics Management Laws
Sample documents
Visit the Planning and Waste Reduction Resource Library for examples like:
State Solid and Hazardous Waste Plan
Washington is also required to have a solid and hazardous waste management plan. The state is moving from a combined Solid and Hazardous Waste Management Plan to separate methods of meeting the state requirements for such planning. This new approach is anticipated to be complete by the end of 2026. Regional solid waste 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
Diana Wadley-Girard
Lead local government planner
diana.girard@ecy.wa.gov
425-429-4639
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
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
Audrey Taber
Solid waste planner, Northwest Region
audrey.taber@ecy.wa.gov
425-414-5267
Kitsap, Skagit, Snohomish, and Whatcom counties
Katie Stickels
Solid waste planner, Northwest Region
katie.stickels@ecy.wa.gov
360-918-3431
Island, King and San Juan counties, and City of Seattle