HomeMy WebLinkAboutres2025-018Whatcom County COUNTY COURTHOUSE
311 Grand Avenue, Ste #105
Bellingham, WA 98225-4038
(360) 778-5010
Agenda Bill Master Report
File Number: AB2025-328
File ID: AB2025-328 Version: 1 , Status: Approved
File Created: 04/15/2025 Entered by: bdecker@co.whatcom.wa.us
Department: Health Department File Type: Resolution
Assigned to: Council Public Works & Health Committee Final Action: 05/13/2025
Agenda Date: 05/13/2025 Enactment #: RES 2025-018
Related Files:
Primary Contact Email: JHayden@co.whatcom.wa.us
TITLE FOR AGENDA ITEM:
Resolution adopting an amendment to the Whatcom County Comprehensive Solid and Hazardous
Waste Management Plan
SUMMARY STATEMENT OR LEGAL NOTICE LANGUAGE:
Whatcom county received a petition to amend the Comprehensive Solid and Hazardous Waste
Management Plan from the Department of Ecology, due to inclustion of single -stream recycling within
the City of Bellingham. Per the requirements of Chapter 70A.205 RCW, Solid Waste Management -
Reduction and Recyucling, the plan has been amended to align with current practices. The plan has
been reviewed by the Solid Waste Advisory Committee and Solid Waste Executive Committee and
received public commnet through SEPA. Pending council review and approval, the amended plan will
be submitted to Ecalogy as per RCW.70A.205
HISTORY OF LEGISLATIVE FILE
Date: Acting Body:
Action:
Sent To:
05/13/2025 Council Public Works & Health RECOMMENDED FOR
Committee APPROVAL
Aye: 3 Scanlon, Stremler, and Elenbaas
Nay: 0
05/13/2025 Council APPROVED
Aye: 7 Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
Whatcom County Page 1 Printed on 511412025
Agenda Bill Master Report Continued (AB2025-328)
Attachments: Memo, Proposed Resolution, Proposed Amendments, Amendment, SEPA Checklist
Whatcom County Page 2 Printed on 511412025
PROPOSED BY:
INTRODUCED:
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-018
A RESOLUTION ADOPTING AN AMENDMENT TO THE WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE
SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN
WHEREAS, Chapter 70.95 RCW, Solid Waste Management- Reduction and Recycling
requires local jurisdictions to update comprehensive solid waste management plans every five
years or as needed due to changes in the solid waste system; and
WHEREAS the 2022 Whatcom County Comprehensive Solid and Hazardous Waste
Management Plan was approved by Resolution 2023-010; and
WHEREAS, Whatcom County is implementing the approved 2022 Whatcom County
Comprehensive Solid and Hazardous Waste Management Plan; and
WHEREAS, Whatcom County Health and Community Services Solid Waste Division
received a petition to amend the plan from the Washington State Department of Ecology due to
changes in the recycling system; and
WHEREAS, the draft amendment to the plan is in compliance with SEPA requirements,
and has received a Determination of Non -Significance; and
WHEREAS the draft amendment to the plan has received public review and comment
through Solid Waste Advisory Committee participation; and
WHEREAS, on December 4, 2024, the Solid Waste Advisory Committee unanimously
approved a recommendation to submit the draft amendment to the Whatcom County Council for
approval; and
WHEREAS, on December 17, 2025, the Solid Waste Executive Committee, comprised of
the Mayors and County Executive, as per interlocal agreement, unanimously approved a
recommendation to submit the draft amendment to the plan to the Whatcom County Council for
Page I
approval;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Whatcom County Council that it approve the
2022 Whatcom County Comprehensive Solid and Hazardous Waste Management Plan as
amended, attached hereto and by this reference incorporated herein.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the approved plan shall be submitted, as required by
law, to the Washington State Department of Ecology.
APPROVED
dyt®tt1�i`s 13th day of May� , 2025.
® ATTEST: ® COUNTY
Cathy Hal�.a, Cle `� (g tlg6umcil
APPROVED A',aTO FORM:
/s/ Chris Quinn
Chris Quinn, Civil Deputy Prosecutor
Page 2
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Kaylee dalloway, Council Chair
Northwest Region Office
PO Box 33031.6, Shoreline, WA 981-33,971.6 - 206 594 0000
June 29, 2023
Jennifer Hayden
Environmental Health Supervisor
Whatcom County Health Department
509 Girard Street
Bellingham, WA 98225-4005
Management Plan
Clear Jennifer Hayden,
The Department. of Ecology (Ecology) is Pleased to approve Whatcom County's 2022-2027
Comprehensive Solid and Hazardous Waste Management Pion, transmitted to us on May 23, 2023.
This Plan demonstrates Whatcom County's commitment to reduction, recycling, and safe management
of solid waste. It promotes a system that supports the state's solid waste handling Priorities while
reflecting local needs. This Plan includes strong elements, such as clear and informative hauler and
population density snaps, key construction and demolition debris recommendations, and a thoughtful
land acknowledgement, We believe this plan will allow you the flexibility you need to respond to
changing conditions yet gives clear enough direction to guide the County in a clear sustainable path.
Ecology commends the efforts of Whatcom County staff, the consultant, the Solid Waste Advisory
Committee, and the public at large toward compleCion of this Plan.
The six -year planning period covered by this combined Solid and Hazardous Waste Management plan is
2022-2027. Thus, the five-year review required in RCW 21�� 2 1a.0- should begin in the year 2026.
Ecology looks forward to working with Whatcom County and its stakeholders as this Plan is
implemented, and we are here to assist as needed.
Sincerely,
Diana Wadley
Acting Northwest region Section Manager
Solid Waste Management program
cc: Olivia Carros, Ecology Regional Planner and Grant Manager
Peter CJuttchen, Ecology Statewide Lead Planner
Mike Young, Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission
Amy Clow, Washington Department of Agriculture
�E, 22-2027 COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND
HAZARDOUS WASTEM1aNAGEMENTsP.tiN
Whatcom County, Washington
May 15, 2023
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Vbc \V-hatcmn County Cotnprchenske Solid and I lamrdous \V.tstc Nlauagcmem flan vvas prepared
l>N- a team consisung 01 T'hawmn Count= Solid VIste Moon staff, the \\hatcoM COUJILy Solid
\V-astc Advisory Committee:, and the ,Maul Foster & lllongi, Inc. consultant team. "Throughout
development of thi_s document, the individuals involved dedicated an extensive amount of time and
energy in formulating recommetndations, discussing approaches, and reviewing the document. In
particular, the team wishes to ackno«ledge, with great appreciation, the solid vase indum-y service
proAders in our com numry, and their cniplo)Tees, who vvork hard to cffectiael�- manage our solid
and hazardous wastes.
Maul Faster & Alongi, Inc.
Seth Otto
Erik 13akkom
Brian "I'ino
hatcom County Staff
Jennifer] Iayclen, AN'hatcom County Health and Cotnmunity Services
Jeff 1 Icgedus, Whatcorn Count, Ileahli and Community Services
Solid Waste Advisory Committee
Carol Franey, Whatcom County Council representative
Kevin Renz, Cite of Ferndale, small cities representative
Hchael Olinger, City- of Bellingham representative
I-�,ric Johnston, Cite of Bellingham representative
Lisa hriend, citizen rcprescnrative
Robert Hendricks, citizen representative (term expired 6/18/21)
Mark Peterson, public interest group representative (term expired 1 /31 /2021)
11mudi I lutwn, public interest group representative.
Larry 1\IcCarter, business/industry representative
Troy I www nch, waste collection industry represenrative (teen expired 1/31/20T)
Rodd Pemble, waste collection industry rcpresentati'\Te
Kevin Moore, \Haste recycling industry representative
Washington Stag Department of Ecology
Diana \\'adle�
Carolyn Bo«Tic
Olivia C:arros
Contact Information
Whatcom Count\- Itcalth and Communit- Scrviccs
'509 Girard Street
Bcllirigham, Washingion 98225
3MI i K6000
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
GLOSSARY
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 PURPOSE
1.2 SOLID WASTE SYSTEM OVERVIEW
1.3 PARTICIPATING JURISDICTIONS
1.4 REQUIRED CONTENTS
1.5 RELATIONSHIP 1-0 OTHER PLANS
1.6 THE SOLID WASTE ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND SOLID WASTE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
1.7 MISSION
1.8 PROCESS OF UPDATING THE CSHWMP
1.9 ORGANIZATION OF THE CSHWMP
2 PLANNING AREA
2.1 DESCRIPTION OF THE PLANNING AREA
2.2 HISTORY OF THE WHATCOM COUNTY SOLID WASTE SYSTEM
2.3 QUANTITY AND CHARACTERIZATION OF SOLID WASTE
3 WASTE REDUCTION AND PUBLIC EDUCATION
3.1 EXISTING CONDITIONS
3.2 NEEDS AND OPPORTUNITIES
3.3 GOALS AND ACTIONS
4 RECYCLING
4.1 EXISTING CONDITIONS
4.2 NEEDS AND OPPORTUNITIES
4.3 GOALS AND ACFJONS
5 ORGANIC MATERIAL MANAGEMENT
5.1 EXISTING CONDITIONS
5.2 NEEDS AND OPPORTUNITIES
5.3 GOALS AND ACTIONS
6 SOLID WASTE COLLECTION
6.1 EXISTING CONDITIONS
6.2 NEEDS AND OPPORTUNITIES
6.3 GOALS AND ACTIONS
7 TRANSFER AND DISPOSAL
7.1 EXISTING CONDITIONS
7.2 NEEDS AND OPPORTUNITIES
7.3 GOALS AND ACTIONS
8 MISCELLANEOUS WASTE
8.1 EXISTING CONDITIONS
8.2 NEEDS AND OPPORTUNITIES
8.3 GOALS AND ACTIONS
9 ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
9.1 EXISTING CONDITIONS
WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AiNID HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN PAGE I
5
5
7
8
8
9
12
14
14
22
23
36
37
47
48
51
5,1
58
61
63
63
66
69
71
71
74
74
75
75
81
82
83
83
90
91
93
93
CONTENTS (CONTINUED)
9.2 NEEDS AND OPPORTUNITIES 98
9.3 GOALS AND ACTIONS 99
10 LOCAL HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN 101
10.1 MASTER SECTION 101
10.2 IMPLEMENTATION 109
11 IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE
11.1 IMPLEMENTATION RESPONSIBILITY
11.2 SUMMARY OF GOALS AND ACTIONS
11.3 BUDGET
REFERENCES
APPENDIX A
WHATCOM COUNTY SOLID WASTE HANDLING FACILITIES
APPENDIX B
RESOLUTION OF ADOPTION! AND INTERLOCAL AGREEMENTS
APPENDIX C
CROP
APPENDIX D
COMPLIANCE CHECKLIST
APPENDIX E
SWAC BY-LAWS AND MEETING MINUTES
APPENDIX F
SEPA DOCUMENTS
APPENDIX G
WUTC COST ASSESSMEN-1 QUESTIONNAIRE
APPENDIX H
RESPONSE 10 ECOLOGY PREL.Ifv11NARY REVIEW AND PUBLIC COMMENTS
WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENI PLAN PAGE 11
116
116
118
124
126
♦ 2 � % q.
C/D
construction and denioliti011
C. irido
Cmido Rec);cling and DlSposal
C.1�51)C�
COnC116011211V CX011pt SIna11 Cltlatlt 1V gCAM-AtOr
the County
VI—iatcom County
CS11\\ \1P
Conlprellellsit eSolid and I tacardous \\ rite \•Ianal emellt
flan
geology
W,-Ishington Statc Depatvnent of t cology
IT.'A
I`-�.S. I tivironnlental Protection -Agency
FCO
Floe Control Ordinance
hRP
hood Recovery Prop rain
G-permit
\\ 1 I C' pCI-mit
1\II'S
n111111i1a1 fLl11C11011i11. stflndards (refer Lo 173-304 and
1 7 3'-3 11))
MRI'
material recoverj- facility
�\-IR
nloderatC r1Sh \Paste
i\1R\\'h
moderate risk \vaste facilities
\1S\\`
nitulicipal solid waste
NFFC \
Model Tomcs Control :\ct
NVD
Nooksack%allc` Disposal
N V Cr\_\
Worth-S'est C,lcall \ll'
W JtatC IJInCe' 0r 1'111a11C1a1 A1111age111e11t
PPG
Public Participation Grant
RCR;1
Resource Conservation and Recovery _Act
RC\f'
Revised Code of \\'ashilvtoll
RDS
Recyclitig and Disposal Services
Republic
Republic. Services
SI"P.-\
State I_ �;tivirontnental Police Act
SSC
Sanitary Service C:ompati
S\\'L\(_
Solid Waste _\dVlsot\' Committee
S\\ FIC
Solid \Waste F'Xectlm c Con-im1ttec
1 Z\V
Toward Zero Waste ProL�ranl
\N'2G
Where To Go With 1'o Go canipaio,n.
VI —AC
AVashington 'TW111illistrative Code
\\'CC
\Vhatconl County Codc
\\ DI V
Washington Departil1e11t of I'ish arld Wildlife
\\'SU
W"ishington State Ulliyer itt
\\ F1 C,
V"ashington ( t'Ol Les ',Ind 1 ttIllspormriotl Conlnit Slotl
WHATCOM COU!,!TY COMPREHENSIVE SOL.iD Ai\!D HAZARDOUS WAS] E MANAGEMENI PLAN PAGE ill
Anaerobic Digestion: The process by «rhich organic innierial is broken down by microorganisms in
the absence of oxygen. This process results in emission of a carbon dioNidc- and incthane-rich biogas
that can be collected and used as an energy source. 7'he digestatc can then be landfillcd or composted.
Advantages of this process include volcune reduction of landfilled organic Nvaste, as well as decreased
landfill gas production.
Biosolids: Municipal sewage, sludge that is a primarily organic, semisolid product resulting from the
-wastewater treatment process and that can be berieficially recycled.
Commingled Recycling: A method of recovery and/or collection -,where recyclable commodities are
mimed together and sorted at a material recov ery facility (NIRP
Composting: The biological degradation and transformation of organic solid waste under controlled
conditions designed to promote aerobic decomposition. Natural decay of organic solid waste under
uncontrolled conditions is not composting.
Construction and Demolition (C/D) Waste: "Those wastes that are t-\Tpicall�� associated -\vith the
construction industry; these can include stone, concrete, brick, metal, lumber, and shingles.
Designated Recyclables: Wastes separated for recycling or reuse, such as paper, metals, and plastics
that are identified as rec�71clablc material pursuant = to a local comprehensive solid waste plan. Prior to
the adoption of the local comprehensive solid waste plan, adopted pursuant to RCV:7 70.95.110(2),
local governments may identify recyclable materials by ordinance from _Tiny 23, 1959.
Disposal: The discharge, deposit, injection, dumping, Ieaking, or placing of any solid waste into or on
any land or water.
Diversion: Any method of recycling, energy production, or beneficial use that prevents disposal of
material in landfills or incinerators. "this definition includes all materials that arc reported as recyclable.
Drop Box: A "drop box" facility means a facility used for the placement of a detachable solid waste
container, such as a drop box, including the area adjacent for necessary errn,ance and exit roads, and
unloading and turnaround areas. A drop box facility normally sere es self -haulers with loose loads and
receives waste from off site. A drop box facility mat' also include containers for separated recyclable
materials.
E-Cycle Washington: Washington's producer -funded recycling program for computers, monitors,
laptops, and televisions �yT�* y,cc t_1_o0 /pi-m�ranis/snf,l CpI-oductI-ec :cle/inde 11In11.
Source: Appendix ;A of Tcrm; and Lis[ of k1ollYms), Guiddinc' for Dcvcl« pmeni ofLocsd Competiensive.
Solid \V'astc .ALlnat;cmcrut Plans and Plan Re��isions, A\ashintou Starr. Dcparb�ncnt oL I;colov Yublicarion No. 10-
0�'-OOU.
WHAICOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE SOt.ID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MAfvIAGEMf-i,,I1 FLAN PAGE IV
GLOSSARY (CONTINUED)
Food Waste: Organic waste derived from food products
G-Certificate: A certificate of public convenience and necessity issued by the WI I'C under the
provi's.ions of RCNy- 81.77 for Tile operation of solid waste collection. This certificate defines the
t:er ritorY and level of service required for solid waste collection in unincorporated areas of Washington
Statc.
Garbage: General unsorted household waste that goes to a landfill. Garbage may include scrap paper,
food, metal, plastic,'\\,00d, glass, dirt, fabric, and other materials that are considered not recoverable
because of the size of the material, presence of contamination, lack of a market, or lack of separation
effort by the generator.
Green Iluilding: Design or construction practices that significantly reduce or eliminate the negative
impact of buildings on the en6ronment: and occupants in the areas of site selection, and promote
conserv,'Itiou of materials and resources, energy efficiency, water efficiency, and indoor environmental
quality-.
Green Waste: Biodegradable waste typically consisting of garden or park «-ante, such as grass or
flower cuttings and hedge trimmings, and contain relatively high nitrogeti concentrations.
Hazardous Substance: Any liquid, solid, gas, or sludge, including an>7 material, substance, product,
commodity, or yvastc, regardless of quantity, ",-hich exhibits am- of the characteristics or criteria of
liazardous'V11aste as described in rules adopted under RCNV 70.105,
Hazardous Waste: All dangerous and extremely hazardous waste, including substances composed of
both radioacti\-c and hazardous components.
Household Hazardous Waste: Those substances identified by 1?cology as hazardous household
substances ire_ the guidelines developed under RC\N7 70.105.220 (L.oeal IIazardoua \\ aste Management
Program Guidelines). household Hazardous waste is any, waste that exhibits the properties of
dangerous wastes but is exempt from the Dangerous \N'aste Regulations solely because it is generated
bv households'.
Hog Fuel: Wood chips ranging in size between 2 and 5 inches that are used as a fuel source in a
combustion process, such as firing a boiler.
Incineration: Reducing the volume of solid wastes by use of an enclosed device using controlled
1.1ame combustion.
industrial Waste: Industrial waste includes by-products from manufslcturing operations, food
processing, .and otlier industrial processes, such as scraps, trimmings, packaging, boiler ash, wood -
product residuals, and other discarded materials not otherwise designated as a dangerous miaste under
W AC Chapter 173-303.
WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREI IENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMEEIT PLAN PAGE V
GLOSSARY (CONTINUED)
Interlocal Agreement: Ari ititcrlocal agreement is a formal agreement between any- tea-o or more
public agencies to wod� cooperativel��. In the world of solid write planning, this usually refers to an
agreement lvhcrc the, count' and participating cities enter into an interlocal agreement to designate the
coulm as the solid -waste planning authority.
Landfill: ;A disposal facility- or part of a facility- at which solid waste° is permanew1v placed in or on
land, including facilities that use solid waste as a component of fill.
Material .Recovery Facility (MRF): An�, facility that collects, compacts, .repackages, sorts, or
processes for transport source -separated solid waste for recycling.
Model Tories Control Act (MICA): NITCA_ is the legislation that created the tolics accounts that
now fund a significant portion of solid waste management at the state and local levels. "\More detail on
The sect Call be found in 70.10511
Moderate Risk Wastes (MRW): NIRW are composed of chemical materials that are poisonous,
to-\:ic, flanunable, reactive, or corrosive. These products include but are not limited to pesticides,
herbicides, mercur.- and n:icrcurv.- thermometers, some tapes of batteries, gasoline, 1;erosene, motor
oil, antifteezc, oil -based paint, paint thinner, turpentine, pool chemicals, and drain cleaners. AIRW are
divided into tivo categories household hazardous waste and small -quantity generator hazardous waste.
Municipal Solid Waste (MSW): A subset of solid waste that includes unsegregated garbage refuse
artd similar solid "v"-rite material discarded from residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial
sources and community activities, including residue left after recyclablcs have been separated.
Organics (organic materials): Substances that are products of biological origin that have the
potential to be returned to the soil or turned into biofuels, bioc en.)y, or other products. Organic
m atcrials include landscaping and 1-ard food waste, marnur-es, crop residues, wood, soiled/low-
p'rade paper, arld biosoli.ds.
Per capita waste generation: The average amoutu, of waste generated by a single person in a year.
1'1]e1per capita waste generation .raw rs calculated b\- dividing the total waste generation in an area b>>
the total population of that area.
Planning area: The geographical boundaries in which a solid waste plan xvill be irriplernented.
Recovery: Material removed from the waste stream for the purpose of recycling and; or. composting.
Recyclable Materials: Solidtiw-astcs that arc: separated for recycling or reuse, including, but nor limited
to papers, metals, anal gl ass that arc .identified as recyclable material pursuant to a local comprehensive
solid waStC plan.
WHAT( -:OM COUNI I`{ COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND 11AZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN PAGE VI
GLOSSARY (CONTINUED
Recycling: Transforming or remanufacturing waste materials into usable or marketable materials for
use other than landfill disposal or incineration. Recycling does not: include collection, compacting,
1-cpackaging, and sorting for the purpose of transport.
Resolution of Adoption: In solid -yvastc planning, a resolution passed by the local executive or
legislative authoritA- to adopt the local Solid wastc manstgcrncnt plan..A combination of an interlocal
agreement and a resolution of adoption is generally required for all participating jurisdictions in order
for a solid waste management plan to he approt ed b� I�;cology.
Revised Code of Washington (RCW):.A compilation of all Nashington State laws now in force,
created and rnodified through hills passed by the Legislature.
Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC): An advisory committee established at the local level in
each planning jurisdiction. The local S\V'AC should assist in development of programs and policies
concerning- solid waste handling and disposal and should review and comment on proposed rules,
policies, or ordinances prior to their adoption.
Solid Waste: All punescible and nonputrescible solid and semisolid wastes, including, but not limited
to, garbage, rubbish., ashes, industrial «-aster, swill, sewage sludge, C/D wastes, abandotred vehicles or
parts thereof, contaminated soils and contaminated dredged material, and recyclable materials.
Source Separation: The separation of different kinds of solid «-aste at the place where the «Taste
originates.
State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA): way- to identify possible environ.me:ntal impacts that
may result: from goy-ernmcntal decisions. "These decisions may be related to issuing permits for private
projects; constructing public faCilitlCS; or adopting regulations, policies, or plans.
Transfer Station: _1 facility where w"Istes are transferred from smaller Nrchid_es (cats, pickup truths,
contractor trucks, and collection vehicles) into larger transport trailers prior to transport to the landfill
for disposal.
Toxics or "Toxic Substances:.A general term That refers to hazardous substances and hazardous
wastes that have properties that mal cause or significanth- coiaribute to death, injury) or illness of
humans, animals, or other living things.
USEPA: "The U.S. L:nvironrnental Protection is a federal agency that leads the nation's
eneironniental science, research, education, and assessment efforts. Created in 1970, the USEPA's
mission is to protect hurnsin health and the ellvirontnent.
Vaetor Waste: _1 common terns used to describe street waste. "Vactor" is a brand name for a vacuum
u-uck that is capal)lc of picking up rnarte t\ pcs of w—istc. Cl-usently, a vti.-idc variety- of wastes are collected
by Vactor trucks and treated as street wastes. I lowcver, not all wastes picked up by Factor trues:
qualify as Street «-rite.
WHATCON4 COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN PAGE VII
GLOSSARY (CONTINUED)
Washington .Administrative Code (WAC): Regulations of executive branch agencies are issued by
authority of statutes. l,tl.e legislation and the C onoiitUtiOn, tegulations are a source of primary- law in
W-,ishington State.
Waste Characterization: The composition .urd ratio of matcri-,ils in the total waste stream. Also
sometimes referred to as a vy17aste aucrt.
Waste Reduction: ,Mso, sometimes refc:tred to as "Waite prevention" or "prec5�cli11g." \Xvaste
reduction is the practice of mininnizing waste through responsible purchasing and consumerism. It is
essentially, removing Wx Iste from the v\� Isle streatzt by not creating it in the first place. Waste reduction
is tj�picallv achieved througAh better product or packaging design, by unproved efficiency- of use by the
end user, and/or by process management.
Woodwaste: -Solid vv-rite consisting of wood pieces or particles generated as a by-product or waste
from the manufacturing of wood products, construction, demolition, and handling and storage of raw
materials. This includes, but is not limited to, sawdust, chips, sliavings, bark, pulp, hogged fuel, and
log sort y"Ird «,rite, but: does not. include Wood pieces or particles containing paint, laminates, bonding
agents, or chemical preservatives such as creosote, pentaclilorophenol or copper -chrome -arsenate.
Yard Waste/Debris: Plant material commonly- created in the course of tnaintaining5rards and gardens
mid through horticulture, gardening, landscaping, or similar activities. Ward debris includes, but is not
limited to grass clippings, leaves, branches, brush, weeds, flogv,ers, roots, windfall fruit., and vegetable
garden debris.
WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARD01JS WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAIN PAGE VIII
MAY 15, 2023
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Purpose
]'he State of \Washington enacted legislation through adoption and subsequent; peri.odic amendments
to 1Zeviscd Code .of,.\\ shini2toll ._(RC \\ l...0 h me.i 0 \..20>. establishing? cotnhrehensive statewide
programs for solid waste handling and solid waste ream -cry- and recYcling. The purpose of these
requirements is to prevent hand, air, and water pollution, and to conserve the natural, econoinic, and
energy resources of the state.
Fach count- in the stage is required by RC\X' 70A.20-5.040 to prepare a solid waste management plan.
\\%ashin�tolr \dnvnistrative. Code (\��XC` Section 1 3-3C)=1-011 states that
The overall purpose of local comprehensive solid Nvastc planning is to deterininc the nature and extent of
the: various solid «caste categories and to establish management concepts for their handling, utilization, and
disposal consistent with the priorities established in R( AV 10,A.20.-).00-) for «Taste reduction, waste recvcling,
energy recovery and incineration, and landfill.
To address state requirements, Whatcom County (the County' originalh developed and adopted the
first version of the C onlprenenslve Solid and t is%arctou5 \X rite 1NIallagement to
197-1. As discussed with the \X/ashingtoll State Department of I cology (Fcolog\), this plan is expected
to be finalized as the 2022 revision that covers the fire -scar period from 2022-2027, representing the
seventh iteration of the C:SllW1\-1P, which was most rccetvh- revised in 2008 and 2016. 1'\-CW
70_\.207.00.7 requires that each plan be reviewed and revised, if necessary, at least eveilT five years.
Sections 1 through 9 of the 2022-2027 CSI I\\',,VIP are specific to solid waste management planning,
and Section 10 is specif:i.c to hazardous waste management plannitlg
1.2 Solid Waste System Overview
7.'he waste management System in the Counu-, illustrated in 1,igm-e 1-1, consists of approximately 35
permitted and exempt solid waste handling facilities, is regulated by W C 173 350, Solid Waste
Ilandling Facilities. These facilities consist of private sector landfills, landfills managed in postclostue,
transfer stations, drop box collection sites, moderate risk waste (MRNNj fixed facilities, composting
facilities, anaerobic digesters, biosolids facilities, and rem -dim) operations. The solid waste system is
largely privatized, and except for the l RV- facility (called the Disposal of Toxics Program), the County
ricither owns nor operates collection, treatment; or disposal facilities. The easternmost portion of the
County (including Ncwhalcm and Diablo) is within the Washington Ctilities and Transportation
Commission (\\ L "1'C} permit (G-permit) collection area of \\ rite Mna aagement nd is managed in the
Skagit County- s� stem, and is therefore excluded from the planning in this CS1 A NIP.
WHAICOM COUN"Y COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE iAANAGEMENT PLAN PAGE 1
MAY 15, 2023
An oy-cr\-icw of the CountS's solid ,, astc. system is provided below. Specific details on the system
components arc in the corresponding sections
1.2.1 Waste Reduction and Public Education
The first step in the -\-\-rite management hierarchy is reducing «Taste generated. The County7s waste
reduction efforts use public education and technical assistance for businesses to educate the public
about the importance of ,and methods for reducing «-ante generated to the extent possible. In addition,
there is a «Tide variety of ma_tcrial reuse opportunities provided by private sector- and nonprofit entities,
corrsistirrg of consignment stores, donation centers, and construction material reuse centers. More
detail is provided in Section 3.1.
1.2.2 Recycling
Recyclable materials are collected in the systern through_ curbside collection, drop box facilities, and
transfer station drop-off locations and arc delivered to the appropriate facilities. Most household
recyclable materials go to the Slater Road L.autenbach Recycle Park. Commercial recyclable collection
is provided directly to businesses by the: private. recycling collectors in an unrcgulated system.
Rm-cling collectors include waste haulers, buyback centers, private collection firms, and small zfaosgllito
flee/ operators, often consisting of a single pickup truck and driver. Other recycling services are also
available to the public and are described in more detail in Section 4.1.
1.2.3 Organic Materials Management
Curbside and self-].raui organic materials (yard and food «aste) are collected and delivered to Green
Earth TechrrologY Composting Facility. Materials are processed on site. -Morc detail is described in
Sc.ct:ion 5.12.
1.2A Solid Waste Collection
Solid wasic in the Counm is collected primarily by three private service }providers, covering distinct
screice areas Ira the and regulated by the W1.1"TC: Sanitary- Service Company (SSC_), \ooksack
Walley- Disposal (N\-'D), and Cando Recycling and Disposal (Cando). The easternmost portion of the
Count.\ is ;erred by the Skagit County_ «-aste hauler, currently Waste Managemeni, and managed in
the Skagit Comity system.
All cities rrr the Cowlty° use traditional bats or customer-ova-ncd, 32-gallon can residential collection
s�'stcros, or collector provided containers or totes. Customers of SSC and NN'D also have the option
of tising col lection- company- o«-ned lvheelcd carts. Residential recycling- is collected on a weekly basis
in Bcllimgham and I)iwechly elsewhere in the County. Organic materials (Yard waste and food waste)
arc picked up on a biNveckly basis throughout the year. Commercial recycling collection frequency- and
services V11I Y based on customer nM eed. ore detail is proy-ided in Section 6.1.
WHATCOM COUNly COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN PAGE 3
tvtAY 15, 2C23
1.2.5 Transfer and Disposa
(Au:bside maiste, rmychng, and organic materials collected by the private haulers are transported to one
of three privately- operated transfer stations that also recei. e Nvaste from public self -haulers. Municipal
solid -,vastc (MS\V') is consolidated into transfer trucks or railcars for landfill disposal outside the
County. The three transfer stations include:
• Rcgnhng and Disposal Services (RDS) Transfer Station
• Republic Services (Republic) "l iranster Station
• Cando/Point Roberts Transfer Station.
1\�1S\X% collected by Waste Managernent from the communities Diablo and Newhalem (eastern
V'hatcom Count-) is transported to the Skagit Count , Recti dkg and Transfer Station and ultimately
disposed of at the Roosevelt Landfill in Roosevelt, Washington.
The County system also includes four drop box facilities and repThng centers avvilable to public self -
haulers:
a NVD Drop Box Facility & Recycling Center
• SSC Rocder Avenue Drop Box F-Acility & Recycling Center
• SSC Birch Bay-Lynden l mp Box Fachi j & Recycling- Center
• SSC; cedarville Drop Box l{acilit , & Recycling Centel -
Waste collected in these drop boxes is hauled to the transfer stations in the Count-.
\V`rite for disposal is transferred by truck or rail to the Columbia Ridge Landfill in _Arlington, Oregon
(by RDS); the RooscvOt I_,andfiAn Roosevelt, Washington (by Republic); or the CoNvIitz County
l lcadquancm Landfill Py (And". yWhile there are no active public landfills, there are fire closed
Count'\ landfills maintained under pefsnit in postclosure status in the county. Other closed landfills,
such as dic Y Road landfills, are rcgulated as Model Tonics Control _act (i\I'1'C_1) sites (see Section
T 1.3),
Other system facilities include the Cite of Bellingham Vactor' rite Transfer Station, the Whatcoal
Count- \1RW facility (Disposal of 100cs Program), and a variety- of private recycling and reuse
scr\ ices.
More detail is prodded in Section 71. ;A IN of ptblic and private solid waste handling facilities is
provided in Appendix A.
1.2.6 Miscellaneous Waste
Miscellaneous are materials ghat require special or separatc handling because of their unique
characteristics, such as bulk, wwwr content, or dangerous constttuents. Wcdhncous mmstes include
WHATCOM COWRY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN PAGE 4
MAY 15, 2023
agricultural wststc con tatninated soils, vactor waste, tires, and construction and demolition (C/D)
Waste, to name a few. Miscellancoils \vaste is handled through material -specific programs. Details on
these programs are provided in Section S.1.
1.3 Participating Jurisdictions
Pursuant to interlocal agreements, the C INVIMP defines the solid waste tnanagemen.t policy of the
County acid all incorporated cities in the Coimt y, including Bellingham, Blaine, Everson, Ferndale,
LVnden, Nooksack, and Sumas. Thcsc jurisdictions have -\vorkcd «7th the Coumi , to plan for solid -
waste -related needs since the 19 . and originally entered into formal intcrlocal agreements regarding
solid waste management in 1989. The agreements have been amended over the years. Current
iritedocal agreements were revie,v ed as part of the planning process and are consistent xvith the
CSFAVI IP. Thew agreements are presented in Appendix B. Mach participating jurisdiction, as
represented by the Solid Waste FXCCullVe Coniniittec (S\V'[`:C) through interloc_ l agreement, adopted
this revision to the CSI I\VMP prior to its approval by Ecology.
The 2022-2027 CSI1W.N11) encompasses both the incorporated and unincorporated areas of the
CoulitY. The privately -owned and operated solid Waste facilities also serve. the members of the Lummi
Nation and Nooksack Tribc, which are federally recognized tribes, and as such, their reservations and
tribal governments have sovereign status. In the absence of an agreement stating other,,vise,
Washington State solid waste regulations do not generally apply on tribal lands and the tribal
governments manage their o\\-ti solid waste. The. Coranty invired the. Lu,rinii Nation amid Nooksack
Tribe to participate in the plan update process be providing them with a draft of the 2022-2027
CSI I\V'1\IP to review and provide comments. In addition, [lie eastern portion of the County (Including)
Ncwhalcm and Diablo) is serviced by the Skagit Counte waste hauler, A\Waste. Management.
1.4 Required Contents
RC:A\ %(_};12.0�.0 � mandates the required content for solid «paste managetazent plans inWashington
State, including:
0 _A detailed inventory and description of all existing solid waste handling facilities, including
an irtventorv� of ane deficiencies in meeting current solid waste handling needs.
0 Thecst:imatcd long-range needs for solid waste handling facilities projected 20 years into
the future.
.A program for the orderly development: of solid waste haidhng facilities in a manner
consistent with the plans for the. entire coulity that shall:
-- Mcet the minimum functional standards (\IFS) for solid wastc handling adopted Im
the Count- and all laws and regulations relating to air and water pollution, fire
prevention, flood control, and protection of public health
__ Consider the comprehensive land use plan of each jurisdiction
WHATCONI COUt liY COMPREHENSIVESOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN PAGE 5
MAY 15, 2023
— Contain a six -pear construction and capital acquisition program for solid waste
handling facilities
--- Contain a 1_llan for financing both capital costs and operational expenditures of the
proposed solid waste tnanagcmcnt sN stem
• rA program for surveillance and control.
• 1A current inventory and description of solid Nvastc collection needs and operations in each
respective jurisdiction that shall include:
Any certificate for solid waste collection granted b� the \ut`"1C it the respective
1nrlsdlcttolls
- Am cite solid waste operation in the county and t:he boundaries of such operation
The population density of each area serviced b)T a city operation or by a certificated
operation in the respective jurisdictions
The projected solid waste collection needs for the respective jurisdictions for the next
six N-cars
• A cornprehens.ive «-rite reduction and recN.-cling element that, in accordance with_ the
priorities established in W\\ w ()„1 _�0� ()() , provides programs that reduce waste, provides
incentives and mechanisms for source separation, and establishes recycling opportunities
for the source -separated \N-asrc._RC,\V—10A.20,5.0 15(6) Tind (?_list detailed program and
strategy requirements.
• An issc:ssmenl of the. C`>f I MVP's impact on the costs of solid waste collection. The
assessment must conform to rruidclines established by tllc y�'CT"PC.
• _l review. of polclittal areas that=meet the solid w,iste disl>osal facilii.>> siting criteria outlined
in RCV, 70. \ 2(15.1 10.
.............................................................
• A Contamination Reduction and Out.rcach Plan (CROP) outlined in Rt:AV
(.Appendix
A eot.nplrance checklist has beetl provided that Cleary° articulates rcquirernents specified b\. state code
and illustrates how, the revised C'SI-1\\ MI) lorlm.d1 � acbicves each standard on a case by -case basis
(Appendix D). "171e compliance checklist cites each regulatot�, requirement and the section in the
CS1IWNIP report that satisfies each criterion.
Planning specific to hazardous waste managenrcm, els required by RC \V' 70A.300, is presented in
Section 10.
WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AiNID HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN PAGE 6
MAY 15, 2023
1.5 Relationship to Other Plans
7.he 2022-2027 CSII\V''N111 is an update of the 2016 C:S[I\V',M]l that was compiled from the 1999
(W'hatcom County, 1999) and 2005 (\N'hatcorn County, 2008) Comprehensive Solid Waste
Management Plans and the 1991 hazardous Waste "lanagen7ent Plan (Whatcom Count-, 1991). The
previous docut.-nems provide a useful baseline for. the 2022 planning process, but in many cases do not
reflect the. County's current practices and administrative structure.
In addition, this 2022-2027 CSI I\ti'iIMP builds on the foundation of the County='s comprehensive plan
that provides franwwork for growth in the County over the 20-vcar planning horizon in accordance
with the Growth NIanagementr\ct (RC V � 36.70;1).'1he 2016 C.on7inchcnsTv c T'1 an (\1-hatcom Counts-,
2016) is the current, adopted County plan. To ensure consistency betvy-ccii plans, the CSh\X"MP has
been developed using the latest demographic data for population and employn7ent projections
TJ]'Ov!lded byC,Onnt\' Plan171)lg and Development Services. These denlOg}dl?l11 f -Li1es have received
preliminary approval from the Count- Council through Ordinance: 2014-013 and represent the best:
data available. h'Tirther, this 2022-2027 CSI1\C'1\1P complies vv�i.th the land rise policies set forth in the
2016 Comprehensive Plan.
In addition, the follovyingplans provided a foundation for development of this 2022-2027 CSIIW-Aff'
and were reviewed for consistency:
• V11atcc)n7 County' Code i\\ (,C;l 11r1r 2{1-%nnino- (nt�r�.itrv� l'tocon-Allor 9W)I-I)
• V —acorn Cqunty C01-111)r -hctl kc (mct'>Cncv A'I, n1L�ernent Plan (u)dated- Alarch 201 )
• Whatcom (;aunty Clirnatc Action Plan (20211
• \\'17atc01l COU111V Disastet._Dcbtt \I na EinemtmmitP(2017) lan
• \\'ashirlgton State Growth i\lamit cment Am lZt A\\' 36,. 0:\
\\%aslit
<t1ou t ltr ( Olhcc of l inane t tl_,"O] \1) C ount\_ Growth NIana!�� cmerii
popul lticgj I''L(4cctic_n1s be \-o jii l `xev 2010__rn''0 4T0
1 cology 2021. Slaic Solid, 1nt1 L 1 �ti ttdoT� \N'-its -c P tr1. -. \lov�in<r W—a hin�7ton Ikvond Vastc
and "lo�.ics '13evond \V'acre Plant
0 Ska it. C..:ouilty Solid Waste t 1'li, 'upda.ud `icptcmhcr 2017j
0 Supporting Comprchensiv=e. and land use plans i-nr t1-1e jurisdictions o1Bellinglaarl7, Blaine,
l;verson, 1'erndale, 1,yndcti, Nooksack, and Sumac.
trJHATCOJM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASI"E MANAGEMEI F PLANT PAGE 7
[VAY 15, 2023
1.6 The Solid Waste Advisory Committee and Solid Waste Executive
Committee
The Solid Waste Advisory Committee (S\V'.,A() provides ongoing public input and advice to the
COUIMt T on solid ,vasm management issues and Pgvd a critical role in ovensceing the creation of the
CS1-IWAIR
The S\VAC; consists of 11 committee members: cigi,t council -appointed members and three designees
fi-om the Count)r and municipal jurisdictions. AIembe.rs are appointed for three-year terms, NAth a two -
term Iimit. Returning members are required to have a one -Tear separation between terms, and that
position is filled by another individual for the entire term. The SWAC inects on a quarterly- basis to
discuss current solid waste issues. To facilitate die development of the CSFI\�'AII', a S\ti'<1C
subcommittee was formed to provide frequent direction to the planning i:cam on an as -needed basis.
The S=1 includes the following members, n0h SW AC subcommittee members dcstpnawd:
* County council representative
City of Bellingham representative (S\\;A(. subcommittee)
Small cities representative
Citizen representative I
Citizen representative II
Public interest group representative I JIM subcommittee)
Public interest group representative II
Business/Industry repr_esentadvc (SWA: subcommittee)
• Waste collection indiistry representative
• \%rite renTclin g industry' i presentative (S\V'.A(.. subcommittee)
• Solid mmsm disposal facility representative
• .Agricultural representative.
The MY NO= and meeting minutes documeming evidence of pwricipation in the plan update
are included as _Appendix E.
The S\\'F"C consists of the Cowav executive am mason of each cite and was established in 1991 1w
interlocal agreement:. SNVFC' meets at least annuak as may be ne, xmiry to approve or emend the
CSl IYONW, review and approve budget: pro)osals, f7oy, control ordinance (l <;O) revisions, and other
solid waste system policy considerations.
1.7 Mission
The County='s mission through implementation of the C 511WN41? is to facilitate an economically
efficient waste prevention, recycling, and disposal sysmin that protects human health and the
WHATCOiM COUN?Y COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WAME MANAGEMENT PLAN PAGE 8
MAY 15, 2023
em-ironmem. The Count- provides for appropriate and economical utilization of natural resources
for the citizens of the County by man,,iging a privatised Solid \i�aste s�stern. "The CS1-1\\ _NIP Works to
develop, monitor, educate and enforce various federal, state, and local government plans, laws,
regulations, and 'gi-mits.
The Countv- aclticv-es this mission through the following objectives in order of priority
* Where possible, reduce or prevent_ the genes-ation of solid waste and N1R«' and their
associated issues through service -oriented, cost-effective actions in xvhich 1)1-evention or
reduction will protect human health, safety, and environrncntal qualitN.
* Solve issl cs related to solid waste and h�IR\\' through service -oriented actions that protect
human health and safety and environmental quality-.
\Iaintaiti a balance With the privatized solid �y1ste syste�,a.�htle rt„u,i„g that,tce>,- needs
are satisfied.
0 Provide necessary support for the preceding goals, using service -oriented, cost-effective
actions.
8 Process of Updating the CSHWMP
1'he CSfl\\ \IP was developed by the County through direct input from staff, the public, SWAC,
S\V'I_:C, A\L'"1'C, l?cology, and industry stakeholders.
1.8.1 Development of the CSHWMP
The preparation of the 2022-2027 C:SI I\\ Nl1' began in October 2020. At the -start of plan
deve:lopnicnt, background information available in the previous CSH\ NIP was reviewed with a
suba:>mmittcc madc tip of SVI AC members, and informational interviews with County staff and
scnice providers were conducted as needed to verify- the description of the oi-erall �.Otfrltl' solid waste
sv-stem. This description -\vas used as the basis for the data-gathcring analysis and reporting process
for the CSI IW\IP update. An updated description of the current solid taste system was prepared so
that all members of the S\N-AC had an accurate basis for evaluating the path for-vvard.
All cvaluation of the system's past performance was conducted using data from Ecology='s stnnual
W,Istc disposal and recycling Stunnjlar�� for the Count\. Data from the past ten years were compiled
and an dy/.ed to understand total tonnage of waste recycled, diverted, and disposed of, as well as the
brcakdo�t n by t}-pe of the Cn out}'r s ecycled and divertcd materials. This amilvsis resulted in a detailed
Linde-rstandut" of the Iustoric Il wa,tC profile critical to Utlderstanding the y;duc of specific -,a-aste
man"IOcinc tit prop rains.
,A dcmo�,, rmphic anah sis was conducted to understand historical population trends. Futurepopulation
projections wC-c also considered, and the anticipatcd growth rate was applied to estimate future waste
WHATCOM COUNT" COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN PAGE 9
MAY 15, 2023
disposal and recycling trends. When considered w th the mmac generation information, changes in
individual ,,vastc generation and rcgmhng habits could then be anahved.
All updated understanding of the current. system Was developed xx�ith support frorn the SVZ°_=XC
subconiniinee. County staff v orhed with the SNN"AC subcomn-iittec and consultant ream to identify
27 goals in these primary areas to address the needs identified through the planning effort. Seventti--
sit supporting actions were developed by be (Am nq and its partners, providing a road neap for
strategic implementation of each goal.
1.8.2 Implementation Schedule
Ibc implementation schedule described in Section 11 was developed to assist the Count- in the
sy st.emadc achOvement oC cach goal defined in the 2022-2027 CSI IVV'\�IP through specific, measurable
actions. Each of these actions is described in detail in the corresponding sections. _fictions -,were
prioritized over the Awycar planning horizon, from year 2022 through 2027. The implementation plan
is designed to assist: the Coutuy with decision -making associated with new or expanded programming,
as funding becomes aN-ailable..
1.8.3 Public Participation
The SWAC meets on a quarudy basis to provide, public input and advice to the Count- on a vanen-
of solid "mac management issues. 10 assist with the development of the 20=02 7 (CSIl\X=ti1P, the
County SWAC formecl a subcommittee of members who agreed to meet on a more frequent basis to
Facilitate the rapid development and evdm6on of information and strategy. I'he subcommittee met
every two to four -weeks, between Novowber 201) and June 2021, and went through a process of
cAuating the existing system, identifying needs, setting goals, and deterni.ining future action items.
'Ibe progress of the plan development Was reN iewed with the SWAC during their regular quarierh
r wom s, with ultimate approval of all reconirnendations coming from the full SWAC. AR draft
sections and subsequent Wsions of the 20202027 CSI IVV N4P have been reviewed bv the STWAC.
SN'.lC mretitigs '\verc, open to the public and provided opportunities for public input. Planning
materials and periodic updates were posted on. be County's solid waste wbsite to ensure inclusivity
in the process. d be draft 20''MON CSI I5111' Maras presented to the full. SNVAC and then released for
a Way public rmic", and conTnlent period beginning in March 2021 After revision to incorporate
public and l cology conanenis, and SWF.C. revicw and approval, the 2022 202:- CSI RV`,-IP -, as
submitted u0 lcolog�- for approval aitcr wl�aich the council formally adopted the plan. The final
resolution for adoption and accompanying intcrlocal agrccments arciucl.udcd in _Appendix B3 and
copies of T K and STIR] meeting minutes reconwmcnding approval of the 2022-2027 CSI IVV\IP
are included in ,Appcndix I -
WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEN/0111H PLAN PAGE 10
MAY 15, 2023
1.8.4 Public Agency Review
A State Lsnvironmcntal Policy Act (S1:P,A) checklist was prepared in conjunctionwith the 2022-2027
CSIupdate. The submittals and meetings required for SETA checklist rc'-iew and approval
were timed to facilitate the incorporation of the Sl?'IP A checklist (_Appendix .1,) into the final revision
of the 2022-2027 CS1-I\VNlP submitted to l colog)-.
The V'UTC reviewed the draft 2022-2027 CS1-IWNIP, as 'vcll as the XVUTC Cost Assessment
Questionnaire (Appendix G), during the approval process. 77I-e \N�'[-TC regulates solid Nt.aste
companies and reviews solid'raste plans to evaluate probable financial impacts to ratepayers. More
information regarding their authority is provided in Section 9.1.1. The WUTC issued a letter dated
N arch 24, 2022, indicating it had no comments on the revised 2022-2027 CSHV.. SIP (Appendix G).
The draft 2022-2027 CSII\\` I1? va,as also revie-wed bar all participating local jurisdictions represented
in the CSI I\\' II). The Counts' Health Department revised the 2022-2027 (-SIIWiMP to address
comments received from all parties, including a 60-day public comment period. The revised draft «•as
submitted to F;cology for its "120-day revicw and comment. A summary of the County's response to
I:?cology's comrnetits is included as Appendix 1-1. Once the County incorporated I cology's comments,
the final 2022-2027 CSI 1WNIP'was submitted to Fcologl- for final approval. The Count• then carried
out the local adoption process, including revisiting ititerlocal agreements 'with participating
municipalities to ensure accordance'with the terms, Public \Vo.rks and I Icalth Committee review, and
Count- Council adoption. Implementation of the 2022-?O27 (,S -1WIJVP began follONwi„g local
adoption.
8.5 Plan Amendments and Revisions
;:A comprehensive update of the plan is completed cver� five years through the above process
cot isistell t with RC V7 iO_;1 20 )_.0 ;7. Outside of the fi'e-year update, plans can be rnoditied iti tvV-o wavS
— revisions or amcndinents. Nlinor adjustn-ients to the plan within the Five-year planning window mae
be necessary to keep the plan up to date and ensure permits can be properk issued, grant funding can
be secured, and the appropriatc commodities collected for recycling. ,Amendments do not alter the
itvc. year planning cycle and are gctietalk appropriate: for changes that do not require i \\'UTC cost
assessment review and are inside the five -rear planning window. CSI IWMP amendments usually
consist of the following:
• Changing the deslgn,ited recyclables list (only if separate process is not defined in the
plan).
• Adjusting iInl>Iementatiott schedules
Cliangint� the priority of alternatiVc strategics and/or projects.
NlakiI)g changes to levels of service that do not significantly- affect the cost to collect and
dispose solid waste.
WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN PAGE 71
MAY 15, 2023
Updating the priorities of the plan based on the results of a previously- pending feasibility
SWAT.
'\Iajor residential or commercial development or the emertrcnce of a new rnajor industry.
If a plan amendment is necessary-, the County OR start the process outlined below:
1. Receive a written pakon from an individual or organization to amend the plan.
2. Investigate the basis for the petition and
3. Produce a red -lined version of the plan, incorporating an), changes noted in the petition.
4. Provide the red -lined version to S\C'_AC for review and approval. The SVZ's\C meeting may also
serve as the public comment period.
5. Incorporate any relevant cornments from the public amid/or SNVAC to the te.d-lined version.
6. If substantial changes were made due to public or S\NVAC, comment, provide the updated red -
lined version to SXV AC for re.vicw and approval.
. Present S\VlAC-approved red -lined version of the plan to S\KTC, for review and approval.
8. Present SV" AC and SWC-approved rcd4mcd version to County Council for review and
approval.
9. Present County, approved red -lined Yukon to tic I)cpa•tment of ITWoM; for review, and
sharing Wh relevant state agencies.
CSl INVA41) revisions arc gencrally defined as any change to the solid waste plan outside the five- mr
period and ally change that requires a new or revised \VUTC, cost. assessment. If a plan revision is
nccc.ssarV, the CountV will start the process outlined in the Ecology guidance document in
coordination -\vith the I�;colog� rcgion,al planner.
1.9 Organization of the C:SHWMP
This CSI t\C'\IP provides an o" crview of c Xtsting conditions, needs, and opportunities, as well as
defining system-xide solid v rite nunagwilc t gods. Action items supporting each of these goals arc
embedded in the goW corresponding section.
The format of this 2022 2027 C01I\\- AIP was, drafted to correspond N-vith the CSl 1\\ 1IP Organization
'fable provided in the f Rologl Guidelines for Development of Local Comprehensive Solid \N'-aste
\lanagement Plans and flan Rm4shms (Publication No. 10-07-005, Hcologt- 201Q. However, the
CSI IYONIP outline was modified followh discussion uAth l .cology staff -to meet the unique needs of
the County, which opermcs as an administrative and educational agcncy overseeing a privatized solid
WHATCOM COa TY COMM Ef-iEKNE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN PAGE 12
MAY 15, 2023
waste S�-stem. The resulting plan fraincvvork focuses on system -wide goals and actions for
implementing new programs and services, rather than evaluating alternatives for future specific facihty
or infrastructure improvements that will be determined by the private -\N-rite collection and disposal
providers.
This 2022--2027 CSHWMP includes eleven subsequent SectionS relating to:
* Section 2: Planning Area
Section 3: «'aste Reduction and Public Education
* Section 4: Recycling
Section 3: Organics
* Section 6: Waste Collectioti
* Section 7: "Transfer and Disposal
* Section 8: Special Waste
* Section 9: Administration and Etaforcemcnt
* Section 10: Hazardous \Vrstc TIanagcnictit
Section 11: Implementation
WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN PAGE 13
MAY 15, 2023
2 PLANNING AREA
2.1 Description of the Planning Area
hvr -1 and foremost, we must acknow1cdge that «ghat settlers called \V'hatcom County is the ancestral
homelands of the Coast Salish Peoples, -,\,lio have lured in the Salish Sea Basin, throughout the San
_Juan islands and the North Cascade \\'atershed, from time immemorial We' the. AVhatc_om Count-
health Departincrit and Solid \Write advisory Committee, as v�ell as all residents in Whatcorn
Count-, extend our deepest: respect and gratitude for our indigenous neighbors, the Lutnmi Nation
and Nooksack "Tribe, for their enduring care and protection of our shared lands and waterways.
\ - liatcom County is the northernmost county in western AVashington. ']'he County, depicted in Figure
2-1, covers an a.re�a of 2,182 square miles and extends from the Strait of Georgia eastward, its western
boundary;, to the crest: of the Cascade Mountain Range. The County is bounded on the north by
Canada by Okanogan CounttiT to the east and by Skagit County to the south. Nearly two-thirds of the
County's total land area lies in the mountainous region of the Nit:. Baker National Forest, with most
of the population residingin the western portion of the Count-. The solid \a.'rite management planning
area encompasses the entire County,, including the incorporated municipalities of 73ellingham Blaine,
Everson, Ferndale, Lvnden, Nooksack, and Sumas, but excepting tribal lands. Figure 2-2 shows this
area in greater detail including citi' limits urban growth areas, and tribal ]ands.
2.1.1 Natural Environment
TOPOGRAPHY
Northwestern \V'hatcom Count, .is relativcly flat terrain, xvith cicvrations ranging frrom sea lei -el to a
fe«- hundred feet above mead sea level. Rollin' 1ai11s charactc.rizc the bottom southwestern. portion of
the Cotmt\. The eastern portion of the Count -is typicalk mountainous. Mt. Baker, the most notable
landmark of the North Cascade Rang>c, has an elevation of 10,781 fret (USG , 2015).
CLIMATE
The Countv's position beLwecn wcstcrta ocean salt \vater and eastern mountains gives it a rnaritime
climate. AWinters are;�cnerall� moist v�-ith temperatures dropping into the 30 dc� rocs Fahrenheit range;
summers are generally- dty NN�ith. temperatures in the 70 degrees Fahrenheit range. Precipitation falls
mostly- as rain in the lo"vlands and snow in the mountains and varics from 30 inches per year near
Puget Sound to as much as 200 inches it) the Cascades.
WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMLN1 PLAN PAGE 14
N/iAY 15, 2023
HYDROLOGY
"Three i ain riMer Sv-Stems, the Nooksacl�, Sumas, and Skagit, help to drain the lowlands, f(3othills, and
western. mountains. The largest body of water in the v1-estern part of the Count- is Lakc Whatcom
(1,924 acres) and is the imin source of drinking watcr for Bellingham. Otht r sizable lakes include Lake
Samish (809 acres), Lake 'Terrell (321 acres), Silver Lakc (157 acres), Lakc Padden (147 acres), and
\Nlscr ],ale (116 acres) (WI)FW, 2015). ,
WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMEN1 PLAN PAGE 15
Comprehensive Solid and
Hazardous Waste
Management Plan Update
Figure 2-1
Base Map
Whatcom County
1Alashington
Comprehensive Solid and
Hazardous Waste
Management Plan Update
Figure 2-2
Land Uses Map
County
Washington
Legend
Comprehensive Plan Designation
Urban Designations
fi, afporated City I onus.s
Smaii Tw,-I
........... .
Urban Growth Area
Es Urban Growth A... Reserve
Rural Desionations
Agriculture
Commercial Forestry
Federal Lan,
Majw/Porx UGA
4lincrnf Resource Lands
Public
Rum[ F.-esEry
Rum[
—J
Rum[ Business
Rum[ Community
Rum[ Neighborhood
Rural Tourism
Net.:
Urban and
rural d—g-tws are
cc.sisi-f izi, Revised Code of
,,'Vas.12glon 70.95.)9017"(b).
9,000 18.030
Feet
Sour,.: City B.und.-Y. N'fin'.1 F.—t Area.
Planning Area Deng-E—s, VYIemdies.
FOSTER S TE R A L NGI
IV, A L' 11
, ?7! 5.1- '39 1 ,-, .n.; : u,!_!
. . . . . . .... ............................. .....................
17
MAY 15, 2023
Because of the C:oun.tv's hydrological features, the area available for the development of any filture
solid waste disposal landfill sites has proven to be CXtremely limited. Therefore, all solid waste
generated in the County is transported to permitted sites outside the Count
SOILS AND GEOLOGY
There are a «Tide varic tv of soil tvpcs in the lowland portions of the C:ounhT including sandstone,
shales, conglomeratesa , nd coal, al] of which are underlain by sedimentgry bedrock. The lox -=land
consists of alluvial bottomlands, broad fluvial and glacial terraces, and several large moraines of
bedded glacial till clays ail gravels. The low pernle ability cemented hardpan or clad- soils provide
protection of the unCICE-h ing groundwater but can also create constraints associated'V%ith construction
of solid waste disposal iacilitics. ,:A v-cry compact or i=trnily cemented and comparatively impervious
hardpan could result in a perched water table and rnal:e cXcavation difficult.
From a solid NNTaste managemcnM standpoint. the area's most: important physical feature is the alluvial
plain of the Nooksack River that extends more than 20 miles inland and is a center for population and
economic activito-. The terraiti is relatively flat, with a fc\yT to«-, poorh' drained sections of lakes and
marshes. The Nooksack River meanders slight]\- above sea level and periodically floods areas between
Lynden and I "cmdale. Just east of the alluvial plain, the north, middle, and south forks of the Nooksack
Rivcr have formed narroly vallevs as t]iev tZow out of the Csascade foothills.
In southwestern V'hatcom Countv, glaciers of the Pleistocene epoch (about 10,000 to 15,000 years
ago) carried uplifted and eroded rocks to the seta, forming Lake Whatcom and Lake Samish, and
affecting the Chuckanut Mountaill Range. The southern edge of Bellingham is situated on the lower,
Chuclaau nut MonM1inPo
tential otential land disposal sites can be found in primarily sandstone slopes of the
the unconsolidated deposits of the lowland portion of the Count. These deposits consist of two
distinct hypes, characterized by whctllrr thc� were formed by glaciers or. -water: movement.
Glacial movement formed marine and till deposits around Kit1.g Mountain, Lummi Peninsula, the
northern half of Lummi Isltund, Nlountain Vicw, Birc_li Point, ,and Point_ Roberts. Glacial deposits arc
essemially an intperviotls, blt c gray, compacted mitt.ire of clay, silt, sand, and gravel up to 50 feet
thick.
Deposits from water movement associated w nh glacial outwasli and recent alluvium also containclay,
sand, sill, and g]-aIvel, but arc rlOt a; uII ions as the more com.pactr;lacial deposit,. Such sedimentary
deposits arc located along the Nooksaack lowLind, Custc;r'I'rough, 1_�a�den'I'crraat and Sumas Trough.
The detailed soils irlaps produced b'y the Natural Resources Conservation Service s�zrid the U.S.
Geological Surety should be consulted for sne-specific information.
W1 IATCOM COUN!Y CONVREHEhiSINF SOLID AND t;A.ZA"DOUS WASTE IMANAGEMENT PLAN PAGE 18
MAY 15, 2023
2.1.2 County Demographics
POPULATION
Waste generation, rec�-cling, and disposal rates of an area are a function of the County's population
and projected gro«-da. In 2O2U, the OF'& estimated the total county population as 228,000. The
population of the incorporated arcas was "132,7(_)0, while the population of unincorporated areas was
95,300. The U.S. Census defines urlxm areas as census -designated places that contain 2,500 residents
or more. By this definition, 94.3 percent of the total county population resided in urban areas
according to the 2010 U.S. Census, the last availablc Census data. This same breakdown between
w-ban and rural areas ',Vas applied to the OFNI poet -lotion cstinw.es to determine the 201? and 2020
unincorporated urban and rural populations.
Table 2-1 provides a more detailed bred.down of different areas in the Coutrts from the fed.cral census
data.
Table 2-1
Place - 2010M
2017( b)(=)
2020 b)tc)
Urban Areas
Bellingham
__m.._.._....._....._.._......__..._.__.._ ......................._._..._.__._.._._._....................__..__......._._.._............_........---
80,885
86,720
-- -.._T
91,610
_..... ....---_--_...__ _....
Blaine
4,684
5,075
5,520
Ferndale
11,415
13,470
14,600
Lynden
1 1,95 i
13,620
14,800
Unincorporated Urban 80,740 85,08b 88,474
_..._...._____-----...._..__.........__.._.._..__.._............__..._......__._._..........................__........_.._._.._.._._.._....._..__.._........__..____.... _-------------___...._.
Urban Subtotal 189,675 203,971 215,004
Rural Areas
Everson
................... _..... ._..... ...... ............ ....... ...........
2,483
.............. ......................... ............................
2,630
... ___.............. _.......... _............ _... _.........
2,860
...... ..... _.__-- _._...._ _.._..
Nooksack
... ................__............._...._..._..................__._..................
1,338
... ..................... ......................... _............... ........................_._..
1,490
.... _... _......_._...........
1,645
...... .......__..__...... _........ __.
sumas
1,319
1,571
1,665
Unincorporated Rural 6,325 6,638 6,826
.._..__............_.._.......__._............................................................. ......_.............. _.._........... ... ... ....... ...... ........_........._....... _.................. ..................._...._..... .-...................... _....... ...
Rural Subtotal 11,465 12,329 12,996
m.____........_.._.
Total Population 201,140 2'i6,300 228,000
--............._._......._............._._.... _....
NOTES:
OFh/i = Washington Slate Office of Financial Nlanagement
''Data for 2010 was provided by the U.S. Census Qureau.
,'The breakdown of population es imafed for each jurisdiction in 2017 and 2020 was
calculated by assuming the sane population snare toreach jurisdiction in 2010.
,'Total population for 2017 and 2020 is projected dato prepared 'by OFM.
\t the tinter or this clocurucnt ht�elvi"Inon, the 2020 t'nitccl Starks Census m-2s projeered to be i-chmscel in September
021
WHATCOM COUN!Y COMPREHENSIVE SOLID A ID HAZARDOUS WASiF MANAGWENT PLANT PAGE 19
MAY 15, 2023
Bctvecen 2010 and 2020, the average annual growth r-aic of CoUntp population XNas :1.34 percent
EMPLOYMENT
The I .S. Census 201',7 �:�merican Con muni"7 Survev (U.S. Census, 2017) reports that approxlrnately
111,592 individuals above the age of 16 arc employed in the Count-. The 2019 employment: rate, the
most recent: data available is approxiniatck. 62.3 percent. This cn-aplopment rate is comparable to the
future statewide enaployment rates projected by 0FAE
To support the ongoing comprehensiN�e planning update effort, the County conducted analysis of
etnploytncnt in the Cottnt��. The stud- uses County polna.lation and state-wide enrploymerit forecasts,
provided b}T to estimate an annual employment gro\vth rate of approximately 1.1 percent
through 2036. Overall, 64 percent of eniploynient groNvth is expected to occur in the Cite of
I3ellinghani Urban Gro-, th Area, with additional grov,17th occurring- in the cities of Ferndale and
I xtiden (6.6 percent and 6.1 percent, respccti�Teh°). The major gro«rth sectors for the Count- are
commercial (59 percent of total anticipated gro-, th), industrial (26 percent), and retail (15 percent)
(1 ER11-1, 201 3).
Table 2-2 illustrates historical eniplovulent rates Ili the Counter compared to AWashington State
Fable 2-2
Employment Rates
13afe 1tUhafcotn Ccsunfy UUashingfcrn Sfafe
Historical Estimates'
1990' --To
50.6%_ 49A%
2.000 T 50.1 % 49.2%
2010 48.0 j 47J%
Projections
2020 46.6%
2030
2040 44.4%
NOTES:
-= No data available
OFM - Washington State Office of Financial Management
BERK, Whoicom County 1'opuloiion and Employi,�ent P'rojeciions and Urban
Growth Area Allocaiions, 2013. (References: OIN11, Long-ien i-r Forecast of the
Washington Labor Force, PJiorch 2012-2013, Employment Security
Departn-ient Local Employment Statistics.)
I mploynlei] 1. opportunities it) the County are diversified; however, health care and social assistance,
retail trade, manufacturing, and education scrViccs provide the lar«est shares of employment. Table ?-
3 provides ruore detail on the County s most substantial fndustn sectors.
WHATCOM COUNTY COMPRFHEfviSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAU MENT PLAN PAGE 20
MAY 15, 2023
Whatcorn County Employment Sectors, 2017
Industry number of
Percent of Employed
Emplo ees
Population
Educational services, health care, and social assistance
25,543
22.9%
Retail trade
12,813
11 .5%
Manufacturing
11,958
10.7%
Arts, entertainment, recreation, and accommodation
11,471
10.3%
and food services
Professional, scientific, management, and administrative
8,797
7.9%
and waste management services
Construction
8,811
7.9%
Other services
6,178
5.5%
Public administration
5,952
5.3%
Financing, insurance, and real estate
4,790
4.3%
Transportation, warehousing, and utilities
4,686
4 2%_
Wholesale trade
4,244
3.8%
Informalion
3,347
37o
Agriculture, forestry, fishing, hunting, and mining
3,002
_ 2.7%
NOTES:
Percent of employed population is based on laborers per industry and total labor population 16 years and older
1 1 1,592)
L�OLZ,_U.S. Census American community survey Smmyear estimates. _
2.1.3 Land Use
.I he County covets approximately 2,152 square miles, v ith the majority (nearly three-quarters) of
nonfederal land use distribution in t:he unincorporated portion of the, Counr< dedicated to forestiN
and agriculture. Residential lands make up approximately 11 percent of the Coutax's unificorporared
area,.
llc AV'ashitlgLoll State Growth 'Management _Act requires that counties designate urban m-o«-th areas
haled on the 20- ,ear population projections developed by OF—M. By definition, these areas must
contain enough space and density to accornnlodate the projected gro-wth. Counties then allocate data-
gatherin,g tasks for more specific forecasts that are essential for planning by cities, towns, and rural
areas. the County-'s process itivohres all jurisdictions and the Coulm's planning Dcparrrnent.
'I'hc AV 11,1[c >ry1 County Cornmehensive Plan most recently updated in ?016, sets policies for land use,
community services, transportation, and environmental Lriatl"WelTlell t.
WHATCOM COUN tY COMPREHENSIVE SOL !D AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN PAGE 21
MAY 15, 2023
2.2 History of the Whatcom County Solid Waste System
The 20252027 CS.IIV NIP represents the seventh iteration of the plan. Each planning period
represents a chapter in the history of solid waste management in the County, and each has contributed
to y%here w-e are today.
l n d the. early 1970s, the Counts- was involved in relatively unsophisticated solid wasm disposal, the
management of four. dumps: Birch Bay-Lynden, Cedarville, Point Roberts, and Y Road. III addition,
two incinerators were priN=ately operated b�, Reconap of Washington, ,Inc., and Olivine Corporation
(the last inckcramr, operated by Recomp of Washington, In(:., ceased operation prior to 1996). In the
early 1970s, the County acquired tnAdmal solid wasw n anat vedit planning responsibilities because
of new state law and produced its first: plan in 1974. The CSI L\\ MP was developed in conjunction
with the cities and towns in the County and recognized that jwu dumps were no longer ,in acceptable
solid waste disposal method, and that public health and environmental. concerns \varranted a more:
rigorous approach. This is wrheti the new solid waste system w-as formed, and the County set up a
separate solid waste management division in its Department of -Public Works. A I, that time, state grants
helped finance capital costs, while disposal or tipping fees financed operational costs.
In the early 1980s, the County began closing its dumps to all ;ENV% and three of the four accepted
only CAD materials until the late 1980s. During the late 1980s, the County relied on private disposal
companies and Cedarville Landfill to provide for the County,s ,�vast_e disposal needs. The County also
began environmental compliance at the closed landfill sites and developed the second iteration of the
CSI I\WAIR
The 1980s saw the County expand its solid waste managemmu activities to include more than disposal,
at .least partially- because of increased state and federal. rcquirernents. During this period, the County
closed most of .its existing dumps, compared the feasibility of waste export to finding a site for a new
landfill, and began the development of the third iteration of be M ITI IP. ,Alost irnportanth, from a
functional viewpoint, the County designed and implemented its initial recycling and -1R V programs.
'Trends in federal and state environmental regulation had increased the emphasis on multimedia
approaches to enAronn-inntal problems. '\c dvities such as solid waste management were seen as
capable of contributing to the resolution of problems such as resource depletion and Or and w%awr
pollution. For the first time, the Country formally acknowledged that its waste respolIsibiIitics extended
beyond solid waste and beyond disposal -related a0 ines. Onc component of this acknowledgment
was the adoption, in the 1990 plan, of a 41 peres, recycling goal 1, 199-1
Since. the 1990 CSI 1\W,A1I' Nyas adopted, the Count- made the decision to abandon efforts to site a
C:ountY-owned landfill and expanded the rccl-cling and \IR\\% prnp-ams into the area of waste and
pollution prevention, with at) increased et.mphads on recycling and \IR\V` related activities. III addition,
environmental compliance responsibilities increased because of additional mandates and closure of
the Cedarville Landfill. Since leis time, the private sector has phq A an inn -easing role in tie Countys,
solid -\vastc systctn, providing not only for disposal, but also for harldlitig of solid waste. Awhile the
WHATCOM COUNTY COMMHAN NE SOLID AfvID HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEN/lENI PLAIN PAGE 22
MAY 15, 2023
County owns the NlRW facility- (Disposal of "Posies Prorrmmy the operation of the facaiq is
contracted out.
Since 1999,.each iteration of the CSf lWNIP has stressed the importance of diverting xvaste from
landfill disposal t iroug) reducing, reusing, recycling, and composting. "Ile pdmary roles of the
County in the current system revolve around in-house waste prevention, public education and
outreach, in-house recycling, NIRA``' disposal, monitoring and compliance at closed landfills,
enforcement, and administration.
2.3 Quantity and Characterization of Solid Waste
This section identifies and characterizes the Coutity's waste strean-i that provides the information
necessary for evaluation of existing programs, development of new strategies, and implementation of
new or revised planning measures.
2.3.1 Solid Waste Definitions
The following definitions describe general categories of -,vastc discussed throughout this CSl1VCNlP.
rA more comprehensi-,-e ; ossary of definitions is provided immediately following the main body- of
this document
Diversion: \mT method of recycling, energy production, or }iri CE'ci it use drat prrox•c--nf_: disposition
of material in landfills or incineramrs. The changes to Ecologl's quantitication of solid waste also
replaced the term diversion" wuh recovcry .
'industrial Waste: Industrial "we inchldes by-products from manufacturing operations, food
processing, and ocher industrial processes, such as scraps, trimmings, packaging, boiler ash, xvood-
product residuals, and other discarded materials not otherwise designated as a dangerous waste under
\N :AC Chanter 1711 MA.
NUNT \ subset of solid waste that includes unsegregated garbage, refuse, and similar solid waste
material discarded Frorn residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial sources and conmrnunitt
actin-itics, including resichic Left after recyclables have been separated.
Organic Material: Organic material refers to biodegradable, carbowbmed materials that include
green waste, food waste, and compostable paler and cardboard, and woodwaste. These materials
make up a significant component of the County! solid Nvaste stream as shown in Figure 2-3 Whatcom
County Waste Stream Composition, 2(H5 Seasonal Stti&
Solid Waste: All putrescible and nonputrescible solid and semisolid wastes, including, but not limiwd
to, garbage, rubbish, ashes, industrial wastes, swill, sewage sludge, CAD v aste, abandoned vehicles or
part: thereof, con n mated soils and contaminated dred ed material., and recyclable: materials.
WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSINF SOLID AND HAZARDOUS VVASIE MANAGi MFNT PLAN PAGE 23
MAY 15, 2023
Recover : Materials that are: horned for energy recovery, anaerohically digested, or land applied for
agricultural purposes. 1Y provide an accurate comparison between AM7 and previous rears, this
CSI I -Ml -will continue to use the prior definition of diversion.
Rectrcling: l`ransforruing or rcruanufiacturing w7a1,,te materials into usable or marketable to umials for
use other than landfill disposal or incineration.. Recycling does not include collection, compacting,
repackaging, and sorting for the purpose of transport. It is important to note that in 201 7, Hadogv
updated the classification of recyclable materials more broadly to include C/D, asphalt and concrete,
land clearing, debris, antifreeze, and commercial/industrial and household batteries.
Waste Reduction: Sometimes referred to as or precyclilt;. V,'aste reduction is the practice
of minim.izog waste through responsible purchasing and consumerism, tivith a focus on the concepts
of i elllfr», and nis//i ,. It is essentially, removing waste from the ,y aste stream by not creating it in the
First place. Waste reduction is ty pically achieved through better product or packaging design, by
improvcd efficiency of use by the end user, and/or by process management.
2.3.2 Waste Generation
The discussion presented below; is based mainh% on data that were collected by Fcology and provided
to the Coumv3. A total of 417,338 tons of solid waste was generated in theCounty in AM7 (this is
inclusive of recycled, recovered, MSW, and industrial and inert \vastes).
\n overall summar` ofw-aste generation is represented graphically in Figure 2-3 below
WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN (WAGE 2G
MAY 15, 2023
2.3.3 Waste Disposal
Of the 417,338 tons of i\lSVN' generated in the Coimty, including recycled and diverted material,
165,922) tons of MSVW were transported to and disposed Of at an INISNN landfill as described below.
The re7naiflit] g nonrecoNrerable portion of= the w-Iste gcnerared in the County «=as disposed of at the
Spokane Regional \Waste to LnergN Facility- in Spokane, W'ashington, BP ChemPoint Landfill in
Blaine, Washington, and Graham Road Rccvcling and Disposal in \,Medical Lake, AWashington.
Additionally, Latitenbach Recycling disposes of C/D and recv-clitig residuals (noni-em,clable material)
fi-om the Skagit County "I'ransI-cr Station.
Of the 16-5,922 tons of \IS\\' disposed of at \IS\V landfills, roughly 69 percent is disposed of at
Columbia Ridge Landfill in Arlington, Ore,7on (by RDS) and 29 percent is disposed of a t the Roosevelt
Landfill in Roosevelt, \Vashington (by Republic). The remaining r<wo percent of waste teas disposed
of at the Greater \y'enatchee RegtoI'll l I .arldtill to 1".ast a,ind the llr adqu rters
Landfill in Cowlitz County (by Cando). A portion of the total \IS\\"' generated in the Counts- is
disposed of at the Spokane Regional Waste to I:net try Facility in Spokane Washington, and Graham
Road Recycling and Disposal in Medical Lake, AWash.ington. ;Additionally-, Lautenbach Recycling
disposes of C/D and recycling residuals (nonre(-ti d lbie material) from the Skagit Count- Transfer
Station.
Table 2-4 illustrates the trends in tyaste disposal and recvcling in the Counts- since 2001.
Table
is +t rx ** t - s - Over w � 11 11
Year '
Tons MSW
Annual Percent Tons Recycled
Annual Percent Change in
Landtilled
Change
Tons Recycles[
2007
156,043
132,007
2008
149,751
-4.0% 121,917
-7.6%
2009
138,623
-7.4% 92,358
-24.2%
201 U
133,943
`
-3.4% 103,385
1 1.9%
2011
130,171
2.8/,, 129,553
25.3%
2.012
1.32,539
1.8% 120,215
7.2%
2.013
135,134
114,055
-5.1 %
2014
135,442
_2.01/lo
0.2% 117,628
— 3.1 %
2.015
142,862
5.5% 125,898
7.0%
2016 149,294 4.5% 129,252. 2.7%
2017 165,922 1 1 ,1 % 128,158 -0.8%
NOTE
- No annual percent change in first yeor at data.
cology = Washington State Department of Ecology.
MSW = municipal solid waste.
Ions landfilled data for 2007-2017 are taken from annual Ecology records. Recycled tons are taken from
cu Huai Ecology Recycling Survey.
WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZAR(-)OUS 1NASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN PAGE 25
MAY 15, 2023
2.3.4 Population Projections
01,1y-I's population estimates for 2017 are used as a basis for- the discussion bclo-\N7 (OF14, 2017). OFNI
provides population forecasts for each courity in Washill gton State. OFM has prepared high-,
medium-, and lost> -series population projections for Washington counties through 2040. RC\\
43 662.035 provides that counties may, for purposes of growth management planning, use values
bcttiveen the high and lowp.roje.ctioJJS. As shown iri Table 2 5, the mcd.itim series population projection
predicts a Count- population of 287,369 in 2040. 'These populations \vould be attrairied with an average
annual grm-oli rare of approximately 1.2 pet-ccm over the planning period. The 01,Al low- and high -
series projections have average annual growth rates of approximatcly 0.5 percent to 1.4 percent,
respectively. Figure 2-4 h(,lo«- sholvs the low-, medium-, and high -series OFiNI population growth
trajectory through 2040.
Year
Lau.+ Series Medium Series High Series
2020—estimated current
228,000
2025
222,711
245,610
275,316
2030
231,842
261,996
299,625
2035 T_
236,388
275,405
321,273�
2040
240,495
287,369
342,477
Average annual percent growth
0.5%
1.2%
1.4%
FM = Office of Financial Management.
1 Droiections based on 2020 r)orwlation estimate of 228,000 from OFM.
Figure -4
OFM Population Growth Trajectory for Whatcom aunty ---Low, Medium, High
400,000
000 Loyd
a
,300,000
High
r- et �S�si(,t M ESTiI x re �,,
)00,000
a
�3
O l ,' O,O iO
j 100,000
0 _
I I9..� 2002010 i l S ).020 2:25 20:.0 2035 2040
WHATCOM COUN1Y COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN! PAGE 26
Iv1AY 15, 2023
Continued increases in population and households likely- Nvill result in increased overall solid Nz-rite
ucneration that -,1,ill increase the need for continued emphasis on ,vaste reduction and recycling.
2.3.5 Solid Waste Per Capita
W.1th an estirmacd population of 216,300 in 2017 (O NI, 2017j, the Count)'s municipal disposal rate
,vas "I 534 pounds per persoli per Fear, or 4.20 pounds per person per &-iv. Table 2-6 summarizes the
County's total waste and diversion rates per capita over the last ten years.
Summary-TotalTable 2-6
MSW ♦. ♦ Per s t 01 1
Total
Total
Total MSW
Total 'rotas
Total MSW
"
Recycling(a)
Diversion(',)
Disposal
Recycling Diversion
Disposal
Year
(Tons Per
(Tons Per
(Tons Per
(Pounds Per (Pounds Per
(Founds Per
Year)
Year)
Year)
o
Year) Year)
Year). '
a
` to
2007
y'
132,007
88,602
156,043
01,369
01
919
1,618
2008
121,917
28,232_
149,751
1,240 287
1,523
92,358
75,300
138,623
754
1,387
2009
4'
0924
€ 2010
1033 8�
RQ 194
l��o�
JJ, 413
n�o U
I,VLV (7/7
-1-
I,vJ/_
2011
129,553
55,679
130,171
1,282 551
1 1,288
2012
120,215
88,347
132,539
'-
1,181 868
1,303
2013
1 14,055
62, 653
-
135,134
-- - --
1,108 609
1,313
2014
117,628
41,205
135,442
1,133 397
1,305
2015
125,898
58,809
142,862
_ 1,200 561
1,362
2016
129,252
71,932
149,294
1,216 677
1,405
2017
128,158
97,1 1 1
165,922
1,185 898
1,534
;`10?ES:
=colony = Washington State Department of Ecology
IMSW = municipal solid waste.
)bons landfilled data for 2007-2017 are taken from annual Ecology records. Recycled tons are taken frorn annual Ecology
;recycling survey.
L-';'Recycling represents materials that are transformed or rernanufactured Into usable or nlclr'iKetable rnaterlals for use other
,than
landfill disposal or incineration as described in Section 2.3.1 . Recycling does not include collection, compaction,
and sorting for the purpose of transport.
r!epackaging,
,;Diversion represents the materials that are removed trans the waste stream for the purpose otenergy production orothe
;beneficial use, as described in Section 2.3.1. Total Diversion excludes materials that are recycled.
Wt1ATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND IIAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAIN PAGE 27
lViAY 15, 2023
2.3.6 Disposed Municipal Solid Waste Stream Composition
In 2015-20161_ colog�- conducted a four -season \1ST\-' characterization study that .identified major
«-aste stream compositions for specific counties in Washington State (Neology, 2018). The study
included -, astes generated from four major sectors: conunercial waste sector, residential xv2ste sector,
self -hauled C/D materials sector, and self -hauled other «paste sector. Figure 2-5 belo��% shows the
percent of total waste disposed by';a-eight for the Count- from ,Al waste sectors 2Veraged over the four
seasons.
Figure
Whatcom County Waste Stream Composition
2015 Seasonal Study (All Seasons)*
`Ecology seasonal percentages of total waste disposed by weight, have been averaged an nong the four seasons.
The annual disposed waste stream composition for the County is nearly identical to the waste stream
composition for Washington State as a -\-hole.
WHAICOM COUNIY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WAS-"[- MANAGEMENT PLAIN PAGE 28
MAY 15, 2023
2.3.7 Other Disposed Solid Waste
Table 2-7 slioN-,-s the other major waste streams generated in the County its addition to NNW. Non-
.N1SN waste strcarns tend to be highl}% variable on an annual basis because of largcsc ile industrial
maintenance actk-ities, contaminated site remediation projects, structure demolition projects, and
other non. -routine activities.
Table 2-7
Fotwl T*nna-we o"lloste Disnosal. 2007-2017
Year
Municipal
Industrial
Contaminated
C/ E3 Waste(b)
Asbestos-
Special
Waste
Waste
Soiltal'
Containing Materials
Waste
2007
156,043
29,503
11,299
13,700
6,214
-
2008
149,751
3,447
10,901
19,612
1,004
--
2009
138,623
1,511
12,197
7,187
67
-
2010
133,943
4,109
16,408
2,938
236
2011
130,171
7,893
20,291
440
227
-
2012
132,539
13,380
8,062
5,034
115
105
2013
135,134
3,407
8,217
9,729
93
9,827
2014
135,442
2,785
14,014
11,540
81
11,083
2015
142,862
2,893
2.3,191
1,794
1,314
116,756
2^v i 6
i 49,294
2,879
33,342
4,325
346
89,194
2017
165,922
2,685
18,954
6,378
334
17,084
Percent of Total
Waste Stream
79%
1%
9%
3%
<1%
8%
NOTES:
Total tonnage of waste disposal data for 2007-2017 are taken from Washington Department of Ecology's Disposal by County
annual records.
-- = No data available.
C/D = construction and den-iolition.
Ecology = Washington State Department of Ecology
�, Contaminofed soil includes petroleum -contaminated soils, dredged materials, and other contarninated soil.
�.�C/D v.aste includes brick and maso{�ry, concrete, C/D waste, soil, rock, ravel, uncontaminated soil, and wood�asi�.
2.3.8 Diversion and Recycling Rates
Diverted "r-aste is [lie prevention of landfill disposal of generated waste though source reduction, reuse,
rccvclingncr�crci , coposg. ccc
, mls arc the portion of divcrwd v astes dear
are transformed or renianufactured into usable or marketable materials
WHATCOM COUNT`:' COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN PAGE 29
MAY I r, 2023
The \N.Tasw diversion rate for the County -is calculated by diN-iding the tons recovered (rccN-cled materials
plus other di\�crtcd materials) b. the total solid wastc generated' The xiraste diversion rate is different
from the rm-cling rate in drat all the wastc generated in the Coumy is corisidcred, including industrial
waste'. "I'lie typical diversion rate for the County is above 50 percent. Over the most recent five -rear
period (2013 to 01"7) the di��ersion rate «-as generally above 50 percent, though m7o years dipped to
as logv.7 as �I percent.'
The recyclit' rate for the County is calculated by dWiding the tons recycled by the total IISW
generated. 11 is important to note that the recycling rate- is included in the diversion rate. The recycling
rate is a treasure of how much of the MS\V7 generated in the County is successit lly separated by
residents and businesses and then sent for recycling. T , is ill y= the County recycling rate is between
-15 and 50 percent. ON'Cr the most recent fiN,c-yeat period (2013 to 2017) the recycling rate varied been
bete -Cell 1I and l7 ]��crcent.
According to the annual 1=ecology records, rn,,dor,diversion stre,_tms for the Countyinclude CAD -related
(incluclitig asphalt and concrete, C/D �araste, land clearing debris, and wood burned for energy-)
that makes up 95 percent of diycrted materials, organics, and :N4R\ti'. Major recycled streams for the
County include metals, paper, and organics (see Iigurc 2-6). It is worth noting that metals, which
account for a significant portion of the recycled strean-t, are collected curbside (typically small cans)
and are also brought directly to metal recycling facilities (cars industrial avid construction remnants,
and other sahagcd materials).
uc Lte ,oj izcd materials into reuclin" arc] isrcovery, eliminatin, the diversion catumix. 'The ncxv temp,
rccovcrv, locusts on material, that arc burned for enern}' recovery, aerobically Or anaerobicalh= digested, or land
al�pli.e d for agricultural purposes. The recategorization ❑roved mangy- iraaterml ivpcs from ch crsion into the recvcling
cate'orl "and caused the calculation of tot t1 MSW generated (calculated by adding \tSW disposed of and material
rccicicd) to increase Due to the recency of the change and to provide a reasonable comparison to
previous scars, MI'A tccallcgorizcd ],cologv's 2017 summary of material t.vpes rcm-cicd and recovered to match the
previous classifications of rex"cling and diversion. Fnturc updates of the CSIM:Mll should evaluarc the benefit of
reclassih-ing the hisirn is data ,ummaries to match 1 "Colo ,v's new eateg'orics.
In 2015 and 2016, an anomalous amount of special waste was reported by the Columbia Ride L-m-ldfill, Na-hich mac he
atnrihmcd to a huge ogle time project or mis iribmcd wiste records.
WHATCOM COUNiy COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MAfvJAGEMENT PLAN PAGE 30
MAY 15, 2023
Figure 2-6
Recycled Stream Composition (Percentage by Weight), 2017
A summary of the overall diversion and recycling rates from 2007 to 2017 is presented in l`igure 2
Figure 2-7
Diversion and Recycling Prates, 2007--2017
100
901
LLi
I-Q 60%
-
W
50 %
L]<
LLJ 30°%
20`i"o
('1'>l -
00/ 2C) 10I ' 20 !` ? 2014 l 2016 2017
cydirig Rare
WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE IMAINAGEIVIENT PLAN PAGE 31
MAY 15, 2023
2.3.9 Per Capita Waste Projections
7:'he per capita MSNV generation chart is shown in figure 2-8. Betvveen 1993 and 1999 there were large
fluctuations in per capita vv�aste generation from a low of 870 pounds per person in 1996, to a high of
2,089 pounds per person in 1999. RAW, 1999, per capita vv-aste generation increased steadiIN to a
high of 2,987 in 2007. Per capita AIS\\- generation decreased noticeably. in 2009 and 2010, likely due
to the significant financial recession that began in 2008. "Phis change in the: per capita trend is a
phenomenon has been observed at a state and national lev'cL A portion of the drop hi the per capita
waste generation likely- is also a result of increasing public avvareness of the negative economic and
eneironnaental impact that resulted in improved efficiency- (reducing management costs) and/or
community motivation to prevent. the generation of solid waste. Per capita NNW generation «,-as
mostly steady from 2011 to 2013 at which point it began to increase to 2,719 pounds per person in
2017. A close look at the waste generation line between 2000 and 2007 shows a period of accelerated
growth, followed by a steep decline in 20t18 and 2009, corresponding to a significant financial
recession. The change in per capita generation habits was observed at a state and national leN-e1. d
portion of the drop it) the per capita waste generation w,as likely also a result of increasing public
avvarcncss of the neptive economic �.tnd env ironmental impact that resulted in improved efficiency-
(reducing tmumgetnent costs) and/or comnntnity motivation to prevent the generation of solid mmste.
A consistently upward new trend is visible between 2009 and 2017. It is not as steep as the pretrious
trend.
A projection of the per capita US\V' generation in the County has been developed for both trends that
are shown in Figure 2 9: a high projection assumes the gradual return to the generation rates and
annual growth that were observed prior to the recession; and a low projection that assumes
maintaining current waste generation habits. The per capita low projection of waste generation
increases at a rate of 31 pounds per person per year, vz-hile the high rate increases at 57 pounds per
person per year. The per capita love- projection of repAng increases at 25 pounds per person per year,
while the high rate increases at 36 pounds per person per year.
The waste projections are based oil the data provided by Ecology through 2017. The County
anticipate~ significant change,,; to solid waste gcneraii_on and disposal beginning in early 2020 and
beyond, dire to changes in consr.trner habits that vv7erc hrought about by- the COV ID-19 global
pandemic. Data for this period was not available as of the voting of this plan and so the County will
evaluate potential new trends during the nett update.
WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENAVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN PAGE 32
MAY 15, 2023
Figure l
Whatcom County Waste Projection, Per Capita
), 50,1 -
,10SW Genet oted Per Capita Disposed Pet Capin
Iiigh MSS Generation i'rojeclion Hi ih bASW Dispo cd Ptoieciion
Mediurn MSVV Generation 11mi action ivlediurn (.ASW Disposed Projection
Low MSW Generation Proiec Lion Love N''ON Disposed Projection
4„ rart NVIM Recycled Per Capita 1_ow ritSW Recycled Projection
NA'odiurrt NtSVd Recy�aed Projec'ion ut is�SW 2ecycied Projection
500
O
r: 2,500
in
C]
I,00
l ,OJO
50 )
990
1995 2000 2005
2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045
YL AR
2.3.10 Total County Waste Projections
Estimates for future waste generation, recycling, and disposal are calculated by multiplying the
Population projections urith the per capita «paste generation projections. The medium series
population projection is shown in I"i.t;urc 2-9, rcilcctim, the high and to v per capita as shown in Fig>uc
2-8. The middle per capita number combined with the medium series population groxvrh for the
Count• identifies a 20-year xvaste potential of ,505,000 tons gcricrated, 265,000 tons disposed of and
271,000 tons rec, died. Solid waste service. provL'dcrs «-ere apprised of these waste projections
throughout development of this revision the Courity that they- ss-ill
cotitinuc to plan for and construct: sufficient system eapacitc in advance of need. The County stall
continue to work with the private solid -,aste service providers to ensure that facility- capacity is
constructed in ads ancc of need.
UJHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN PAGE 33
6 'S.OUn
5 mom
4 15,000
1 !,i,000
15,0C;0
1 15,000
15,000
1990
Figure -9
Whatcom County Waste Projection, Total
�County Total WSW Generation
County Total MSGV Disposed
I flab P-,ASW Gen ierotion Projection
High Pv6W Disposed Projection
; Medium MSW C;onc>ration H l-crAn
>Median MSW Disposed Projection
Low MSW Generation Piojectiori
Low MSW (Disposed Projection
-CountyTold MSW Rec:yd(,d
.. Low MSW I ecychd Mm"ction
Me than MSW Recyhd Projection
� High MSW Rec:yM Projection
iAY 15, 2023
1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020
YEAR!
2040 2045
WMATCOM COMM' COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMHA PLANK PAGE 34
MAY 15, 2023
2.3.1 1 MRW Management
NIRW is regulated as solid -waste and is defined as hazardous w iste («-ante chemicals) generated from
households and qualified conditionally exempt small quantity generator (CESQG) businesses. The
County moils one of the two permitted moderate risk waste facilities (MIMFs) located in the Count:.
The second facility is the Seattle City Light Skagit Hydroelectric Project (Ncwhalem) -NLR\X'F.
The Newhalcm accepts NlR«' from CESQGs working on the Skagit Hydroelectric Project
only. The County collected 153,766 pounds of MIM' in 2020 (64,003 pounds from CESQGs and
389,763 pounds from county residctits). T'hc most recent version of the State of Washington's annual
stratus report on solid -w"Iste was published by 1'cology in December 2015 (Ecolog`-, 2015) and
provides a surntmiry of the statewide solid \a rite activities, including it-1R\X activities. The report states
that the Coun.tm was one of the five counties that publicly collected the most CESQGNvaste per capita.
\rr active cnrtreach prot��am through the county Pollution PrweItion andAssistance program and
}?tiviroStars is a significant contributor to the success of the County program that is described in more
detail in Section 3.1. L
WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN PAGE 35
tAAY 15, 2023
3 e..
WASTE REDUCTION AND PUBLIC EDUCATION
The State of Washington identifies source reduction of waste as a fundanncntal strategy and a top
priority for solid waste management (1ZC\\,' 7U A.205j. As a result, mme reduction is a critical element
of all local solid waste management plans. Waste reduction is defined in RCAV 0A.205.012 as
"reducing the amount or toxicity of waste generated or reusing materials." Recycling is defined in
l'0 _91 �5, as "transforming o.r remanufacturing waste materials into usable or marketable
materials for use other than landf.--ill disposal or incineration."
'There arc two prrmm, reasons for promoting waste reduction. One is to reduce the risks associated
m5h all old waste management methods by reducing toxicity. Roducing the toAchy of solid waste
makes all solid waste management methods safer and helps develop public confidence in -,.,Taste
management_ methods. 7lbe other reason is to reduce the quandy, of discarded materials. 'Phis extends
the useful He of existing and future facilities and conserves natural resources; there is also significant
economic value to the awAdcd cost of disposal.
Waste prevention and pollution prevention are the most environmentally beneficial waste
nnanagennent strategic, and arc identified in RC\V' MINE as a top priority for solid waste
management_. "There has been a continued trend in focusing and Supporting waste and polkWon
prey-ention. The Counts- pronnot:es the concepts of "Refuse, Reduce, and Reuse" as primary actions
to achieve the goal o4vasie reduction, especially given the diffncuhies in reducing waste through
recycling alone. An obstacle that: remains is that while individual companies can achieve considerable
economic benefits tlnrOungh waste. and pollution prevention, no other company-, such as a hauler or
processor of recyclables, will gain fronnn another party reducing their generation of waste. This is
contrary to t}ne Situation of rccvclables, v,,%here certain companies earn money by helping others to
mcY cle_ Since no such profits exist in the case of waste or pollution prevention, the marketing of these
su ntegies is left lnrgen to the public sector and nonprofits, with some exceptions. In the County,
programming and worl; conducted by Sustainable Connections, RL? Sources classroom education and
programminp, V ashin(,?ton State 1-'niwolty (\VOUI and others attempt to fill this void.
In a fe"v cases, private haulers have demonstrated a balanced approach by pursuing commmnW
outreach effort,,, arnd providing reduction and recycling technical assistance to businesses. For example,
SSC cul-rcnth- provides waste audits to businc sses to increase efficiency in their customers' system and
to help Save moncy and gain efficiencies.
'The objective of this Section is to identify «waste reduction actions that are reasonable for
implementation in the County.
WHMCOM COUNTY COMPREHENIVE SO! -ID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGE1v4EN1 PLAN PAGE 36
MAY 15, 2023
3.1 Existing Conditions
3.1.1 Public Sector Activities
STATEWIDE
,'A st21e�A>1de ban on singe-usc plastic bags began on October 1, 2021. This ban prohibits the
distribution of single-t.isc plastic carry --out bags by restaurants, retail, small vclidors, and grocer} stores.
L:cologq recommends the use of 1-cusable bags, but ctistomers also h,.ivc the option of using compliant
plastic or paper bags offered by a merchant for a change of eight cents per bag. Ecology and partners
developed an outreach tool hit that includes a N-arlm of materials that are customizable for individual
restaurants and t ctailers. AWith the passiri_g of nc«� plastics laws in 2021 and the Food Waste Reduction
Act in 2019, h:cologN- anticipates expanding its education and outreach efforts to implement these and
other initiatives. Fcology's approach to edttcating the public about sustainable materials management
best practices is cvolving to meet these challenges.
As guided by the statutes in the state's lcgislawrc, L:cology offers recycling information to
\\%ashin.gton's residents, oversees recycling programs for unusual or hazardous materials, and supports
programs to reduce or reuse food waste and otl.icr organic materials. Through ongoing
communications v6th local partners, Ecology guides the ii-riplementation of new 'waste la«s and
promotes harmonization of outreach campaign meSsagirtg across the state.
L?colog},' is committed to ensuring that dig erse audiences have meanitigf it access to services,
information, and input on policy directions. 'this means routinelY evaluating who the intended
audience is then planning for inclusiV e engagemenx that addresses the languages, cultures, literacy,
abilities, and other characteristics of the audience
To support the general public_ 1_':colot��'s Reducing and Recycling Waste v ebsite
(htth _ eeolot .<ao /\;' imt< 1'olic,i ljedttcit ;Ice c.liil , ;t:c) provides a wealth of information
on various recycling prop rams, solid va to data, and recycling services. The 1-800-RF.CYCI E.
program aste'loxic,/Rcduciil�,_reeveling—�vastc/1-800-RECY(-t,I) is
both -i hotline, and yin online tool that connects ill (it Viduals and businesses to recychng services across
\\'ashingtott.
The Ak%rite Not Washington School rAw,,irdsare!Our-
l'ro 3t ...................... olc3: \\ t t:e.-\l�n.lt cnZcr,t/�ii t,<t,ti iblc y h ...... atcls.j promote sustainability and reward
school efforts to reduce waste, recv cic, and teach envtrotlmental curricultiru.
.I cologv oversees three active producer responsiNlity programs: L:-(,vcle W-,ishinuton
/ccoloa._«a_tuo f\\ l t . IoxicLL /RcdLl,cir,,,iccW_cltn ,t !l lcctfonic L Cycle) for
computers and l .ightRecycle AVlshington (h ctt� lecolorr� .wa. /\t a5te- Coxics/Reducin�-
KC.0 cliII I 5tc:,...\IctCaIr 1ivlI S,) for mcrcurv-containing lights, and PaintCare
,ht tp;://c c olog� �t t.��o� ,/\\ stc 1 o�ics /Rcd�tcis� -t c c� cling ��� i>te /Paint stewardshi) for
WHATCOM COUNtY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMiENT PLAN PAGE 37
MAY 15, 2023
architectural paint. These programs all have requirements for outreach so that the public knows vAcre
they can safcly recycle these itcuns.
Washington's LightRec,cle program W.'V - ()..N _ Q. , allows residents and businesses to recycle up to
ten iluNnsccnt and other incrcurv-containing lights per day for free at certain locations across the
state. A sunset provision states that this lawns subject to rcv luq termination, and possible extension.
'Ile program may be effectivey- terminated or extended on July 1, 2026. If the prograrn is terminated,
the proper disposal of these: Tniterials would be eligible for 1 5\V"•'F,A funding avid County will document
alternative disposal options to continue to sandy manage these products with a plan an-rendrnent if
needed.
To support local partners conducting outreach efforts, Fcology distributes outreach 1nateri;als
including:
Joe \V'e Keep Washington Litter free campaignecolow.wa.>ot>/\��aste-
16, c / cl d w t tc .httcr./l lttea;_%later.,.„pre <nL on/I ecp Washins-)ion-Litte Iit.cj recently
launched with radio ads, commercials, and an outreach tool l<it: Secure Your Load for Safer
Roads hirp,;//ecol<� t„tio /\\ t tc toxic/ solid w-rite-litterLl,itter/litter.=
n�c�-e�7tion hc:e�? ;A�-ashinF,7ton Litter-].�'tcc/Sectu-e-Load-cane �ai�n.).
Ecology's Recycle Right page(h ps_; /ecolof t.go�WLre:c:� cleri,ht) has a Iink to a tool kit
with outreach materials for the public.
The Plastic INg I3an effort provides an outreach tool kit
(htt�s:/ ar7 ho�wc<�na 's rnhrl.iutku lsurn__200-1savnif6dix29 1b7) for local governments
and businesses to comply: with Vashington's single -use plastic bag ban, that vill go into
effect in Octobca• 2021.
Joe Reudiing Contamination Reduction Resource IAmry
)v/site/alias 196.2/376 l/rccvchm, contamination reductio
uresouteen spso is a .rich information resource for local govc:rnments and interested
niembus of the public to reduce contaminants in the recl-cling strearn.
The State Solid and hazardous \\Waste 1'1ui tlaa.tl":%/c.;coloYt°..:� a o�ll'.c clltuons_-hcrmitsjl?la�s.-.
c_>nis another information rich document available for the public.
It includes a section about education and outreach, and it includes ygoals and actions for state and local
gov enmicnts and others to w-orh on. 'Me plan calls for ouh-cach and education about:
a Toxic chemicals in products, including to avoid and properly dispose of them
Reducing food waste, reducing contamination in collected organic materials, and the
beiieiits of ccsing compost and other nm clod organic products
W Reduced consumption, waste reduction, environmcntally preferred purchasing, proper
rec� cling, and biter prccention.
WHATCOM COMFY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WAST MANAGEIViENT PLAN PAGE 38
MAY 15, 2023
The plan calls for communication strategies, outreach materials, and public engagement activities to
he inclusive, accessible, and in compliance with Tide. V1 of the Civil Rights Act.
Ecology also administers grants 1:o support waste reduction and recycling, which may include public
outreach efforts:
0 Public Participation Grants (PP( 1) (htt2s,!LecoloP, v.\ .eov/ lbout-us/I'avinents-
contilct,- � antes/Grants-looms 1�ind-a-t rant-ot lo.ln(I'ublic—--- tt�� none>rants) prop idc
funding to individuals and not -for -profit public interest ot:ganfzat:fons to increase public
understanding and involvcnnent in cleaning up contaminated slues and in-iproving recycling
and Waste management
a Local Solid \Waste .hinaticial :Assistance program (fittPs://ccolggV.w—,i.UoV __�bout-
us/Paine rt� ccnf;i. rct arz.nt�jGtrrrt5.-l;nuns/I.tnd t-,g.r��ii orloan/C oorchnated,.
l>r<��cntiotl gt tuts) provides funding to local governments for solid and hazardous ,vaste
planning and implementation, as well as enforcement of solid waste rules and regulations.
0 \Waste Reduction and RecS-cling Education Grants(httl-)s://ecology.-,Va.goV/\X._RRED)
provide funding for qualified local governmems and nonprofit organizations for local or
statewide education programs designed to help the public with litter control, xrastc
reduction., recycling, and compostitig.
WHATCOM COUNTY
In a privatized solid waste system, a primary County role in solid waste ma nagetncnt is public outreach
and education, as well as overall program assessment. The Counts- conducts, sponsors and/or
contracts for several Waste prevention and public outreach programs, including in -class education,
Green Classroom Certification Progranns, business outreach through t:he Pollution PrevendOn
Assistance and L'nviroStars programs, and Volutitcer training thrmulgh the XVSLT Whatcom County
1 "\tensioir \I.aster RccvcIer and Compostcr Program. t'.ducational resources provided b`- the. Count-,
inclt1ding a social media page with posts related to solid waste
(http.//����Gt.taceb�>of.�com/\��hatcornCountLIlealth) are revieu:ed bv the Public Tntormation
Officer for audience accessi.bilitV and inclusi\Tity. The Count- also serves as a resource for members
of the public who may have questions regarding the solid waste program.
Classroom education -mid programming ire provided by the County through contracts With third -
part\ entities, curreutlV RI; Sources. Count, contractors proNide in -classroom education to educate
nnW students about resposible astc tnanagcrnent, including Nvm-s to minimize Baste and disposal. Green
classroom certifications and vVasty audits are also prOVided to measure classroom and cafeteria Waste
and educate students. More details are provided in Section 3.1.3.
In _April 2022, the County entered into a contract with ReCollect to provide an online searchable
database for various waste streams, "\Vastc \Vise'', allovVing county residents to c asill- identify- ho'v, to
property recycle or dispose of different materials. The database shares results in order of preferred
WHATCOPO COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN PAGE 39
N/tAY 15, 2023
disposal options, beginning vv-ith reuse, then recycle compost, and finally: disposal. The primary goal
of this tool are to make A as easy as possible for residents to "do tic right thing" to reduce the amount
of contamination in the Countf s req,cling and cons nar st reams.
Pollution Prevention :Assistance is a program SAW through grants front Ecology to both the Count-
and the City of Bellingham drat provides business assistance for hazardous materials management,
storniwater protection, and other resource management issues. The gr�.int focuses on the process
source control by identifying pollution sources and preventing then, from entering the environment.
Included in these activities is providing technical assistance to businesses to reduce pollution through
site visits to businesses. Count` staff help businesses identify and manage dangerous waste, prepare
for spills, and reduce storm.vyater pollution. The grant also funds F, nyiroStars.
T n� tl_oSt il_s profiles sustainable businesses and provides a rating S� stem that helps businesses
coinlnunicate to the public their commitment to Cnvironmental protection. Jhc program provides
technical assistance with:
• WSW storage
• Disposal and req,chng
• Spill management and prevention
• AMMI\yater protection
• Wshwater practices
• Kecordkeeping`
• Processes that generate \VaSte\VatC17
• Outdoor storage of products and vyaste
To qualit* as an EnyiroStar, businesses trust not gene.ratc large quantities of hazardous waste and
must set: ooals to reduce hazardous materials and iniprove handling practices. Businesses are rated on
a Scale oftvlino to five stars based on their abihn too reduce waste, protect water quality, conserve cuergy,
and educate the public on green practices. I:nviroStar businesses are listed hi the annual L;nvirotitars
directory and receive a vvindow decal advertising their participation in the program. Businesses are
also recognized dune trh radio, print, and online adv ertistann is and through avXard nominations. The
program is a joint effort betvv-Cen the County health Department and the regional hnv-iroSt:ars
cooperative. _Assistance is provided in conjunction with tic. County s local Source Control program.
CITY OF BELLINGHAf/i
.A single use carry -out bag ordinance, commonly .referred to as the plastic hats ban, mus instituted in
the City of licllingharn in 2012, duouoh Ordinance 2011400034, vehicle became lie] linghain'vImAcipal
Code a U;'(? The ordinance prohibited the use of single -use, plastic, c am out bags less than 2.25
mils' Mick Bice those typically proysi led by retailers at the- point of sale. Thicl. plastic bags, thicker
than 2.25 mils, are deemed reusable and may be used, with or m%ou t a charge, at: the store's discretion.
.A mil 1; cyuiy;ilrnt to erne thousandth of an inch.
WHMCOM COWATY COMM 8 NSWE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASP= I\/)AIAAGI=lvIEiAi PLAi:\I PAGE 40
MAY 15, 2023
Large paper bags require a five -cent charge and trust be a minimum of 40 percent: post-consun7er
rccNTcled fiber. Fiber content is required to be marked on the outside of the bag. The ordinance
represents a big step for«rard in reducing litter and unnece ssarjr waste, protecting water and wildlife,
and saving cootiey by reducing tic use of plastic bags in the communit��.
In March 2020, the plastic bap ban \N.,as sutspended due to safety concerns related to the COVID-19
pandemic. In Marcli 2021, the Council resumed discussion onn an expanded single -use plastic ban,
including sera"vs cutlery, plates, bowls, cups and bevera«e containers and lids, and condiment
containers. The pending ordinance was approved in May 2021 and took effect in 2022.
WHATCOM C:OUNIY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS W.ASIE MANAGEMENT PL.ANI PAGE 41
MAY 15, 20,23
3.1.2 Private Sector Activities
Repair and reuse of durable products represent the most traditional forms of «-rite reduction and are
well established in the Counts. Time are Nablus nonprofit and for -profit ventures in the Counts- that
goods and resell them throt.tgh local storefronts and other outlets. Online accept. or purchase used
material exchanges such as C raigslist (l�tt/� a_.c , a ll�t <»/) and Industrial 'laterials Waste
1�:xchange (htt / �a���w.1h«�rni�.or�r/honk/M l\V'/il)dcx.asr) are additional resources available for
material cichange and resalc. Reuse of goods is a significant contributor to the success of waste
prevention activities but is also exireuuek hard to measure because these businesses do not track and
report their data in measures that are coniharable to Nvaste (i.e., weight in toils).
The follo\\inp organizations accept used goods from the public in the Count) his list of
organizations should not be considered inclusive of all organizations that accept used goods.
ARC: of Washington State offers curbside pickup of bedding, small appliances, videos, small
cUdmn's Berns, clothing- and sla.oes, craft items, furniture, kitchen equipment, home goods, nw5ml
instruments, records, tapes, CDs, camping equipment, and VCRs. Donated materials are sold to the
public.
Goodwill Bellingham accepts reusable clothing, household items, and electronics including
televisions, computer monitors, desktop coniputcrs, and laptops. Donated materials are sold to the
public.
Habitat for Humanity accepts donations of surplus building materials, furniture, and appliances.
NNW* are sold to the public at discounted rates.
North vest center's Big Blue Truck offers curbside pickup of bedding, small appliances, books,
videos, clothing and shoes, craft items, small furniture, kitchen equipment, records, tapes, CDs, toys,
bikes, camping equipment, VCRs. Donated materials are sold to the public.
Ragfinery opened in April 201-1 as the second 'Jobs from , aste' business of ReUse Works, which is
a branch of the sane notiprofit that operated the fortller Appliance Depot. Pagtinery accepts
unwanted garmenn and textiles, dive.rting them from the mmqc streatn and upc�>cling them in a training
business that provides transitional jobs for low-income clients.
The RE Store is the rcaail arm of RE Sources. Siraff and vAunwers «pork to divert more than foul -
Won pnundS of CJD waSW annually by deconstructing small homes and outbuildings, salvaging
usable buildirl") mal-trials and furnishings fronn residential and commercial buildings, offering free
pickup of: usable building, materials and usable m,.untfacturirig) by-products, and accepting material
donations at their facility-. Tile PIF. Store operates a retail store that sells affordable building materials
and furnishings as a qualit} alternative to new products; local]- manaafactres fine handcrafted
furnialre and furnishings a-eated from repurposed building niawrials; offers educational opportunities
to the comrnunmt throughout North 14je.t Sound; and has an extensive cozntnunity jobs training
pro;tram lviih more than 100 murk trainees and vnla-mixers, totaling more. than ISO) hours annualh:.
WHATCOM COM IY COMMEHENSNE SOLID AND I1A7_A'000S WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN PAGE 42
MAY 15, 2023
Value Village Bellingham accepts reusable clothing, household items, and electronics including
televisions, computer monitors, dcshtop computers, and laptops. Donated materials are sold to the
public.
A notable change is the closure of ;Appliance Depot, which previously offered free curbside pickup of
large household appliances in the Catty of I3ellingiratrr arrd other poruorrs of the County. The appliances
were reconditioned and sold to the public. Due to CC)V'ID-19, Appliance Depot is no longer in
operation.
F?ducation ptogramrriing and public outreach efforts are also provided by the private sector and
nonprofit entities.
SSC has provided over 2,500 free commercial waste evaluations since 1996. 1?valuations are provided
to local businesses, government agencies, and institutions such as school districts, St. Joseph's
Hospital, and local colleges and universities. 'These on -site evaluations continue to be provided on
request, and through SSC's participation as a Pioneer Business Partner in the Toward Zero Waste
Program (1'Z\\,) organized by Sustainable Connections in concert with the City of Bellingham and the
Count-. Participating entities receive a written report outlining current activities and additional
opportunities in waste reduction, reuse, and recycling, as well as links to resources in similar
community efforts for water, energy, and traffic. Aggregate rec� cling savings to the corner) i t- at
huge total in the tens of millions of dollars.
Since 1991 the SSC recycling manager has reviewed all ne�� comr.nercial and rnultifamily construction
it) the City of BcIIingham (hertldalc and Blaine applications have been reviewed since roughly- 200 F)
to help design safe and effective enclosures for rcc��clinp, composting, and refuse collection, thus
adding to the permanent Mfrastrumirc in the community, making xvnte diversion easier and more
cost effective. SSC also consults regtrlarly with local processors, agencN, staff and elected officials about
new opportunities in public area recycling, cy ent rccycling, and possible program expansions. Free
rcm-cling and waste prcverrtion consultations Im\-c been prmided to local event managers for 20 rears,
helping create an even stronger climate of resource consm-anion and cornimmitN- support for the
curbside program serving all residents.
NVD also provides educational materials at their frctlity and orrlirrc. to educate customers on proper
waste disposal practices as well as rec e:ling and Coll1posting
Sustainable Connections is a nonprofit membership or(-lanization that provides educational
programming and technical serv-i.ces for redur.infw;lste, 1.11 r casintr refuse and recycling, and increasing
the purchasing of recycled and cm-iromttentaliv preferable products. Sustainable Connections
provides ml-aste audits, trainings, and education tool kits, stud promotes companies committed to
reducing wistc in the commit -mitt, on a limited basis, determined by funding levels. Sustainable
Connections prm-ides a business outreach program that engages 80 businesses per year over
a two-ycar. period, helping participants in-1plemm�t indit-idual TZ\\ plans. Cif these businesses, SO to
typicalk- are existing participants w-ho need supplemental hands-on assistance to successfully
implement TZ\L', and 23 to 30 are tic\xT parucipatits Interested in establishing TZW in their businesses.
WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AINID HAZARDOIJS WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN PAGE 43
MAY 15, 2023
By September 30, 2014 a total of -14-5 participating businesses sho-,zTd improvement in at least tWO of
the follo"ving areas:
• Reducing solid waste generated by 50 percerit compared to pie-TZW participation
• Increasing recycling and composting by 50 percent
• Reducing their largest solid waste stream
• Participating in additional sustainable business practices
3.1.3 Nonprofit and Institutional Activities
RE' Sources is a nonprofit environmental education organization that provides technical assistance for
clean enet.gY, water, carbon emissions, and school education programs. RE Sources also operates "The
RE Store reuse faciliti . On behalf of the Wh�.ttconl County Solid Waste Division, the Sustainable
Schools team offers two types of programming: traditional in -class presentations about solid waste,
paper -making, and household hazardous -waste; and the Green Classroom Certification program for
elementary schools. The Grecn Cettitication builds on the introductory presentations to create a
structured way for classrooms to implement bchavi.or change in the classroom and beyond.
During the 2018-2019 school year, Rh: Sources conducted programming in 88 Kindergarten through
twelfth grade classrooms, reaching 2,10-1, students, in 60 different: schools across seven school districts
throughout: the Cotu ty. Additionally, -53 Grecn C l assroorns «rere certified. RE, Sources is seeking
additional funding to expand and extend waste prevention education programming to the middle
school level in 2021 and explore the potential for poorams at the high school level_ In addition, RF
Sources will continua to develop relationships vwith district: level staff, starting with Bellingham Public
Schools. In addition to local efforts led by M. Sources, a handful of schools also participate in the
I 1111t1iGen program, formerly Washington Grecn Schools, that provides support and resources for
resource conse.iIration education.
Count- funding; for solid vz-aste education 1, supplemented bn funding provided by private
foundations. 'These additional funding sources support education for clean energy, clean water, and
lo,x-carbon-living protrraill s.
']'he 12i_: Store provides manufacturing businesses -\vith a->>aste or by-product audit to identify- usable
materials and an end use through rcpiu-posim, as a means for increased diversion and cost sayings to
those businesscs.
WSU, \\'hatcom County I ",xtension hosts a \taster (on)posting and Recycling program. The effort is
a volunteer Service program ill which volunteers are trattled in method; for reducing and
increasing public avz-arcness of opportunities to prevent vpaste, rec\,cle, stud compost in the CountN-.
Course participants W01-k With local ot_()anizations, cornmunttV members, neighborltoods, schools, and
workplaces, or at special events encouraging waste prevention rccycling, and cornposting. Scheduled
programming for 2021. includes afour-�� eelc course vy-ith an emphasis on composting and soil building.
Fnrolln exit is ",anticipated at 20 families.
WHAICOM COUNT-Y COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN! PAGE 44
MAY 15, 2023
3.1.4 Former Education Efforts (County, Private, and Nonprofit)
The County has a long history of public education and outreach regarding solid waste best
nrulagement practices. Although these programs have been successful, the. County «%as forced to
reduce funding allocated toward public education during the great recession following the financial
collapse in 2008. As funding levels return to pre -"recession levels, the Count�� tnay look toward the
sl:u cess of forn-let- programs, either reinstating then or preparing ucv, programs. 1 arnples of
programs that were previously- funded by the Count-, or that could potcmially be funded by the
County in dzc future, are listed below.
" ZVT is an ongoing effort to reduce waste, increase reuse and recycling rates, and increase purchases
of ell virontncntally friendly products by businesses in the Comity. The program, led by Sustainable
Connections, receives funding from multiple public and private sources to promote the TZW in
persoll to a list of dearly 1.()t)t) bilattless leaders and participants. Ot7trcach Staff attend local
conferences and events to promote sustainable waste management practices. In addition, the initiative.
funds the update of the constructi.oti waste recycling tool kit and service provider directory, which is
��idely distributed both in print and online.
Despite. the lack of County- funding, the program has been highly successful. As of the end of 2020,
5-50 businesses were participating in the: 'I'"ZW program. F,ightt-two percent: of respondents have
reduced, reused, or rcc�_,,-cled their largest waste" stream, 30 percent of participants reduced the size of
their garbage d11111pSt=er, 4-0 percem of pa-rticliPat1ts, r! tfttt_ed the frequency of waste hautP1 piclzup ar1Cl
65 percent of TZ\\ participants have instituted at least one additional sustainable business practice.
'Phis effort, originally launched in 2009, received funding from the Courity in 2009 and 2011, but has
nor received additional County funding since. Most current program funding comes from Private
foundations and grants.
In 201 i, an Ecology PPG was awarded to Sustainable Connections to develop an organics diversion
and education program, tlowknown as the hood Recovery Programs (FRP". Tlic I RP diverts nutritious
surplus food fix>nl smaller sectors, such as resmlltauts and cafeterias, and redistributes this food to
algctucies focused on feeding con11,1a,uuil\ members ill need. Sustainable Connections identified the
need to work with these smaller Sectors because the larger food banks are unable to handle the
nconsistcncti and immediacy around prepared, perishable foods. '].'lie HU, recovers food front more
than "70 businesses, works with more than -50 volunteers, and redistributes food to 12 hunger relief
ageticics throughout the County including the Ltimmi Nation.
Businesses that donate food to the. 1,RP report a better understanding on hoxv to store foods and
extend the food's lifetime, use surplus prepared food and reduce food waste overall. 'Ilie amount of
food waste reduction. at: these businesses can be attributed to their increased handling of surplus food;
the more that food is analyzed by the dotlatitl.l; business, the better understatlding they hay?c of their
food waste, ultimately allowing them to reduce the volume of surplus food. Success of the FRP
WHAT-CON/1 COLJN- Y COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAG�::MMNT PLAN PAGE 45
ViA Y 15, 2023
leas resulted in additional 11%, funding in 2019 and again in 2021. County funding yeas also awarded
in 2019 and in 2021 to aid the growth of the program.
In addition to the food recovery element of the J TQ there is an educational coruponent encouraging
comtnulty members to reduce food waste at horne. I°ood waste reduction education elms on the
Sustainable Connections webAte and is shared at workshops, school presentations, newsletters, social
media, outreach materials, and more.
In 202(), Sustainable. Connections was ayvarded one -ear's worth of funding by an 1;cology A\Write
Reduction and Recycling 1_?ducadon grant and launched the Where To Go NVith To -Go campaign
(\W2(;). The goal of this campaign «-as to combat the upswing of single -use plastic waste generated
by the influx of to -go food. V 2G helps restaurants more away° froin single -use plastic, ensures that
any SwHChes to compostable products are switches to options that can be composted locally-, and
increase,; public education in how to dispose of twgo produces. The NUG, campaign is comprised of
40 pa ndpatOg businesses, and that number continues to grow. Sustainable Connections provides
these businesses with educational materials for both employees and customers regarding source
reduction and proper waste sorting, conducts personalized to -go ware waste assessn-rents, and
generates and distributes a resource guide to support restaurants in making informed purchasing
decisions of to -go vy,-are. This campaign helped set the foundational approach and outreach strategy
applicable to the single -use plastics ban that went into effect for restaurants cued hotels in Bellingham
starting ui )u& of 2022.
A Corrnal recycling hotline -was operated by the County, and before that, by RIB Sources, to answer
questions regarding waste reduction, recycling, composting, and household hazardous mmme. Callers
w ere served by a recorded message and ,, erc referred to the Coumy's solid warm webmte or were able
to leave sa message. Messages left on the hotline were returned by solid «-rite staff. Calls made to the
hotline arc now redirected to the Cotiny Health Department receptionist. and calls are referred to
relevant- staff, or directed to the Waste AVise database, -Additional
resources are. available Dubue through the state Mtn ������� ra�ebooh.cosail Ib00rec�cle.��.a.ztc��° and
11tt12_/118001-ccycle.mmmov, and via live phone assistance during the mock (9:00 a.m. to 3:0) p.na.) at
1-800-1 CYU (1.-500 '32-9253)
The 14per 'tiger Frog; -ant used posters and brochures to emphasize ways to reduce the amount of
wastepaper produced in government and business offices..Paper_ Tiger materials -\E-erc distributed to
businesses and institutions throughout die County.
;Absoh.trdy 1=rec Listings Were free advertisements for free hears that ran in Corr newspapers: the
B lttnghain Iletald, Lynden Tribune, I mmddc Record ,journal, the L--cho, and on the KG_M1 radio
station and']'Cl cable station.
Permanent- information centers v cre installed in 1992 to provide solid waste information on brochure
racks throughout: the County. Locations include hbraries, city- halls, post offices, malls, recreation
centers, Saui_or canters, Western \\ on University, and V,'l atcorn Cotumunity College.
WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID ACID HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMBA PLA-N PAGE 46
MAY 15, 2023
I `vent reucling vN-as provided bj RI" Sources -\t-ith funding from the Count- (and is now required bN
Law under RC V 11 1..?t)Q ] C)f.J) .RE.Sources developed an event recycling guide that detailed 'hoxv to
host large, waste free events (i.e., soccer tournaments, fundraisers, concerts) and then managed a crew
of Volunteers who staffed the garbage cans at several Count, events, including Ski to Sea, directing
people how to dispose of their waste. h;cology provides an event recycling brochure that outlines the
requirements and resources for [lie, public to coinply- \viill this` lava-
(bars: rphs.ecol�_�ty.«a.Gov/puhlicaI ions/docurnents/080701.6.r)(1i).
Dish rental service vvas provided by Rl Sources with funding from the County . RE Sources
maintained a set of 100 dishes, flaiware, and glasses and made them. available to the public free of
charge. RI- Sources still rccci-,Tcs inquiries about borrowing flatware.
Electronics rec:N cl.irit; assistance m7as provided by RE Sources in partnership with Ecology and local
retailers. Information was provided at stores selling coniputers, TVs, and other electronics to educate
the public on the importance of recycling electronic waste and the programs available to do so. In
addition, certain electronics can be recycled for free through a product stec-.ardship program call FF-
Cvcle \\'ashi.netori launched in 2009.
3.2 Needs and Opportunities
The state has identified citizen participation as a critical element in decreasing the per capita waste
generation rate. NVIlen considering all vwaste Qc:nerated in the County (residential, commercial,
industrial), the per capita generation rate is 3,559 pounds of waste per person per year, compared to
the state rate of 4,709 pounds per person per j car. ,After accounting for -�N aste reduction and recycling
CIS\V' disposed of by county residents is 1,534 pounds per person per year cornps_rrcd to the state rate
of 1,431 pounds per person per rear. In summary, the average resident is generating less waste than
the state as a whole, but somewhat less rmitcrial is being recovered from the waste stream prior to
disposal.
As presented in Scction 2.3.8, based oil the historical trends and existing waste reduction programs,
the CouritY per capita waste generation rate is expected to increase betiveen one and two percent per
year over the next 20 ec°ars. The outcome of succcssfully implementing the goals and actions of the
2022-2027 CSIH\V NIP would limit per capim generation to not more than a one percent annual
increase (or 27 pounds per person per rear) from the 2017 per capita rate. Packaging and mailing
containers are susl>e.cecd to be significant contributors to \vaste generation increases as residents switch
to more home deliveries of goods during the COVID global pandemic. Given the significant volumes
of material that require disposal and the projections for continued population gro-,vth, there is a need
for the Coulm to maintain arld slyarcgicsrlh- improve, as appropriate, its formal waste reduction
programs. It should he noted that vvldl contarliination losses of less than one percent, the Count's
effective recycling diversion per capita is sigriificantly higher than the: state average, «-here
c011tarnin,16011 and pros cssi.ng losses from single -stream recycling approach 25 percent by weight.
WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE SOLD AND HAZARDOUS `,HASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN PAGE 47
MAY 15, 2023
Wastc rcducliora is the slate's highest waste managenhcnt priority. 'Ihc solid waste management
planning guidelines recommend that ON jurisdictions, such as the Coulu , set specific waste
reduction goals and implement programs to reduce waste. The County may consider not only
developrnerit: of waste reduction programs but also a mechanisn> for tracking subsequent. results.
Initial recornmenchdons highlight the need to track Counter waste trends.
NA&ntary umste reduction can onh, be achieved through inclusion of public education, media
campaigns, Naastc audits, classroom educau.on and other outreach ac&-ities that: promote the
economics, necc sdq , and purpose of urine .reduction. a the public does not understand these values,
waste reduction efforts are: not WAN to succeed_ If necessary, waste reduction goals may also be
supported by regulatory rcquiremens.
Easih accessible information is critical to raising public a-\x%areness of County- and .non-Count.y-
funded waste programs and encouraging public engagement in the waste management dialogue. To
heighten public a mbranding effort may be undertaken to mencrgiic the community s
efforts and increase, program recognition. Residents who understand that the Count- has a We
managing the solid wo".1e sy steal may use the County as a resource wlien looking for information
about management and disposal options. "Ile Counter can play a significant role, in providtng ease
access to Taste management information that, is spread to various webskes, such as those maintained
by the private haulers and transfer facilities, composting facilities, the master gardener program, and
other municipal entities.
Public education and a«%arenc:ss efforts may also be expanded to include preparing educational
materials that advertisc the solid waste sere=ices available through the County, haulers, facilities,
community partners, and Neology. Outreach efforts could be enhanced to include a greater presence
at public events or by posting dies Coun- tmAke address promirictifly in public places (e.g., libraries
and mldiunicipal buiT". TV Count- �ma) also partner with haulers to distribute informational
material through billing s"tems. A dc°tailed discussion of the ('ounty's private cans% and disposal
system is uro\idcd in Section 7 of the 2022-202 % CS] IWMP.
3.3 Coals and Actions
Miucanon progiummIg and wanc reduction are two areas ill -\vl .ich the County is mon active in
Improving the solid waste syncrri. As Count- funding levels for solid waste management improve, the
Count will prioritize their resources based on the goals and actions outlined in "fable 11 below.
WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREMNSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMBA PLAN PAGE 48
MAY 15, 2023
Table -1
Goals and Actions $car Education and Cc�ry munity Outreach
....... ... ...... _ ........ ._.......
GOALS
ACTIONS
Increase community
A. Increase current youth and primary school education
knowledge and expertise of
programming.
waste reduction methods by
providing educational
B. Expand school education programming to include middle and
opportunities to targetedn
high school levels with age -appropriate projects, information,
populations using existing
and messaging.
public and private
C. Provide additional educational resources for adults.
resources.
D. Support and fund commercial education through targeted
outreach, commercial waste audits, and technical assistance,
specifically related to C/D and food waste.
F. Increase distribution of waste reduction educational material,
related to C/D waste for the construction industry to address
significant increases during the COVID-19 pandemic.
F. Target development of educational materials for multifamily
customers.
G. Increase support and advertising for the WSU composting
education program through the Master Composting and
Recycling program.
H. Sponsor cornmunity events and use a theme of zero waste to
educate participants. Make arrangements for waste
management and describe the decisions that were made to
accommodate the choice.
L Publish educational materials of the solid waste system in
response to cornmunity requests.
J. Promote outreach related to local ordinances and legislation
around waste reduction.
WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE IVANAGEMENT PLAN PAGE 44
MAY 15, 2023
GOALS
ACTIONS
2. Use appropriate and
A. Continue distribution of educational materials digitally and make
relevant tools for mass
available in paper form, as requested.
communication and
outreach to further promote
B. Integrate existing public and private social media profiles and a
implementation of waste
structure for effective advertisement and information sharing.
reduction methods, using an
C. Develop a cohesive branding for the solid waste system,
integrated public/private
recognizing public and private roles, and develop a relevant and
approach.
attention -getting social marketing campaign that creates a
vision in the collective public mind and appeals to the senses of
the public.
D. Consider development of other digital tools for cornmunication
of waste management information (e.g., mobile website, phone
app, QR codes on advertising).
E. Consider a marketing campaign that meets the public where
they already are (e.g., on public transit, at events, or in movie
theaters).
3. Develop relevant
A. Educate about waste generation habits/fiends.
educational materials for
residential, commercial, and
B. Educate about waste reduction and hon'-le waste management
institutional consumers.
(material reuse opportunities, purchasing products with less
packaging, purchasing more durable goods, home composting,
and food waste prevention).
C. Educate about the environmental impact of waste and waste
management.
D. Promole the theme of zero waste and the concepts of "Refuse,
Reduce, Reuse".
F. Educate about which items may go into the food waste bins.
F. Identify relevant metrics and data -gathering needs in
coordination with the County CROP to support targeted and
effective future education and outreach programs.
.................. ........................._...........................................................................
a. Review solid waste data on
.............................................................. ._............................ _-........... _._._..._..._....__............ ........ ---- ........................ —
A. Review annual solid waste data provided by Ecology and track
an annual basis.
effectiveness of County programming.
13. Request more detailed data os needed and form malerial
handlers to better understand the effectiveness of County
programming.
5. Reduce food waste by 50
A. Incorporate the state food waste reduction Plan released in late
percent.
2021.
NOTES:
...... -- ..... ...... _._.__.._._
C/D = construciion and demolition.
County = Whatcom County.
CROP = contan-iinotion reduction and
outreach plan.
Ecology = Washington State Department
of Ecology.
WSU -= Washington State University.
W HATCOM. COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WAS! E MANAGE10ENT PLAIN PAGE 50
MAY 15, 2023
4 RECYCLING
Recycling is defined by the State's Guidelines for Dcvelopment of Local Comprehensive Solid \Waste
1vlanagenaent Plans and Plan Revisions as "transforming or rcmanuiacturing «-aste materials into
usable marketable materials for use other than landfill disposal or incineration. Recycling does not
include "collection, compacting, repackaging, and sorting for the purpose of tr,tnspott tA\',=AC 173-
350 1O0, as adopted by refere.ricc in \\`C(-' 24.06, Solid \x'aste Rules and Regulations):
4.1 Existing Conditions
Rec_v-clable materials are currently collected in the Countv according to their 1l>otential for w-Iste strc>an,
diversion, collection efficiency, processing requirenaent:sand market demand. "The list of materials that
the Countv- Council has designated as recyclable is located in \t CC 8 1 O.00, Section C. Items are
added to or deleted from the list:, depending on these very conditions, and as described in Section
4.1.3.
4.1.1 Programs
CO I E—TInKI CFI?\/I�F�
Residential curbside recv'clable collection is leg"Ilh- established and defined under WCC 8„10.050 and
requires that source -separated recyclabtes be: collected From all residences in unincorporated portions
of the Countv that receive regntarl'> scheduled garbage collection. In accordance with existing solid
vv rite iriterlocal agreements (_Appendix 13), each Countv' municipality requires that the Countc-
dc,itt;natecl rccvclable materials be collected bv, the contracted waste hauler (SSC, NVD, or Cando,
depending on service area) with regularly scheduled solid waste collection. Each private waste hauler
of e -s residential collection services under the conditions of a WUTC G--Permit in unincorporated
areas or through a contract directly- vv-ith a r1aunicipat1ty.
Recycling is collected through either a singe -stream sv-stem, or a three -bin sv_stem depending on the
contracted waste hauler. Currently, NVD arid Cando collect:recv>clables through the three -bin s_v-stem,
and SSC is converting from a three -bin system to a Single stream w-stena.
All single-family residences are provided rccv'cling collection service at least every other week on the
same day of the vv%eck as garbage collection. Residents in unincorporated areas have the option of
apply ing for a "ari age collection exemption if they- certifti- that they self -haul their waste and
rccv clablcs to local transfer or drop box facilities according to AV'CC 8.10.050(A). Residents claiming
the exemption also can subscribe to recycling -only- collection. Collection conapani_es provide recycling
containers to each residence at the customer's regLies 1. The following rcc V clable raterials are collected
at the curb: newspaper, rniscd paper, cardboard, alunlirntrn, tin_ 11,tss> plastic bottles, scrap metal,
WHAICOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENtf PLANT PAGE 51
MAY 15, 202",
vch.icic batteries, and motor oil. Recvclablc materials are source separated using either a stackable,
three -bin recycling system, or one single-streaill bin.
hor customers of NVD and Cando, recvding is collected through a three -bin sx-stem, consisting of
bins for scrap paper, including c,_irdboard and other ,rood -fiber materials; and containers,
including plastics, glass, ,iluminum, and tin cans. To make the best use of available space, customers
maV use any bin for accepted recyclable material, as long as fficv are correcth, separated. Recyclable
material reconfiguration is intended to reduce curbside ove.rf mv. Drivers inspect the bins during
pickup aid determine if thev are properl\� sorted and which comparts�zent of the truck it should be
placed into. Cardboarda is accepted outside of the bins, flattened on its side.
For SSC customers who have been converted to the single stream system, recycling is collected
through a single -stream bin for newspaper, scrap paper, including cardboard mid other wood fiber
to aerials, and containers, including plastics, glass, alumitzum and tin cans.
"fable 1-1 provides a summary of the approved materials accepted in each bin for each collection
system. I"or a more detailed summary- of materials accepted by bin for each service provider, links to
their \z%ebsitcs are provided in Section (.
Table 4-1
Iccewted
_
WHATCOM COUNTY COP/iPREHEr,!SIVE SOLID AND HA/ARDOUS WASTE MANAGI MENT PLAN PAGE 52
MAY 15, 202
Bin Acceptable Materials to Bundle
• Envelopes, stationery, labels, paper sacks, phone books, paperback books,
manuals, textbooks, and guides. Note: remove and discard covers and
bindings of hardback books.
• Computer, copy and office paper (all colors), carbonless paper, file folders,
poster paper.
• Paperboard cartons (e.g., cereal boxes, macaroni and cheese boxes, shoe
boxes, gift boxes, egg cartons). Discard liners/packing material and flalten.
• Staples, paper clips, file folder clips are okay.
• Glass bottles
• Jars
• Aluminum cans
• Tin/steel/bimetal cans ,
• Plastic containers (i.e., bottles, jugs, tubs, and cups)
• Cardboard (flattened)
• Brown Dooer Baas
iNOTES: i
Nooksack Valley Disposal accepis bottles only
i 1'.
RCN\" 70A205.0=5(7)(c) requires a "description of markets for recyclabtes" to be included in the
CSWI IINIP. This includes a market analysis and a designation of the materials considered- to be
recyclable, as outlined in the designated recyclable materials list in Section 4.1.3 below. Al2rket demand
and prices for recyclables hav-e fluctuated significantly in recent ycars, driven by domestic and global
demand for secondary materials, prices of raw ,materials, energy prices, transportation costs, etc. At
the: time of -writing the 2022-2027 CSI the following markets syere identified for each recv-clable
material accepted in tic County.
Table 4-2
Material —
—-Prirnary Markets)
f
Paper (cardboard, mixed paper, j
Regional paper mills
and newspaper)
Cardboard
Regional paper mills
Plastics (bottles, jugs, tubs, and
Domestic markets with limited
cups)
export
Metals (aluminum and tin cans,
Regional markets in Pacific
appliances, and ferrous and
Northwest with limited domestic
non-ferrous scrap
markets
Glass (clear, broom, and green
Regional recycling facilities
glass)_.....................................
_................. _......... _.... _...... _..... ..... .... —._.....
Organics (Mood, yard debris,
Local composting facility; local
food waste)
anaerobic digesters
Construction and Demolition
Regional markets
(concrete, aspholt paving,
sheetrock, etc.)
WHATCOM COUNIIY COMPREI IENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASI-E MANAGEMENT PLAN PAGE 53
MAY 15, 2023
Point Roberts, serviced by Cando acid presenting special challenges due to geographical constraints,
is an unincorporated commumv on the Point Roberts is unique because of
We seasonahy of residents andlecause its physical isolation requires two trips across the Canadian
border for residents to connect to the rest of the Coulay In Point Roberts, single-famili: residences
area defined as a residential d,velling containing four or fcwir d«%elling units on one hared. Recycling
collection in this cornmrudy is provided every other week but is not required to take place on the
same day as garbage pickup. 1,ffc°c.tive January 1, 2019, single-fxrnil\7 residences «-ith on -site se -wage
systems that are in Point Roberts, are no loner exempt from mandator\- curbside collection services.
As a rn.inimurn ley -el of service, curbside collection consists of 26 annual pickups as defined in VVC_
9 j O, XQ_j 11c cost of the rnininimn level of service, per the approved \N'CTC tariff, is billed as an
annual fie on the property° tax bill. Service levels above the minimum level ofser6ce are billed directly
by the service provider.
The unincorporated Ncvvhalem tnd Diablo area .is serviced by A\'rite h-lariagement and processed with
m aerials collected in Skagit County. I Imvever, this area meets the minimum program requirements
for collection of source -separated materials as described in RCW 7TN205.0I�Zj(b' i) through
recycling depots to Much residents may self -haul their recyclables.
Commercial recyclable collection is provided directly to businesses by the private sector in an
unregulated s uou. Recycling, collectors include waste haulers, buyback centers private collection
firms, acid small mosgtw o Meet operators. Most commercial IMSV customers also subscribe to source-
scparated collection from the G-certificated haulers for various materials, depending on their
economic sector. 'These services are almost universally- less costly than disposal, thus existing rate
structures incentivize diva ion to recycling and composting, and in some cases, reuse. Commercial
recYclablcs are genemBy collected in the same material streams as residential (fable 4-1). Depending
upon business size, thcy may request curbside bins, carts, Various dunzpsters, drop boxes, and/or
compactor service. Buskesses may Aso subscribe to source -separated collection of plastic film, scrap
metal, drywalL specific industrial plastics, wood, and other source-septirated materials Q., concrete
and pallets).
Business participation has been steadily gro,, ing since the early 1990S to today, -,,,-here nearly ever
local business partimps trs in rccvchng or waste reduction to one extent or another. Part of this success
is dice to the rate suncane, \\,Iijcli inal;cs recycling; the more cost-effective altcrnati.ve to solid waste
disposal.
SSC, N�V'D, and organizations like Sustainable Connections, also provide technical assistance to
businesses rcquesun��, inforraratron, or that need support in setting up commercial composting servkes.
WHATCOM COUNTY IN-HOUSE RECYCLING PROGRAMS
7_he Cowry rnatiage" an internal recycling program consisting- of the collection of bottles, cans, and
paper at all County facilities. 'l he prograin provides recycling containers for some materials at all
locations with trash containers in public ar.cas. Rec)clint,? is c lnph asizcd in office area,,. by prop-iding a
small, desksidc trash container and a larper recycling container. I'hese measures have contributed to
WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREI INSWE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENI PLAN PAGE 54
MAY 15, 2023
the County-'s successful leadership in TI:nergy and 1'nvironinent Dcsign, or I,l'1?D certification of the
county courthouse.
ELECTRONICS RECYCLING
RC\V' 70A.500.030 requires that manufactur°rs participate in an independent or standard plan that
finances an electronics collection, transportation, and recycling program in 1'ashington State.
Products covered under the law include T 's, computers, and monitors (1ZC \y` 7t)=1.�O0.02U(C) from
"covered entities" defined as and- household, clharity, school district, small business, or small.
government. the County and private haulers inform residents, small businesses, and schools about
this program through curl-cnth existing community outreach and education methods. Electronics can
be dropped off at facilities in the Count-- that arc registered «pith 1� C ycle Washington. Tlic website
for this program is tat_v c else �sllilttort._or.g.
LIGHT BULB RECYCLING
As of ]anuary l 201�, l-ashingtori State residents and businesses are able to recycle mercury -
containing lights at no ch"11-ge, by dropping them off at authorized collection sites throughout
Washington State, including the Couut}'s NIRW facility, (ty)e Disposal of T oxics Program). Categories
of acceptable lights include fluorescent = tubcs, compact fluorescent lights, and high -intensity, -discharge
lights. Recycling mercury --containing lights protects the env 1ronment and human health by reducing
the release of mercury, a potent neurotoxin. Collection sites arc., listed on the program website at
.cle otct;.(collect;rote sitt.locatcr_/.
TIRE RECYCLING
Used tires are accepted at transfer stations in the systcm and at Beacon Battery and Tires. In recent
vears, the Count- has been the recipient of multiple tu-c pile cleanup grants funded boo Ecology. These
programs are described in further detail in Section S.1.9.
PAINT RECYCLING
In 2019, \X,ashington became the ninth state V'Id] a paint stewardship program, as defined by R(.'W
W'U 1 5t . This statewide recvcling pros)rain \ as designed IM- paint oversight by
I?cology)s Solid Waste Management program and operated b� the manufacturers' stewardship
or gani ation, P-ai t(: arcs. "1'l.ic program will accept late, paint froin anY household or business, but only
accepts oil -based or other paint Chat may be potentially dangerous N aste from households or small
cqua.ntity gencrators.
4.1.2 Facilities
The following list includes, but is not limited to, facilities that accept recyclable materials frorn the
public
WHAICOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN PAGE 55
MAY 15, 2023
• Birch Bay-1 ynden Drop Pox Facility & ReqdhT Center (SSC) _Accepts metal,
antifreeze, oil, cardboard, Mass, paper, plastic, cans.
• Cando Recycling Transfer Station --Accepts metal, oil, cardboard, Mass, paper, plastic,
cans, electronics, tires, yard waste, construction debris, vooC and motor oil.
• SSC Cedarville Drop Box Facility & Rccycling Cerver— \ccepts metal, antifreeze, oil.,
cardboard, glass, plastic, cans.
• NVD Drop Box Facility= & Recycling Center Accepts metal, antifreeze, oil, cardboard,
glass, paper, plastic, cans, tires, yard ""Taste, and electronics.
• Northwest Recycling and Northwest Recycling \M"arehouse-- Accepts metals, appliances,
cardboard, automobile bodies, electric motors, radiators, and car batteries. Provides drop
boxes upon request for residential, commercial, and industrial accounts.
• 1PC Iaectronics Recycling' --A meriiber of \V`ashingRmil L-cycle program, it accepts
electronic and medical equipment and offers hard drive shredding and data destruction
services.
• SSC Roeder Venue Drop Box facility & Recycling Custer ---.Accepts recycling of
household materials, including metals, plastics, plastic film and miscellaneous plastics, and
paper fora drop-off fee. ;Also accepts yard waste.
• Rcpublic "Transfer Station ---Accepts scrap metal, NOW batteries, cardboard, scrap paper,
and newrspaper.
• RDS Transfer Station —Accepts aluminum, vehicle batteries, appliances, cardboard, glass,
electronics, paper, tires, plastic, scrap metal, cans, porcelain, sheetrock, wood, and yard
debris fora drop-off fee.
• X RecYclers —\ etal recycling center and scrap metal facility that accepts all types of metal.
A material recovery facility (\IRI.) is located at the RDS bans er Station in Ferndale and operated
through early 2020. RDS has completed a new 12M(F) square foot station that creates extra tipping
floor space and allows the facility to presort loads and better separate mixed wastes. Potentially
recoverable materials (recycling or diversion) -\vere high graded out of the transfer station tipping floor
and sent to the MRF portion of die site. Construction material haulers nia-- be directed to dump their
loads directly at the MIU, The cortyeyOr brOUght materials past a manual pick line where various
construction materials could be sorted incuding aluminum, vchick battches, appliances, cardboard,
i;,lass, electronics, paper, tires, plastic, scrap metal, cans, porcelain, sheetrock, and Nvood. The facility-
typically guarantees a diversion rare of 20 percent Aw rhea overall xrite stream being processed by the
transfer station because of Hie 'MR]" capability.
WHATCOM COMY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND I iAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN PAGE 56
MAY 5, 2023
4.1.3 Designated Recyclable Materials List
Rccv elable materials are currently being collected in the Cot.uat\T because of their potential for «-rite
stream diversion, collection efficiency', processing requirements, grid market demand, as listed in Table
-1-1. The list of materials that the County Council has designated as recV-clablc through curbside
collection can be found in «`CC 5.10.050, Section C. Changes in technology-, political climate, and
rnlrkets may° necessitate changes in the designated recyclables. Items are reviewed for addition to or
deletion from the designated recVclal>les list based on the following criteria:
• The market price for an existing material becomes so low that: it is no longer feasible to
collect, process, and/or ship to markets.
• Local markets and/or brokers expand their list of acceptable items based on nest- uses for
materials or technologies that increase demand.
• New local or regional processing or demand fora particular material devclops.
• Consumer demand for recycling of certain materials, despite market conditions that
require additional cost to do so.
• No satisfactory- market can be found for an existing recyclable material, causing the
material to be stockpiled with no apparent solution in the near future.
The potential for increased decreased F 'j-,.....:,,..
. r... e v� ,.. aui`i'uiito O. eu ��.�. itvu.
New technologies and innovative program approaches.
h.nsironmental and human health impacts associated «vide recycling certain materials.
LcgislatiVc mandate.
For instance, for several years, on1Z plastic bottles \nth necks were accepted for rect-chm,) because of
,mailable n arkets for Processing.As of the writing of the 2022-2027 CSI IWAIP in. 2021, all bottles
and containers, regardless of number or color were accepted for collection. These items had been
acicicd to the list as markets became available and processing these .i.tems became econotnically feasible
for local haulers. I lowever as of the 2024 CSI IWINIP amendment, in order to avoid sending materials
to rcrlional MRI's that maq be designated as containinants title to each faeilitv's sorting technology,
plastics on the designated recyclables list arc limited to bottles, jugs, tubs and cups. These plastic
m'trerials have been confirmed to be universally accepted by each regional MRF to -.-1uch \N;atcom
Cor:urtv scads its source separated recyclables.
Additionally, v ith the current changes in regional m.irkets for glass recychng Whatcorn Coring- may
ree� aluate the inclusion of Bass on its designated recyclables list.
Any proposed changes to the designated recyclebles list must be. made m the Solid Waste, Division
Mid taken to the SWAC for review'. The SWAC will make a rccornmenclation to the COMM executiVC
WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WAS1E MANAGEMENT PLAN PAGE 57
MAY 15, 2023
for review/approval on whether to add or remove the material From the designated recghbles list.. If
approved, the designated recyclaNes list is updated and submitted to Ecology.
4.2 Needs and Opportunities
4.2.1 Residential Recycling
Residential recycling programs Al. the Count- have historically operated under a three -bin collection
systen, As stated u1 1?cology reports provided annually to the County the County s) stem has relatively
high rmycli.ng rates Q to 55 percent) and diversion rates Of to 51 percent) when compared to the
state and other Vishington counties. service providers and County staff generally- agree that the
community, specifically single -fancily residential users, has had a strong understanding of the source -
separated, three -bin system. This understanding is reflected in the high residential recycling
participation rate, Which has held steady at over 90 percent in recent_ rears.
The Count- reports son-te of the lowest contamination rates Illlac ststte, v�71 Iich is common])' attributed
to the three -bin systcni. Contamination results when customers improperly sort recyclable materials,
and results in higher customer costs and additional materials going to landfill.
The previous CSI M7' lP update process considered the benefits of alternative collection methods
under a. commingled (single -stream) System For recyclable-, including, the potential for even higher
participation rates and improved compliance. At the time, stakeholders noted the significant
challenges associated with conversion to a single stream recycling, system that would require the
construction of high -end sorting facilities, a new muck fleet, and access to markets accepting degraded
products. In addition, the value of recyclable commodities could decline because of increased
corrtanunarion and increased competition from the inau.v other conarnunities that have already=
converted to commingled rccyclaNes collection. GiN-en the strong support for the existing three -bin
system of collectmg re.cyclables, other collection opportunities were not n-ahated at the rime in the
developnacnc of the CS] IWAIP. Ecology supports die collect -ion of curlmide-s awd materials through
Despite the: fact chat alternative collection strategies v-ere not evaluated during the CSII\X_,A1P update,
in 2022, SSC and the Cite of Bellingh m worked to create a pilot project looking at: the advantages
and drava-backs of cony erung to a single -stream renThug syncin. This pilot project was the result of
a contract clause hoween the (in of Bellingham and SSC stating that a is the Citj's intent that SSC
use good faith efforts to loc-'.ttc a market for all. recyclable rniatcrials, so long as those markets do not
exceed the cost of AlmnaL Due to several factors, such as the closure of rorthwCSt Recycling where
commin g1cd plastic, tin alurninuni and glass were hand separated on site, the decrease in recycling
markets due to China instituting its rational Sword polio, , and labor costs increasing, partially- due to
high LNI claims from repetitive motion injt.u-ies cajrerienced by recycle truth- drivers, the cost: of
rcgKhng had exceeded the cost of landfUhng.
WHATCOM CONHY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID A` -JD HAZARDOUS VVASTE MANAGENAEi 1T PLAN PAGE 58
MAY 15, 2023
"I'he Cite of Bellingham and SSC explored options for recycling collection that NvOUld provide for a
lower cost, while maintaining the high value of collected rccvclable.s. It was quickly determined that in
order to reduce costs, SSC would need to concert to an automated system. Several types of automated
s}-stems were, considered, including using two separate carts for filaer and P"I',�G, or using split carts.
"These options were decided against, duc to the space issues of adding two extra carts to each residence,
and die. exorbitant costs that Would be incurred to purchase specialized trucks to accommodate for
split bins. Ultimately the decision was made to pilot a single stream system based on the assumed
benef-its of customer convenience, increased participation, decreased litter, a decrease of injuries
experienced b�recycle truck drivers, and fewer trucks on the road, contributing to a reduction of
greenlrouse gas emissions.
The pilot project ran from \Ian- 2022 through November 2022 in the i?dgemoor neighborhood in
south Bellingham. SSC provided 96-gallon recycling bins for customers to consolidate all of the
rechclable materials collected in the three -bins, along with cardboard. Curbside: recN-clables «ere
collected ev cry new weeks. After th.e pilot program vvas completed, SSC reported that the recycling
yield from curbside collection marched that of the three -bin system, a 65",o reduction in trucking
hours, and generally, positive response from customers.
In PebruarV� 2025, Bellingham Cite Council discussed the results of the pilot project and approved the
conversion to single stream recycling. SSC has been engaged in a slow rollout to convert the collection
system in Bellingham to single stream tl.zrough.out 2024. Based on the results of the pilot program,
and in order to support a consistent rrecvcling system across the service areas, Whatcorn Counry
ame:raded its code to allow for service providers to utilize a single ;cream recycling s\-stem. As of this
amendment; both Nooksack Valley Disposal and Cando have not expressed interest in converting to
a single stream sasicm.
During; the pilot program., SSC «-as not able to collect data on the difference in the amount of
contamination, as curbside rccyclables are consolidated at the local MR-MR-F before being transported to
one of the larger refrionalIRIs. 'l.'ypically however, contarnitratiotl rates are luglt.er in single stream
s'vstems, and the City of Bellinglam has been engaged in an educational. campaign to increase recycling
and reduce. contanrint aiort. t1s SSC rolls out dhc single stream collection system throughout the rest of
its service s-rrea, they will continue to work with each jurisdiction to increase public education and
OULFCach around proper recycling practices.
Contamination and improper recycling of materials has also been sun issue -,with the three -bill sy-sten1
as reported b\ some providers, including mixed materials being placed in the same bins or ovetrlloXvling
of the bills. These issues unay be addressed through additional public education programs and
advertising. Wid-lin the three -bin system, in cases where a customer may have a higher Volutne of
recyrclablc materials than the bias's capaciti-, haulers tgpically accept materials, if they are appropriately
separated, in alternative containers. "I'o prevent public nnisaice during «-inter wcather, xvaste collection
Companies provide routine windy vweather tips such as putting paper in a paper sack before laying the
sack on its side in the bin, setting bins on the ground versus stacking, wcio hing down cardboard etc.
WHATCONA COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGWENT PLAN PAGE 59
MAY 15, 2023
;Additionalh, the Cot.uitY provides educational resources for residents, including a social marketing
campail;n aimed at reducing litter duc to high winds (htt:.l s://�..����.��=hats os�iuxtnis.tlsjhtt<r.).
4.2.2 Haulers may also provide notice to customers who repeatedly
ignore recycling instructions, whether they are using the three -
bin system or the single stream system.Multitamily Residential
Recycling
Approximatcly 26 percent of the County-'s population resides in rnultifatnily residential units,
representing; a large share of the Customer bast. (U.S. Census, 2014-2019). There is a general
perception that rccycling rates for n-lultiflmih- residential are low relative to single-family residential
rates. 'I'll is is con�n?onh� attributed to the lack of imdci-stan.diiig of the system bN nzultifat.nill residential
subscribers, high tenant Luritover, lack of incentives for tenant participation, and a lack of outreach
and education to multifamily residents. Some service providers also indicated that the higher levels of
contamination found in multi }artily recycling bins and lo«,er participation rates compared to the rest
of the County ae ta weakness of the existing sj=stem.
The Washington State Association recognized multifamily recycling as in issue for
communities across the state tit its 2014 report., ` So ttt;ig,It Out. `l he State, o1 1l�tltif el In Recv clin�i_n
l _itil>>ng;tc�n Srar<?' (\\ SRA, 2014). The report notes the lack of targeted focus on multifamily
recycling as a cause of relat vcl low multifamily rec}-cling rates, and that an approach with
three prongs can help boost rates. The three components are: (1) collection statistics; (2) policies and
regulations; and (3) cducadort and outreach. While additional outreac:li will be helpful, it should be
noted that the local rnuitif�ttntly pro nim is now and has been successful since 1992. Over 90
percent, of all rnultifan7ik complexes participate, with an average recycling rate of 30 percent, and a
contamination rate of below 5 percent.
4.2.3 Commercial Recycling
Col rill lercial rec' cl"Iblc collection is provided directly to businesses by the private sector in an
t.tnze()ulawd s\,tcnn. IZ<c,cling> collectors include vpaste haulers, buvback centers, private collection
firms, and small mosyurto ilect operators. Most commercial NISW customers also subscribe to source-
separatcd collection from the (;-certificated haulers for arious tnarerials depending upon their
economic sector. "These scrvices it-(, almost universally less Costly than disposal, t]1us existing rare
structures Mcentivize diversion to rcc�clitlg and composting, and in some cases, reuse. Business
participation has been ,icadil.- 21rowing since the c-,rly 1990s to tocbi �, vv-]].ere nearly cVerylocal lausincss
1xarticipates in recN-clirtg; or vNastc reduction to one extent or another. Part of 1:1t1,s success is due to the
rate structure that: m,-tkrs recvcling the more cost-effective aker.native to solid waste disposal. The
CoitntV rccog;tti-Zes the need to tz1aintain the higl) t:eci-clitig; p'll-ticip"Mon rate among businesses.
WHAICOM COUI��FY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN PAGE 60
MAY 15, 2023
4.3 Goals and Aciions
Recycling and diversion in the County are already 1lighlY successful «-lien compared to the state goal
of achieving waste stream reduction of -)0 percent. In 2-017, approiimatch: 41percent of the County's
waste stream «%as recycled, and -:I percent was diverted, as reported bv 7 cology. The County
recognizes that while recycling remains stable, diversion rates vary and can be easily skewed
bv one -tune events, misrepresenting the success of the Comm's educational programs.
Goals and actions related to rcq-cling focus on matiimizing recvcling efficiency; increasing public
outreach, including a focus on multifamily residential recychng, and developing a hotter understanding
of how users interact with the overall system.
WHAICOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN PAGE 61
10AY 15, 2023
Table -3
Goals and Actions for Recycling
GOALS ACTIONS
Residential Recycling
1. Enhance residential A. Assess materials currently collected through the recycling system,
recycling. focusing on their relevance to overall solid waste system goals and
commonly disposed recyclable materials.
B. Evaluate current aliernole materials collected curbside and consider
the potential to add or remove materials.
C. Educate the public on maximizing recycling efficiency, focusing on
properly preparing recyclables and reducing contamination.
_ _-___________.._..-- _
Multifamily Recycling ;
l . Gather information about
multifamily disposal and
A. Conduct a waste audit to understand the recycling habits of l
recycling habits.
I
multifamily customers. Findings could drive future action.
I
2. Encourage
A. Education outreach to building/facility management. Suggest l
l manager/owner
training of residents for facility waste bin system at move -in and E
responsibility.
require compliance in lease. l
l
3. Increase multifamily
A. Provide educational information to be distributed to multifamily l
j residential outreach.
residents, such as information on how to accommodate recycling 1
�
I
bids. , I
Q. Creole or expand programs to provide waste audits to building l
managers and provide support for follow-up education.
C. Provide clear labeling of acceptable materials with pictures for each
container to address potential language barriers.
D. Ensure that the frequency of curbside service to multifomily buildings l
provides adequate capacity in each recycling bin at any time,
minimizing potential for unnecessary disposal or contamination.
Commercial Recycling
1.. Continue to support
A. Monitor commercial recycling rates to ensure all businesses in the I
commercial recycling.
County are served.
WI- MCOM COUNTY C0MF'RFHEr1JSlVE SOLD AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN! PAGE 62
MAY 15, 2023
5 ORGANIC MATERIAL MANAGEMENT
Sitm.iiicant diversion of wliste is commonly accomplished trough composting of organic materials.
C)rganic materials (green waste, food waste, and compostable paper) arc a significant component of
the County'S solid waste stream. In 2017, recycling and diversion efforts accounted for the diversion
of over 42,000 tons of organic materials (including 9,000 tons of food) from landfill disposal that
equated to about 25 percent of the total «Taste stream.
In 2015--2016, L cology conducted a four -season \!S�\"chat ictei-iz,,ttiori stLidy in select counties across
the state, one of which was the Counvv (l .cology, 2016). The stud- found that organic material made
up approximately 29 percent of the total MSWr stream. M.orc than half of the organic materials -,-,-ere
attributed to residential and commercial food waste. Icing the 1 �:colo�7v �z�aste sore study information
acid the F;cology diversion reports, the organic material generation for the 2015 \v1ste stream Was
approxiinatchz 77,000 tons of organic materials, with about 21,000 tons of food waste (food scraps)
and Brasted food (food allowed to spoil) disposed of at a landfill. 'L"hcae data suggest. that more than
half of the organic material generated in the County is ultimately- disposed of at a landfill.
5.1 Existing Conditions
5.1.1 Programs
CURBSIDE COLLECT ION
Residential food and yard waste collcctioti services are provided by SSC and NVD on an every other
weel: basis; commercial collection frequency varies dependent upon customer need. Curbside
collection is not aN-ailable in some of the rur"d areas of eastern W'hatcorn Count%%
SSG Provides residential curbside and commercial collection of yard Nvaste, food waste,
<ind compostable papers thror-igh the SSC Food Plus program. ��iatemis are collected in
the same container. "the, service is provided throughout the SSC service area, except for
L.umIni Island and the Luniriu peninsula south of Cagey.
N?VD--Prm!ides residential curbside and commercial collection of vard',',-astc, food t waste,
rind compostable papers wittily) the. cite limits of L\ nden, Nooh-sach L yerson, and Sum -as.
Ilouschold waste and %-;ti:d ti\-astc can also be disposed of at ilic NV'D Drop Box hacilitA-
c'�,< Rccycliri Center.
Caudo does riot provide curbside collection oi: organics. IIowev-er, green waste is accepted at the
Cando Drop Box Facility & Rccycling Ccntcr Ili Point Roberts.
WHATCO.M COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN PAGE 63
MAY 15, 2023
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING
l he WSU Master Composting and Rccvclhg program and the County Solid Waste Division provide
a substantial anxmnt of composting information on their w-ebsitcs. These programs, including the
WSU Backyard Composting program, assist residents with the mamyci-n nt of food wame scraps so
that these scraps never enter the solid v rite systu.n but instead provide a beneficial product for use
around the. home.
Ile SSC Food to Mowers! is a school serAce available to elementart- schools and odic- educational
institutions. The program promotes student engagement in composting practices while they learn
about the associated environmental benefits.
The County currend-y provides no outreach progmui to assist commerc
ial entities in managing their
organic material. Because the Cow cannot mandatc c lunw tal recycling or composting services,
the SSC food to Flowers! program is supponcd through a means of advertising and education during
facility audits to enhance participation.
SSC and NVD also provide technical assistance to businesses requesting information or asking for
support in setting up commercial composting services.
The commercial business component focuses oil food producers such as restaurants, caterers, long-
term care facilities, schools, manufactures, and hospitals to help reduce their food waste. FRP works
to provide the technical assistance needed to safely donate surplus food that would ordinarily- be
clumped in a compost or landfill can. This food is then routed to one of 12 local hunger relief agencies
working ,,vith the program, using a .robust network of voluntcerm participating businesses are wideb-
promoted on social media for their efforts. Ile program has been successful helping participants
reduce their waste costs as w-cH as overall food waste. Once a participant takes the time to handle their
food waste a second or third time, the)- become more aware of their "2ste generation and tend to
donate less over time. For example, a program standout Casa Que Pasa donated on ax-erage 905
pounds of surinlus food a month in the I-arst four months of M21 In the same first four -month period
of 2021, they donated on average 755 pounds of surplus food.
`Ibe FRP program has been steadily growing in recognition and success with the help of a second
PP<r and additional funds from \\'hatcorn CoutatV Solid \Vaste I..)ivision, as well as private donations.
In 2019, more than 59,000 pounds of edible food was dig cried hack to community mcn-ibcrs in need.
"]'here \ve.re more than 36 wgulmll pa.rtimpadng business, with additional one. unne donations from
public cvcros. In 2020) the program saw many of its rqWhr donors stop participating due to the
CMII�-19 pandemic shutdowns that forced restaurants Ito operate at lower levels, mints to stop,
and lon j4um care facilities to no longer allow outside visitors. IHowcvcr, the program was able to
successhilly pivot- to help in other sectors and recovered 255jR0 pounds of surplus edible foods Al
2020. Ile program saw, more than 76 businesses panicip iIC, with 15 of those businesses participate
on a regular basis.
WHWOM. COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND [ 1AZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEM T-IT PLAIN PAGE 64
MAY 5, 2023
l,asth, FRP has a general_ public educ;=Ition campaign that aims to teach residents how to reduce and
prevent food w"astc in their dash lives. This is accomplished by distributing educational matci-lals at
Public events ,tnd conducting workshops for public groups. A bimonthly series Titled, AWastc and
Whai:not, is open to the public and hosts Chemed workshops titled "lhe Future of \Fasted Food" and
"l sc It UP and Reduce food \Waste at I -Lome." Sustainable Connections has also built robust and
interactiVe W-ebsite. /SUStrin.iblec <>nrlecuo_ils.( r„/Sdultclz o�catc.) to help 1>cople ;>et
creative «-ith leftovers, plan meals, and donate nonperishables to local food banks.
5.1.2 Facilities
PUBLIC DROP-OFF LOCATIONS
The folloIuing drop boa facilities accept organic materials from the public:
• SSC: Roeder .Avenuc Drop Box Facility- <� Recycling- Center Accepts yard waste only.
,NIatcrials are transported to the Green I'.arth. T'echnology Cornposti.rrg Facilfl .
• RDS Transfer Station --_Accepts yard waste and food waste. IMatcrials are transported to
the. Grccn I,arth Technology Composting Facilit -.
• Cando Rccv cl mo, Transfer Station —Accepts yard waste only Alaterials are transported to
the Green Earth Technology Composting Facility.
•V'D DropBox Facility �� Rcc� cling Center--:\ccepts and waste only Materials are
transported to the Green Farth Technology Composting Facility.
• (_been I`.arth Technology Composting Iaci1it5v .\ccepts residential and commercial yard
waste and food -waste..A description of the composting process is provided below,
COMPOSTING FACILITIES
Organic materials collected at curbside or at drop box locations are transported to the prrvatclN-
oper,_ited Green. I arth TechtiolooN, facility in Lynden. Materials are composted using a Gore -based
aerated pile system that can compost a green N-raste stream with a lighter amount of food waste mired
in through an eight -week production cycic. The facility currently; niatiages trp to 20,000 tons per pear
under: its current configuration. The facility's existing infrastructure would require relatively few>
improvements to double the capacit" to-10,000 tons per year, it a suststlned need is foreseers. The
facility cautiously accepts additional food -w,,istc from cornmercial sources, primarily because a more
wetjputre"Cible food \V- Istc m4lh.t oVervehelnr the sl stern and result in the generation of significant
odors.
DIGESTERS
In addition to the composting facility-, t-,Xo anaerobic digesters are operated in the County. Digesters
can be used to ,)cricratc rencwablc cncnn biogas using Various 01,01111lic feedstocks, such as pre-
WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID A; ID HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN PAGE 65
IViAY 15, 2023
consumer food waste, manure, sewage, grease trap Matte, and agricultural -yvaste. I3iogas, biologically
produced by an anaerobic digestion process, can be used to RwI combined heat and power engines
that generate utility -scale clectricity and heat for use internally or bi% neighboring facilities. Liquid
fertilizer, digestate fiber, and water are secondary byTroducts that potentially- can be used in
agricultural applications.
The anaerobic digestion process begins m*h bacterial hydnAysis of the input materials to break down
insoluble organic polymers such as carbohyckates and make them available for other bacteria.
_lcidogmhc bact.eda then cmwert the sugars and amino acids into carbon dioxide, hydrogen, a>nmonia,
and organic acids. Accmgcnic bacteria then convert these resulting organic acids into acetic acid, along
with additional animonisi, hydrogcn, and carbon dioxide. hinally, methanogens convert these products
to methane and carbon dioxidn lie inshanc gas can then be combustcd and turned into energ�> as
d"cdbcd above.
An anaerobic digestion facility t)'picall)� includes a receiving pit for feedstock, anaerobic digestion
tanks, digo!Mte treatment facilides, and gas conditioning and po«>er-gcncration equipment.
The t«-o digesters in the Count) arc:
• Li,dalecn Cow Power, LLC
• FPI? Rcnewables, L.L,C (Vander 1 laak Dairy)
1 total of 8 million Qons of pre -consumer food waste and 16 million gallons of livestock manure
were treated bY anaerobic digestion in 2020, and 1.8 million kilowatt: -hours of generator power was
produced.
5.2 Needs and Opportunities
5.2.1 Programs
Organic materials in the CountV are mms_tged through residential and commercial collection, local
drop-of-f facilities, and ant -site composting. "1'he existing program clernents for collection or drop-off
arc 2cccSsi.b1c to all reside°us of the Count. "the residential curbside organic materials collection Gard
'\vasi(" plus food waste) is offered everVAM- weep; commercial collection is offered on a more
frequent basis dependent upon customer needs. Cornrn.crcial subscribers consist primarily of food
processors and manufacturers, grocery stores, school districts, colleges and unbersWm, and
gov cs-nrnental entities, as ,vc1l as retail and office users. Commercial subscribers also include some
restawantq however, ony- one chain restaurant participates (both SS(-,' znd \VD provide curbside
collection scrviccs to thrs chain,. SSC personnel indicate that comtnercial food waste is collected on
the residential rout -es so that there is substantial mixing of food umm -with yard waste prior to delivery
to the cornhosdnr; iaci.lity.
WHATCOM COMFY COMMHEMW5 SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE f\AANAGEMENT PLAN PAGE bb
MAY 15, 2023
Food waste prevention outreach is currently a significant topic discussed by the U.S. Pnvironmental
Protection :\gcncv (ETA) and bY Washington jurisdictions. Educational materials are readily available
to solid waste program managers through the food: Too Good to Waste campaign that is focusing
on consumer education to avoid vaste by consuming «ghat is purchased. Some counties are
researching partnerships N ith community llcalth groups to increase food securitAy as a means of
reduci1.1g wasted food, including subsidizing th.e ptu-cliase of reErigCrated trucks to collect and transport
perishable food to community kitchens and shelters.
In 2(:)24 RC\V 70=1.20.54Q 1a�as amended to account for the W'ashington State Organics Materials
Management Act, which has a goal of reducing tlhc amount of organic waste going to landfill bl-- 75%
by 2030, compared to 2015 numbers. Requirements of the law lvith regard to AVhatcorn County are
limited to the Cite of Bellingham and It Lu-ban t)ro\Vth area arld include:
I. Beginning April. 1, 2027, source -separated organic solid waste collection services are required
to be provided rear -round to all single-famil-- residents and nonresidential customers that
generate more than .25 cubic yards per -\veek of organic t-naterials for management.
Beginning April 1, 2030, source -separated organic solid waste collection services must be
provided to customers on a nonelecti�ye basis, cYcept that a jurisdiction may grant an
etemption to a customer that certifies to the jurisdiction that the customer is managing organic
material waste on -site or self -hauling their own organic material Ryaste for organic materials
management.
Beginning ;\pril 1, 2030, c.ic:h. jurisdiction's source -separated organic solid -,vaste collection
senGice must include the acceptance of food \vastc' ear -round. 'I'hc jurisdiction may- choose to
collect food waste sourcc-separated from other organic materials or may collect food xvaste
commingled with other organic materials.
4. Beginning April 1, 2030, all persons, WhCu a ing curbside collection for disposal, may use only
source -separated organic solid \G,aste collection scrv-tc(,s to discard unwanted organic materials.
Currcntly, curbside organic service iucludiu�) food «astc is already offered to residents throughout
much of the county, including the Cite of Bellingham and its urban growth area.
5.2.2 Facilities
Commercial businesses account for a large percciluu)c of the organic waste generation in the Countx.
although a substantial portion of that material rnaj be less preferred be tlhc composting iacilit�> because
of the material's overly wet or dense ctharactc ristics. The Couu t,\ has several food processors that may
be able to divert their '\vaste materials, including ,rhfood, berries, and vegetables. An additional
composting opportunity rnaY include idetitiiica ion of -,a process to reliable compost heavy, wet food
gencrated by restaurants, institutional cafeterists, and other food providers. Identifying additional
orh2111cs processing techniques in the future nrav ;1111M y more of the Count}-'s organic waste stream to
be diverted from disposal and processed for a hit her use (such as Nogas generation)-
WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMEI,IT PLAN PAGE 67
MAY 15, 2023
Ort>anic v aste derived from cannabis production is Ili emerging class of waste that the state and
County are closeh' anonitorirag. 1At the tinle of the v riting of the 2022-2027 CSII\X-A4P, the Green
1:arth '1'echnology facility does not accept cannabis waste and wall not do so until there is new guidance
from the state or federal level.
In accordance with RC\V' 70.A.205.040, t11e Count- must identify ilie volumetric capacity need at
c,>rganic managen-aent facilities to manage the countv's organic material in a way to reach a 75 percent
reduction in the statew.Tide disposal of organic material \\=aste by 2030, relative to 2015 levels. To meet
this need, the Count), has determined an annual volumetric need of 3=1.823 totes.
This calculation users the 2015-201.6 Washington State Waste Charactcriration Stu(T data
that identifies that approaimateh% 323% of waste sent to landfill in the NW \Waste. Generation Area
(\X'G:rA) organic material. AX'hateom County landfilled "1A2,862 tons of caste in 2015. 325°-b of
that is 46,430 tons. BNr law, our Coutltv aims to now, manage at least 75",0 of this material, or 34,823
tons annually, .in methods other than sending it to tl)e landfill_ Current infiastructure located in the
\V11atcon-I Countv organic material -shed has the capacity to mtintige 13,719 additional tons. Thus, ���e
estimate additional organics azaanagenaen.t facillil,(ics) in our Coulity need to be able to manage 21,104
tons of organic material on an annual basis. This includes efforts of «ante .reduction that will preN cnt
waste or divert to human consumption.
Aiso in accordance. with RC\X% 7C1,-\.205.040, the County must identify prioritN. areas for siting organics
material management facility(.es) in order to rnanage the courlty's organic waste in a yx-yay to reach the
statcvode goal. Priority areas include properties that meet the follo«ing criteria:
Zoned as .Agricultural or Rural Industrial turd 'Manufacturing, v.-hich are the zones that allow
for a composting facility in W),i con-_ Count=Not within a disadv-antaged community, as
designated by the Climate and 1. cononnic (ustice Screenin > Tool
* Not adjacent to a freclucntly hooded ei ca as designated by 1 EAL1
Adjacent to a State or federal Road, Rural 1v1ajor Collector Road, or Rural 1v-11nor Collector
Road
Not within 200 feet of a high-pressure pipeline
I".igure, 5-1 proy-ides a mal> ofidentificd properties that rncel these criteria.
WHAT COM COUN (Y COMPREI FNSiVE SOt'D AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MAfvIAGEt\/,ENT PLAN PAGE 68
Figure 5-1
Priority Areas to Site Organics Management Facilities
MAY 15, 2023
,O)HATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN PAGE69
MAY 15, 2023
5.3 Goals and Actions
Ci.irbsid�.� composting has proven to be an effective program in ilic County, given its high participation
rates. I Iow(wea-, both prevention and recovery levels should be increased. To cornI-)this success,
future County programming will focus on the expansion of scl-�-ices and outreach to col.-nmercial
business. "I,able 5-1 below provides the Count, goals and actions for o.irganics management.
Table
Goals and Actions for Organics Management
GOALS
ACTIONS
I Consider accessibility of
A.
Evaluate flexibility of collection (frequency, container size, cost, eic.' and
organic materials collection
impact to the existing system.
and managerent.
B.
Investigate expanding organics collection to areas of the County that are
not served by existing programs.
C.
Continue to support composting at home and Identify opportunities to
expand existing programs.
2. Increase recovery of organic
A.
Target outreach to the food industry with the goal of separating more
materials from multifamily,
material appropriate for organics composting, or other organics
commercial, and industrial
management approaches as they become available.
generators.
B.
Develop food waste management programs, including potential
programs than connect restaurants with fanners who would use food waste
as livestock feed.
C.
Require compostable, single -serving containers at cornn-iercial locations —
stadiums and fast-food venues.
D.
Support industry opportunities to use anaerobic digesters for diversion of
pre -consumer food waste.
E.
Evaluate and increase options for multifamily and commercial
composting.
3. dentify opportunities to
A.
Identify opportunities to I nonage cannabis waste generated in the
expand cannabis waste
County.
management in the County.
B.
Monitor state and federal guidance regarding disposal of cannabis waste.
4. Reduce organic waste going
A.
Ensure that curbside organic collection requirements are being met as
to landfill by 75% by 2030, as
required by RCW 70A.205.540.
compared to 2015 arnounts.
B.
Establish priority areas within the; county for the establishment of organic
materials management facilities.
r��Te
County = Whaicorn County.
WHAICOM COUNTY COMPRE11FLNS vE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAIN PAGE 70
MAY 15, 2023
6 SOLID WASTE COLLECTION
6.1 Existing Conditions
\\ ((, 8,10 QJO and \\ C CW 8.10.060 require ghat certificated solid -\aste companies collect solid waste
from residential and nonresidential entities. Only companies holding; G-certificates or operating under
municipal contract for that area may collect solid waste for a fee. Weekly, every other week, and
monthly curbside garbage and everV other week recycling collection service in the Count- is provided
through three privatc collection companies, each providing service to a different region of the Count-
and regulated by the \VU,TC and municipal contracts. In addition to garbage and recycling, rnd except
for Lummr Island and certain areas cast of Cedarville Road all SSC sul>scrilbcrs have the option to pat
for curbside collection of orgatlic materials. Organic materials (yardwaste, food -soiled paper, and food
waste) pare picked tip on an ever- other week basis. NVD also offers organics collection in its cities
(«rcckly in Lynden, and even- other week in Nooksack, L-verson, and Sumas). NVD does not offer
organics collection in unincorporated areas. Cando does not provide curbside organics collection. The
easternmost portion of the Count- (including Newhalcm and Diablo) is -\vithin the WUTC G-permit
collection area of \Vrite Alanagemcnt and is managed in the Skagit Coutits- sYs-tem. "Phis area is
excluded from the nlannine area as discussed in Section 1.2.
\11 cities in the Count\- use traditional bag or customer -owned, 32-gallon can residential collection
systems or collector provided containers or totes. Customers of SSC and N\•'D also have the option
of using collection-cornpans -owned wheeled carts.
The four (,-certified haulers are
• NVD (Permit G-000166) Located at 250 Birch Road in Ly nden. Serves
northern \Vliatcom Count-, including the cities of Lynden Everson, Nooksack, and
Sutras, and unincorporated portions of the County in dint region.
• SSC (Permit G-000014)-- Located at 1001 Roeder Avcliuc in Bcllingham. Serves the cities
of BellItighatn and I'erndalC [lie LUirmi Nation and parts of the Nooksack Tribes, and
the areas of unincorporated \\'hatcom Counts riot served by NVD or Cando.
• Cando (Permit G-063819)--Located at 2005 Johnson Road in Point Roberts Serves the
unincorporated area of Point Roberts.
• Waste Mana ement (Permit G-00237)—Scr,,,es the Nexvhalem and Diablo
t-mincorporated areas in eastern Whatcom Count-.
G-certificated hauler territories arc depicted in figure 6-1C'igure 6-2 shows the population density
per sduarc mile in rciaionship to each hauler territory.
WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN PAGE 71
Comprehensive Solid and
Hazardous Waste
Management Plan Update
Figure 6-1
Hauler Territory Map
Whatcorn County
Washington
Legend
city
Snail T.."., B ... da,y
.a:ioral Forest
Certified waste Hauler Territory
(Certificate Number)
Freed— 2GG0!LC,db.Ca,de fG63819)
V.1Ly DsP—I, 1— (GQG0,66)
Sanitary S—iou Co.. Inc. fGD6901 V,
&VVA, Inc. (G=237�
S-r-: CTIy Bo.,.J.ry. bdies• National
F, re.s' Area from. 'Whatoom, County. County
8--d.,y VVSDOT.
VJoSlo i fauler Territory Jr— UtlifiCS and
Tr-sp.rl.fi- C.-M. —.
ALL FOSTER ALONGI
... . ...........
... .. .....
Comprehensive Solid and
Hazardous Waste
Management Plan Update
Figure 6-2
Population Density Map
Whatcorn County
Washinak)n
Legend
i City Boundary
i S.mall Towm. Boundary
Tribal Lands
Planning Area
Nato:1a3 '=C,,St
Certified Wa*te Hauler Territory
Freedom. 2000 LLC. dba Cando
N..ks.ck Valley D; posal. Inc.
sanitary, Service Co.. Inc.
/a
s:e Monagement o-'AA. Inc.
2020 Population Density (per
square mile)
00 or fewer PeOP2.
1.000 people
L;"A jo 1 to -. O.w-- Dec"oe
10,U01 -,o 25.000
C. 9.000
S urce
C.ty s
Plan .3 A-, C
Oe—ly from E- A,IGIS Or.1r,
11,bal: rnd from. U.S. Census [3u,--...
W rite Hauler
T—Ary `rum W.,,hmt- Litilitses and
Tr-.P.,-..tnn crr.:--.c.
S4 A Lj L FOSTER A L 0 NGI
p. 971 54t 2139 i ---11.0:9---1.-1
..... . .......
MAY 15, 2023
Incorporated cities in the Counts obtain their own solid s asie collection services through independent
contracts. Contracted scrvices, by way of interlocal ,q)rccmcws, must sleet the County',; standards for
curbside collection. Collected «,rite is delivered to County -designated transfer facilities, as described
in Section 7.1.
As an alternative to curbside collection, there are several facilities available for public drop-off. "These
facilities arc discussed in Section 7.
6.2 Needs and Opportunities
Curbside solid wnstc collection is an enti.rch privatized system, with each collector responsivc to
market demands and customer requests. Collectors adjust the size and rouging of their fleet as
necessary to provide the scrviccs required by the Count- acid cities, Additiorml serNices requested by
customers arc considered by estch collector and responded to directly.
6.3 Goals and Actions
This existing collection systenyi meets the needs of the Counm customer base through market: demands
placed on the private collectors.
Table hnl
Goals and Actions for Collection
GOALS ACTIONS
1. Fnsure that collectors are A. Investigate complaints regarding collection services and
providing the required correct deficiencies.
minimum service to all
subscribers as outlined in the
Whatcom County Code and
inierlocal agreements between
the County and municipalities.
WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MAi'IAGi_t\/if�fv1T PLAN PACE 74
MAY 15, 2023
7 TRANSFER AND DISPOSAL
"Transfer systems consist of fixed facilities with drop boxes and/or transfer stations that receive waste
from public and commercial sources. The purpose of a transfer system is to provide a centralized
location for consolidation of numerous small waste loads, loading the xraste into larger transfer
containers, and transporting it to ,m appropriately permitted disposal site. Consolidation improves the
economics of «-ante transport and reduces traffic impacts at: land disposal sites. In addition to the
consolidation of waste materials, transfer stations can serve as a location for processing recyclable
materials. AMaterial-processing activities include the separation, preparation, and consolidation of
recvclablc material collected through curbside programs or reinoved from i.ticoming Ioads.
Transfer station —A facility that receives compact and loose wisw froin both residential
and commercial sources. 'Iransfer stations may use a durnping pit or tipping floor to
consolidate waste material before transferring it into i trailer or compactor. In transfer
stations with a dumping pit, a tractor- typically crushes and compacts the waste before the
waste is loaded into the trailer or compactor. Trailer loading usually- requires the use of a
knuckle -boom crane to evenly distribute and compact the waste in tzc trailer. AlternatiVel),
a transfer station �,v-ith a tipping- floor may use a dozer to push the materials against a wall
for CYUShlilg; f011o\Set 1n' liftlnt; into ) tr filer or pllshim, into a subfloor- stabnth lr�
compactor. Once the trailer is loaded, the load is secured and then the container is hauled
to the landfill be truck or by rail.
0 Drop box facility —A solid -,vaste facility «here the public can directly deposit their own
waste materials into a drop box container. When the drop box is full, it is loaded onto a
roll -off truck and transported to a transfer station 'where the -waste is then transferred to
disposal containers for transport to the landfill. Drop box facilities are often provided in
,,-atious urban and rural areas to reduce the distance that the public must travel to reach a
eran'f er facility or to provide an option where there might be. less congestion. In general,
drop box i.icilities are less expensive to operate because of reduced costs for structures,
equipment, and, potentially, land. Drop box facilities can also provide opportunities for
recycling and for the separate collection of yard debris, woodw,,iste, and; or C/D w—,lste.
7.1 Existing Conditions
The County solid waste system is a transfer -based stistern consistttig of several transfer stations and
drop bo-\ facilities 'that direct waste to two prinrarV out-of-courrty landfills. There arc no operational
landfills in the Count\-, although. the Cotlnt<% owns seN-of
closed landfills. _A summary- of the facilities
dlsctisscd in the followving sections is provided in :Appendix A.
WHAtCOM COUIvHY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN PAGE 75
t%AY 1 5, 2023
7.1 .1 Transfer Stations
The County is served by three privately operated transfer stations, one of which is located on
County--o-\v-ne:d land leased to the operator (located in Point Roberts).
RDS Transfer Station —One of the t«-o primary transfer stations in the County, it
accents self haul waste and waste collected by SSC and NVD. The RDS Transfer Station
includes one inbound scale, t-\t-o outbound scales, t«ui truth bars, and an IIRF that Nvas
operated through early 2020. There is a self-service recycling center prior to the scales that
accepts cardboard, newspaper, mixed paper, glass, till cans, and alninillu n. Waste for
disposal is transported by truck to the Coluibia Ridge Landfill in Arlington, Oregon.
Recyclable materials are sold to the appropriate processing facilities, the Slater Road
Lautenbach Recycle Park. Wbod is chipped and shipped to burners in Wash.ington State
and Canada. In 2017, RDS processed 116,885 tons of solid vaiste materials.
0 Republic Transfer Station —The other primary transfer station in the. County, it accepts
self -haul waste and waste collected by SSC in the Cite of Bellingham. The f tciRty includes
one scale for inbound and olatboUnd traffic. The tipping; flooris contained entirely indoors
and provides space for six vehicle hand unloaders and one tip truck Waste for disposal is
transported by rail to the Roosevelt 1Zegional Landfill in Roosevch, «'ashington. Recyclable
materials including cardboard, newspaper, and steel, arc collected at the front of the facility
(prior to the scales). In 2017, Republic processed 52139 tons of solid «>aste materials.
# Cando/Point Roberts Transfer Station—Locs-atcd on County-o«-ned land but is
privately operated via a lease with the Countyn Curbside and self=haul ,N-aste and recycling
are collected and sorted. Waste for disposal is transported by truck to the Cowlitz Countv
Ilcadquarters band{ill in Castle Rock, Whshington. Recydablc materials arc sold to various
entities through British Columbia, Canada. Ili 2017, the facility processed 1,177 tons of
solid waste iawrials.
0 Bellinghain factor Waste Facility—Thc City of Ildliughani Owns, operates, and
maizitaiits a Factor \vflste transfer station for the purpose of' processing street. sweepings
and vactor wasw materials. Ile facility accepts street waste from the City of Bell ill -(7ham,
the Couniv, the Washington Department of "Transportation, and several private operators.
The cite- currently contracts with a private party to transport the material to (Ile Waste
\ anagcmcnt Ch-cater %natchee Solid %ste Landfill. This f-icilitt- is discussed in more
detail in Section KIT.
`These transfer stations, with exception to the .hclli whain Factor Waste Facility-, arc open to the public.
Current disposal rates Aw the transfer stations arc provided in "Table 7- 1. Private operators adjust their
rates as necessare to efficiently maintain their services. Prig atc transfer stations arc in direct
conlpctit-ion vvith each other. Customers should contactthe service providers ditecily for accurate and
up-to-date information.
WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREH NKNE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN PAGE 7b
MAY 15, 2023
Table 7-1
un)PVJi.11 F.Ulf~J IVI 11U11J11;:1 alu!!V11J, LQJE 1
Weight Rate
Volume
Waste Type
Measured By
Flat Rate
Per Rate
Minimum
Pound Per Ton
RIDS
Garbage Weight
$0.070
$140
--
--
Contractors (Accounts Weight
$0.056
$112
--
--
Only)............
........... ....... .......
_.... ........_.....................
.................. ..................-.............._..............
Wood Weight
$0.050
$100
--
--
Yard Waste Weight
$0.040
$80
--
--
Dirl and Sod Weight
$0.025
$50
--
--
Metal Weight
--
$0.020
$40
--
Concrete Weight
____....................... -................................................_............._........._.........................._._............................................................_........................................._._....
-
$0,020
_.................... _.... _........-........._......._
$40
..... _.__...
--
_... ---...
--
_._.._..._....._
All Passenger Fires Flat Fee
$10/each
--
--
-
--
Semi Tires Flat Fee
$20/each
--
--
--
-
Tractor Tires Flat Fee
-------- __....._.._.__.__._....____....._.._.___._._......_.._..___...._.._........__._.._____..----__.__.._._-
$50/each
--
--
--
--
Loader Tires Flat Fee
$100/each
--
--
-
--
Propane Tanks Flat Fee
$10/each
................_................ _.._....__........._._.........
Hot Water Tanks,
-------..__
- -.....
Dishwasher, Stoves, Flat Fee
$10/each
-
--
--
--
Washers, Dr ers
Refrigerators, Freezers, Air -
Flat Fee
$40/each
C
Conditioner Uniis
Porcelain Toilels and Sinks Flat Fee
-
--
-
--
____..._._......__.__...._...__...._..... _.................__.....__.......___........_.._.__.._........_._.._....._._........_.__........._.-...__._.._._.__._..._......__.......
Mobile Hornes (Manager
Volume
--
........ _._
--
$1.25 per
square
-
$1,000
Approval)
Republic
Garbage Weight
..
$7.35:
$0.057
$113.40
:I -
$12.60
C/D Waste Weight
$7.35*
$0.057
$113.40
--
$12.60
Yard Waste Weight
$7.35
$0.057
$>113.40
-
$12.60
Asbestos Weight
$7.35^2
$0.175
$350,70
--
$106.05 1
Paper Free
--
Cando
Garbage
_......_..._.._.........._....................._._._.......................... ..... _..........._.._
Weight
..........................._......._......_..._............_........_,........_....... ......... ............... .._..... --
$0.135 $270 -
... ............ _......._; ._........__.............__. _.. __.__
$5.50
.�-_....__._......_
Recycling
Weight -
$0.05 $100 --
$3.00
Appliances
Flat Pee $20/each
-- - --
-
Fridge/Freezer
Flat Fee $50/each--
1ire, No Rini
Flat Fee $4/each
-- j - --
--
WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGENI NT PLAN PAGE 77
10AY 15, 2023
Waste Type
....
hrieasured ey
�iaf Rafe
Weight
Rate
Volume Rate:M
�.
Inin�urn
per
Pound
Per Ton'
Propane lank
.............................................................................._.........................................._....................................................._............._:........._....__........_.._..........._......................................_-..._....................
Volun)e
._._......._..._
$5/gallon
:......._.............__...__......._._...
............... _....... _..._... _........
Battery
........... ................................................................ ............................. ...........................................................
Flat Fee
........... ...................................
$1/each
................................... -..............
-
......................................... .....
................. ....................
.................................... .....................
................. .....................
Computer Monii.o..
at
$10/each
j
........................_..
TV
....._...Fl------ ....
Flat plus weight
....
$1 /each plus
._.
0.135
....................
I
_....._._.............
-
.....__......__......................
I
weight
Microwave Flat plus weight
$5/each plus
$0.135 -- - --
_
weight
Electronics Flat Fee
$5.00
- -
NOTES:.._.................._............._......._............. ...._...._...._........_.........................__...__.._.._.............._.._..-...
_....._._....._...._........__...
_.m..._.__-_...__..._.. _.._._....... _....................._..._...._.............
-- = No data available.
C/D = construction and demolition.
Cando = Cartdo Recycling and Disposal
RDS = Recycling and Disposal Services.
Republic = Republic Services.
Private operators adjust their races as necessary to efficiently maintain
their services. Customers should contact the
service providers directly for accurate and up-to-date infon-nation.
'Gate fee, regardless of wei2lhf or materials.
In addition, the. City- of 13e,llinghatn maintains a vactor waste transfer station that is not open to the
Public hilt does receive -,-actor and styect w"'Istes from county -wide commercial and nnunicipal operators
for a fee.
7.1.2 Drop Box Facilities
In addition to the transfer stations, Count- residents and businesses inav dispose of -,vaste at arty- of
the drop bow facilities listed bchm.
0 SSC birch Bad--l-vriden Drop Box Facility & Recycling C;enter County --owned and
operated I)v SS(' via a lease \\-iih the Count-. \\ Este is transported to The I DS 'I i-ansier
Station. Re,cv(-khl(, materials arc brought to the I )y "Iumisfer Station and Slater Road
l autc1lb"Ich Recycle Par-k for sorting m)(1 shipmem to the appropriate entities.
0 SSC Cedarville Drop Box Facility & recycling Center CountN--otvncd and .is
operated by SSC via a lease "vieh the County. A\ tste is transported to the RDS 'transfer
Stanon. RccY clabIc materials arc delivered to the VMS 7.3-ansfer Statio..l and Slater Road
L.autcrtbach Rec� cle Park for sorting and shipment to the. appropriate entities.
0 SSC Roeder Aventre Drop Box Faciliti- & Recycling Center: T ocatcd in dowullOW13
13e11in()h;am. A\ rite and rcc,,,clablc� inatetials are transported to the RIMS'Iiansfer Station or
the P.cpublic 'transfer Station.
WHATCOM COUNTY COMPI?DHENSiVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGE1v4ENT PLAN PAGE 78
MAY 15, 2023
NVD Drop Box Facility & Reeyclin Center --Taste collected is tratispoited to the
RDS Transfer Station for sortie). Beerclable materials are collected and shipped to the
appropriate entities.
"These drop box facilities are open to the public. Current disposal rates for the drop box- facilities are
provided in Table 7-2. Private operators adjust their rates as necessary to effficienth- n-iaintain their
services. Private drop-off facilities are in cline"ct cornpctition With each other. CUatoffierS should contact
the service providers directly for accurate and up-to-date information.
Table
Nsposal Rates for Drop Box Facilities, 202-1
Weicalif Rate
Waste Type
Measured By
Volume Rate
Minimum
Per Round
Per Ton
NVD
Garbage
Weight
$0.13 $260
--
$10.00
Recycling
Volumet�'1
$0.05 $100
.......................
--
$5.00
_..___.._.__...__...._._.___.
Paper,
.___..._.____..._..._.._........... _._...
Weight
..... ..__.__._.._.__._..... ................ ..................._.
$0.05 $100
__..._......._...__........._._..._._
--
$5.00
Cardboard, Tin
Plastics
Volume(a)
$5.00 per 32 gallon
$5.00
Glass
Weight
$0.07 $140
--
$5.00
................................. ...............................................................................................................
Scrap Metal
...........
...................... -- .................. _........
--
Aluminum
Tree
Free
-
Wood
Weight
$0.13 $260
-- ;
$10.00
Yard Waste
Weight
$0.05 $100
--
$10.00
SSC Cedarville —
Garbage
Weight
$0,15 $300 --
$5.00
Recycling Weight $0.03 $60 --
_ ...... __._ .. __... __
SSC Birch Bay
Garbage
_....................
Weight
$0.15 $300
......................-..................................._;.................................................................._...........
-
................... - ._...--._..._.._._.......
$5.00
_.__.
Recycling
Weight
$0.03 $60
--
-
SSC Raeder
Garbage Volun �e!�l - $300 $30.90 per cubic yard $5.85
__ . .... ... ...---
_............................_........._.........._......_........................._......._...._._.....__..........................._.........................,..._................__........._........._..........................._._.....__..�..._........._....__........
Recycling Volume'°I $5.00
- $5 per 30-gallon bag
.... _...... ... _..........._...._.._.........................._.._...- -- _............... -
NOTES:
Private operators adjust their rases as necessary to efficiently maintain their services. Customers should contact the
service providers directly for accurate and up-to-date information.
— = No data available.
NVD = iNooksack Valley Disposal
SS--= Sanitary .Service Compony
Volume defined as "normal residential amounts."
">! Garbage disposal rate per ton is estimated from the volume rate 'oosed on a loose density of 190 to 220 pounds or
WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOJS WASTE MANAGEMENif PLAN PAGE 79
MAY 15, 2023
7.1.3 Landfills
1\1SW generated in the Count- is primarily disposed of at one of the following landfills:
Columbia Ridge Landfill, Arlington, Oregon —Operated bS Wastc Management, this
landfill is a modern Resource Conservation and IZ_ecovery Act (RCRA) Subtitle D-
permitted landfill that accepts primari.h 1vIS\y; as well as industrial and special wastes. It
does not accept hazardous waste_ Columbia Ricigc is the destination of waste originating
from the RDS Transfer Station.
Roosevelt Regional Landfill, Roosevelt, Washington —Operated by Republic
Services, it accepts i\1S\t' and specific t\pcs of spccial �\,)ste. Roosevelt Rel;ion.al Landfill
is the destination of waste originating from the Republic "Transfer Station and NISW
collected b� Al ;rite AT m,,igcrncnt from Ncvdi lcm and Diablo in eastern Whatcom County.
Headquarters Landfill, Castle Rock, Washington —Cowlitz Couriq operates this
lan(ifill. It is the destination of "vaste collected by Cando.
Other facilities tliat currenth.- or have historicalh- accepted waste generated in or from the County, as
reported by I3colog)-, include:
• BP Cherry Point Refinery Inert Landfill, Blaine, Washington --Located at the Cherry
Point Refinery- in Bellingham and operated b5- I31)..
• CEMEX Inert Waste Landfill, Everett, Washington —:Accepts materials that
arc neither chclnica11v7 nor biologically- reactive and -vv711 not decompose, such as petroleum -
contaminated soils gene.rated from cleanup sites,. The cone inzinatcd soils are treated with
a thermal desorption process at the C l:yll,Regional Petroleum-Contanunat.ed Soil
Treatment facility before. thce - are l,uldfilled.
• Graham Road Recycling & Disposal, Medical Lake, Washington —Operated bx-
Waste Uui,igcmcnt, this is a limited -purpose facilitV� that accepts primarily C/D
industrial waste, and special \\nstc; it does not: accclrt or ll tmrdolls wtsre.
• Greater Wenatchee Regional Landfill, East Wenatchee, Nashington—Operated by-
\\'rite 1\h111agcmcnt, it accepts primarily AIS\\; CAD \visw, and industrial waste. It does
not accept hazardous waste.
The County, owns and maintains five closed 1,_111dfills:
Cedarville Landfill —The ninc-acre landfill opened in 1980 and was closed in 1990. The
]andttll is estimated to contain 40t000 cubic =arils of refuse under1V�1ng the cover soil.'Fbe
facility- is n-tonitored under permit durintr post, closure consistent: with \yAC 1 % 304. The
faeilit�7 has a sv-swnz in place that controls landfill '),IS rtiigration and odors; it also has a
WHAICOM COUNTY COMPREI 1.__HSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS \HASTE MAN AGEi'\A[NT PLAN PAGE 80
MAY 15, 2023
leachatc collection s�!stcln. The leachate collected is treated and discharged under a
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit issued by 1 cology.
Birch Bay Landfill —"The five -acre landfill -\-,7as a County -operated landfill purchased in
1951 and closed in 1983.
Point Roberts Landfill —The landfill accepted from 1982 until 1985, when
operation ceased because of the potential costs associated with meeting the then -new
\11"S. At the time of closure, the landfill was slightly less than one acre in size. The landfill
area was then used solcly for C/D tivaste until a separate area was designated for disposal
of this waste type in 1988. In 1990, the landfill -\ryas closed iu accordance with \VAC 173-
304. This is the current location of the Cando Recycling Transfer Station.
Y Road Landfill I—"1'he Y Road Landfill consists of two distinct landfills, Y Road I and
Y Road II, located along opposite sides of the same road. Y Road Landfill I was acquired
in 1995 from the Georgia Pacific Corporation for public safete reasons. Records indicate
that it was used between 1967 and 1970. It is monitored and regulated as a A�fI'CA cleanup
si te.
Y Road Landfill II—Y Road Landfill 11 was closed to i\ISW in 1984 because of mt-atcr
9ualitNT concerns. The landfill was reopened as a limited -purpose landfill that accepted only
C/D waste. The landfill was closed to all waste tAllpes in 1989. Closure improvements v".ere
completed in 1991 and iticluded installation of rnonitori.ng wells for gas and water. he
iNIS`��' cells were closed to ��..._'�C i 73 : 04 standards in 1984 and the C/D ,%Taste. later placed
on both the NIMN" cell footprint and the separate cell was later covered and closed to WAC
173_ �0Ll standards, and is monitored and regulated as a ivITCA cleanup site.
7.2 Needs and Opportunities
The existing transfer and drop box facilities adcqmatcl�T meet the current waste disposal needs of the
commuriiw. "_'hesc facilities are privately owned bV entities that consistently evaluate die respective
facilities from an efficiency standpoint, including ongoing efforts to encourage communication
beneec^n the service providers and Count- residents. ::At this time, the private entities have not
identified and- needs that require expandcd capacity, but have expressed the ability to expand their 0XVu
operations under short time frames. The County will continue to ,oil: with the service providers to
insure each providcr is adequatcly planning for and constructing additional capacity In advance of
need.
WHATCO,M COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN PAGE 81
NAAY 15, 2023
7.3 Goals and Actions
Table 7-3
__.._Goals and Actions for Transfer and Disposal -- _
GOALS ACTIONS
1. Continue to maintain and support A. Provide ongoing post -closure monitoring and maintenance I
transfer and disposal system of closed landfills. ........ _.................
facilities. B. Work with existing private transfer stations to ensure
compliance with solid waste handling facility permits. l
_._.._..................... ........._.._..............._..__.._........_._.......... ____---------- _..._....................-- ...-- C. Work with service providers to ensure adequate system
capacity is constructed in advance of need.
_................... _........ _._._._._........... _....._..............._..._............................._........__................_................_...._._..._................. _...... _...... _............. _..._...........
D. Work with service providers to ensure adequate
communication with County residents regarding collection
needs.
2. Continue to manage illegal A. Survey residents and businesses regarding disposal needs to
dun)ping in the County. ensure sufficient access to disposal facilities is provided.
WHATC011/+ COUNTY COMPREI fl NSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MA NAGEMENI PLAN! PAGE 82
MAY 15, 2023
8 MISCELLANEOUS WASTE
Miscellaneous wastes arc materials that require special or separate handling because of their unique
characteristics, such as bulk, eater content, or dangerous constitt ents. N.Iiscellaneous mrites discussed
in this section include:
.Agricultural waste
Nbcstos
B osolids pemmgc and sepmge)
Coritaminatcd soils and dredged materials
Disaster debris
Food-odated, grease not containing petroleum
* Biomedical waste and Pharmaceuticals
Vactor waste
• \Waste tires
• C/D "wistc.
Ills sucnpn disc usms the eune t nmri agem it. pnact cc s for misce'llar..co-us .mac and estabhshes goalts
and actions for encouraging recovery and reducing environmental impacts.
8.1 Existing Conditions
8.1.1 Agricultural Waste
Agricultural ���aste, such as manure and crop residues, is typicalli, returned to die land as soil
conditioners. _Annual xNAumcs and seasonal variation differ by agricultural sector. Guidelines for the
proper handling of livcstoclk taste in western Washington have been published by the WSU
Agricultural lAwnsion Service and codified under \VCC 16 8, iNlanure and :Agricultural nutrient
A4 inagerncnt. Deceased animals and an ii-.il parts can be disposed of by 154Nmna Dead Sawk Inc -
Allowances can also be made bY the Count, l Icalth Department for animal burials and composting.
The recent legalization of recreational cannabis production attd sales has resulted in regulations
specific to the handbi, and disposal of crop r"whes. As the indum, matures and regulations evoke,
the Comm- will rel on the most current regulations and guidance from f;cohgy regarding disposal
best practices for addressing this waste.
WHMCOM COMtY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID ANC HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN PAGE 83
MAY 15, 2023
8.1 .2 Asbestos
The term asbestos represents a group of naturally occurring minerals that historically- were used in
building products such its cement siding, spraycYon ceiling texture, and the paper backing of vinyl
floor coverings. Asbestos is not considered hazardous mmste under either federal or state regulations
but is regulated under the federal 7_oxic Substances Control fret. Asbestos is also regulated under the
federal Clean _Air Act as an air pollutant that poses human health hazards. Local regulation is provided
by the No.rthmmsc Clcan Or Agency (NNYVA.;'\), Regulation Section 570. Properly packaged and
labeled asbestos waste is a>ll owl at the Republic transfer station, placed in special containers or bags,
and transferred to out-obcoung lalxlM for proper disposal as asbestos -containing material. The final
disposal sites require that a cope of the PWNVC-11's asbestos abatement or demolition permit
accompany asbestos w—elsic deliveries.
8.1.3 Biosolids (Sewage, Sludge, and Septage)
Sewage sled""c that has been treated to rncct standards for beneficial use. (such as in land application)
is called Biosolids 'Ibis glic of material is specificalh° excluded from the definition of solid waste,
although other wastes from the smstemnIter treatment process tare- classified as solid R%astes. Biosolids
are dcilned by- WAC; 1 ,.3-3105-080 as:
Municipal sewage sludge that is a primarily- organic, semisolid product resulting from the wastewater
treatn1CnL process that can be beneficially- recycled and meets all applicable requirements under this
chapter. Biosolids includes a material derived from Biosolids, and septic tank sludge, also known as
scptage, that can be beneficially recycled and meets all applicable requirements.
Biosolids arc further cats gorized By federal regulations into Class it and Class 11 based on pathogen -
reduction measures and metals contamination levels. The federal and state regulations are self-
implemell till g, which mc,,.tns that the requirements must be met regardless of the permit status of a
facility.
Biosolids may be applied on agAL Mural land, forests, rangelands, or other disturbed land, in a process
known as land application that supplies nutrients and replenishes soil organic matter. "There are tour
biosolids land application facilities in the County:
* Shannon A i(w1kcr Biosolids facility
Lil John Biosolids I"acilily
* Tjoelkcr l=.ntcrpriscs Biosolids 1WAY
* C_IV of fAmd;dc Plant
8.1.4 Petroleum -Contaminated Soil and Dredged Material
Contaminated soil is soil removed during the cleanup of N11111 site during a dangerous mmst.e facility-
closure or GoIn corrective actions or other cleanup acMics and YdAch comains hartmia substances
WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREJ il-NSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE 1VIANAGEMENI PLAN PAGE 84
MAY 15, 2023
but is not designated as dangerous vva.;te. Coutaminatcd dredge materials come frorn the dredging of
waterways where contarninants are present at concentrations not suitable for open water disposal, but
not designated as dangerous -,vastc. 'I'hc primary statute governing petroleum-contatninai:ed soil clean
up in Washington State is R:( \\ '0.,\ 305. \\ \(;..._1 )-3.10 contains regulations to implement
INTI'C A, including sections on corrective action requircmcrus for leaking underground storage tanks
and oti cleanup standards. Materials that also contain lead, bezizene, poly-cticlic aromatic h}drocarbons,
or polychlorinated biphen}Tls mal- trigger a designation as dangerous -waste. Treatment, transportation,
and disposal of dangerous wastes are stibjec.t to the state Dangerous \\Waste Regulations, \� _AC�_1.73-
303. Dangerous wastes can be transported on1v to specificetlly permitted facilities for treatment,
storage or disposal.
Disposal of petroleum. -contaminated materials is subject to the requirements of NV AC 173-350, these
materials must be disposed of at a permitted solid vT,2stc handling facility such as a landfill or
incinerator. Generators of contaminated dredged materials who wish to dispose of the materials must
either construct and pernut a limited -purpose Landfill, \VAC 1 7 3 3.50-400, or use an approved solid
waste landfill site or incinerator (sec C 1 _AII-A Inert Waste Landfill description in Section 7.1.3.
Use of the Cowity-v asw management systcm for disposal of -contaminated dredged materials typically
is conducted only for s>nall projects (i.e., less th.aui ten cubic Yards). Small project contaminated
dredged materials «rill be accepted into the Coutity solid waste system for disposal at the RDS and
Republic Transfer St:atioris, and the Cowlitz Couniv Ilcadquartcrs Landfill, if they have been
adequatcIv characterized and have bccti dev,atcred,ide(waick, to meet criteria specified under the f'.P_A
paint filter test (see Federal Register, Vol. 50, No. 83, 'Ricschiv, \pril 30, 1985).
8.1.5 Disaster Debris
The CountY could be impacted by several natural drs zstcrs including floods, earthquakes, -volcanos,
windstoriiis, and landslides, all of which can create an enormous quantity- of material requiring
matiagement and/or disposal_ According to the I`ederal 11" nncrgency tMatiagenient _Agcncy, natural
disasters generally create the followirug ti pes of debris:
0 Windstorms may leave behii:id wastc corrsi.sting primarily of trees and other vegetation,
cotistruction materials from damaged or destro\-ed structures, and personal property.
ffi blood debris consists of sediment, wrCCL,Ige, person,.il belongings, and sometimes
haVardOLIS mateilalS deposited on public :.ttid private propertt.
\dditionalh; hcavv rains and floods may produce landslides, the debris consisting
printarl .- of soil, grav-Cl, rock, N-voody debris, and some construction materials.
I=;arthgt.iakcs generate damaged building materials, personal property-, wood- debris, and
sediment caused b� lan.dslides.
S Ice storttu or sno,v stornr debris consists of significant amounts of woody debris from
broken tree limbs and branches.
WHAICOM COUNTY COMPREI IENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN PAGE 85
MAY 15, 2023
0 hire debris consists of burned -out structures, metal 01) COS, velvcles, ash, anal charred
,\ oodv\Taste.
Oil spills or other disasters associated -\vith large industry or refirac ries are generally addressed b� plans
alrcad7; put in place by the appropriate industries ataci agencies.
The \Wh<atcom County Sheriff's Office Division of I_?mergericl- A imigement is responsible for
deg=eloping and maintaining a connmunity infrastructure for emergency and disaster mitigation,
planning, .response, and recovrerNT. The most recent version of the \Whatcom Counts= Disaster Debris
Management Plan -,gas published on September 1, 2017 (\Whatcom Counu�, 2Q17). The County Health
Dcr),irtnicnt plans an active role in supporting e111crgency pmminp efforts, as well as serving on the
incident command team during response to any natural disasters. The Count- also understands that
the: Federal I met getim Management Agency will likely take the lead in the case of natural disasters
and supersede local plans. Disaster debris w 11 be managed throw>h the appropriate existing facilities,
including transfer facilities, permitted inert waste landfills, builciint materials recovery centers, and
composting facilities, as feasible. The County may also designate certain locations and facilities for
accumulating large volumes of disaster debris. In the future, the Count' ma}w need to designate certain
locations and facilities for accumulating large N:olumes of disaster debris, as needed, specifically drop
box at.id transfer station locations.
8.1.6 Food -Related, Nonpetroleum Grease
Grease .is generated primarily by testaurants, cafeteria,, and other food services. Because it is
semiliquid, it should not be disposed of into a scNti-c°r or on --site se,,\. age System and is not easily handled
as solid waste. County residents can properly dispose of cooking oil bl' Lakin, it to the \IR\X' facility
(Disposal of Toxic,, Program). Rendering companies usually 1121ldlC the collection of grease from
businesses, recycling it into such products as -,it) animal teed suppletnerat or biodiesel fuel.
If g,rcase is improperly disposed of, scl,cral different agencies or companies n-iaV deal \�-ith it. (,r'ease
dumpcd into scN ers. is addressed bye mtuti_cipal agencies while <)rease improperly disposed
of in the garbacrc is addressed b5� they 17ri� ate �15\\ collectors. Improper handlintr of grease by
restaurants is addressed I)v the County Health Departtncnt.
8.1.7 Biomedical Waste and Pharmaceuticals
In the medical industry, scecral definitions eyist for biomedical m.astc because of ov-erlappin.g and
inconsistent local, state and federal rcgulations 'gm-erning its managenlerat. 'H s has a Critical impact
on the managen-rent of material, since each generator's quantity of biOnledicttl waste is greatIN!
influenced by ho\y, inclusive the definition may be.
In response, the State of \Washington has developed a stateN�ride dentition of biomedical waste to
simplify compliance with local rcg�ulaiions while, preservint, local control of biomedical waste
management (1V)LN 70 \ 2(L I tu-thermo rc, biomedical N1,astc is regulated by \CC '2 .06.0-10. The
WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGENI0v, T PLAN PAGE 86
MAY 15, 2023
state definition of biomedical waste is to be the sole definition for biomedical waste in the state and
«:ill preemipt biomedical -, aste definitions established blocal health departments or local
go-,-crrimcnts. Biomedical -\taste is defined and limited to the follm ing iypes of v,astc:
Animal waste —animal car-cctsses, bode parts, and bedding of animals that are known to be infected
with, or that. have been inoculated with, pathogenic microorganisms infectious to humans.
Biosafety, level 4 disease waste —\Waste contaminated with blood, excretions, exudates, or
secretions prom humans or animals that are isolated to protect others from highly communicable
MI-ectic us diseases that are identified as pathogenic organisms assigned to biosafety level 4 b)- the
current edition of the Centers for Disease Control manual Bioszifi!ty is Alio-ob olooiiral and Bioziiediral
1�<ihof ��Coiz� r.
Cultures and stocks \Wastes infectious to humans, and include specin1Cn ci:rlttues, cultures and
stocks of etiologic agents, Nvast:es from production of biologicals and scrums, discarded lire and
attenuated t=accines, and laboratory waste that has come into contact «with culttures and stocks of
etiologic agents or blood specimens. Such waste includes but is not limited to culture dishes; blood
specimen tubes; and deg ices used to transfer inoculate, and mix cidnrres.
Human blood and blood products —Discarded waste lium.an blood and blood components and
materials containing free-do«,7ng blood and blood products.
Pathological waste Human -source biopsy n-raterials, tissues, and anatomical parts that are derived
from stirgerY, obstetrical proccclures, and autopsy. Pathological waste does not include teeth, human
corpses, remains, and anatomical parts that are intended for interment or cremation.
Sharps waste Hypodermic needles, svringcs with needles attached, 1V tubing «7th needles attached,
scalpt.�l blades, and lancets that ha�rc been remo�red from the original sterile package.
The major sources of biomedical include hospitals, medical research laboratories,
commercial diagnostic laboratories, outpatient medical clinics, dental clinics, nursing homes, and
VCterinarV hospitals and schools.
Transportation of biomedical waste requires a solid waste certificate from the \\ LTC:. Stericycle
L?nvironmetital. Solutions and V aste Management Ifcalthcare Solutions are the Lvvo biomedical waste
collectiotl companies in the state. In general, biomedical wastes must be categorized, segregated, and
pacha,ed Separately, from otlier Nvaste in cotitairr.ers that are clearly labeled "biohazard" or "biomedical
,yvaste." Sharp objects, such as needles and blades, must be packaged in rigid impervious, properly
labeled containers designed for this purpose. V"ith prior approv.11 of the Connty I lealth Department,
disposal of treated infectious solid waste in the solid w,,iste stream is allowed.
Pharmaceutical waste is any leftover, unused, or expired medication that is no longer needed or can
no longer be used. It can be classified as either hazardous or non-hl i/ardous depending on its chemical
properties and its risk to humans and the environment.
\NHATCO)\A COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGDMii"NI PLAN PAGE 87
v,AY 15, 202'
In 2019, the Coujoy I lcahli Department began providing, oversight for the Securc Medicine Return
program, named \V'-.hattcorn I\Ied R.eturn,... operated by i\-IED-Projcct, an independent organization at
no cost to community, members. "Phis program allows residents to return unused or expircd household
medications at participating pharmacies, police stations, a drug return kiosk, or pia a postage. -paid
envelope available at local libraries. Since the prograrn began, the Cotliny has securer_- collected over
S,tt00 pounds of pharmaceutical waste and safer transported to a hazardous moste incinerator for
destruction. This waste is kept out of the mTastc stream, protecting surface and groundwater. Properly
collection and destroving un«ranted medication; keeps them out of the wron;'d Bands and reduces the
potential An poisoning and unintended overdose. In 2018,�'I'hc Washington Secure Drug 'Fake; Back
Act was signed into law, and as of November 2021, adminki-in ive oversight of thc program rests with
W"ashington State Department of I Icalth.
Prior to dic start of the \Vhatcom Med Return program, the St.v of Bclhgn lar hn collected unused
houschold ri ncdcadons starting in :\pail 2010. Since that date, over :17,000 pounds of pharmaccutical
m,astet have been securely collected and safely_ transported to a hazardous m-- istc incinerator for
destruction. '1'hc City of Fernd,,.dc operated d.icir own pharmaceutical rake -back pr oginim between 2013
and 201 S that collected 3555 pounds of unWan.ted medication. The Cite of Ferndale worked with the
Count, I Rall Department to wind down the program once the AV'lzatcom V1ed Rett_trn established a
drop box at the Ilaggcri Pharmacy- in Ferndale, which collects household prescriptions and over -the -
Counter medications, and the 1'erndde Police Station, which accepts controlled substances.
The INIR\V facility (Disposal of`1'oaics Program) accepts unused pharmaceuticals from small quantity
generator businesses (not including controlled substances).
8.1.8 Vactor Waste
The City of 13cllingham owns, operates, and maintains a vactor waste transfer station in the lron-ate
lndt strial Area for tile purpose of processing street s-m-ecpings and vactor mrasul materials in
accordance: with regulatory gAdcli.nes. "The County pars a proportionate share of operations and
nriinrenance cost for its use. The: fact ty also accepts street waste from other municipal jurisdictions
and private panics for a free on a per -ton basis. CLrSLOmCn include the On' of I3elhnghani, ihr_ Conn ,
Me Qv of Blaine, the A 'addlighm Department ofI' anspormdon, and sc\-cral private operators. The
smaller cities of the Coon y either- dispose of their street swcepings and %-actor waste at a punihod
disposal tacilit- or process it at a N astewater t-eatr'nerit plant.
\V'ct material is suKkp.dcd and allowcd to passively drain or decant under a corercd
structure. iNc nied wasivmmter is collected and discharged [o the mtuiimpal seer system for
treamu.'nt at the wastes -rater tre"unicnt. plant.
\latcrial is received at the vactor wave Ymisfcr station as low- to mode mw"isk solid moor Duc to
tic classification of die material, vactor waste recycling or reuse options are hmacd. Since the facility-
is permitted as a transfer station, the (Ty ofl3dATham curretyk legally cr>ntrans witli a prk-ate hauler
to transport the material to the \Waste N'lmmgcment Greater \V`enatchec Solid Waste l.andtill for reuse
WHAT C:OM CONRY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT H AN PAGE 88
MAY 1 2023
as alternative daih: landfill corer. "l he City- of 13(,.11irighann continues to pursue avenues to reuse and
recycle vactor and street swcepings. The City of Bclliogh.am is also exploring options to
encourage the development of additional privately operated vactor waste and street sweeping transfer
stations.
The City of Ferndale received grant furaditng and intends to pursue construction of a vactor waste
facility.
8.1.9 Waste Tires
lased tires generated in the County are geticrally handled by the retail tire industry. Usable tire casings
are either slipped directly- to retreading plants or combined Nvith unusable casings for later sorting at
processing sites. Unusable tire, are shipped by state -permitted tire haulers to approved processing,
storage, or disposal sites. 'fires disposed of in the ti1S\N` streann by indi-,-ideals and businesses are
handled at local transfer stations, Cando Recycling'Iransfer Station, the NVI) Drop Box Facility-, or
Beacon Battery and Tires.
1 73 35O 33O provides storage rec}tiircments for tire piles. \V \C 173. 33C) _ 55 provides \v-aste tire
carrier requirements. 1_;cology= provides additional resources on its waste tire website:
151c./;\;fat;iagc n�t, «�,tc ,t...tc...tits. Minding
for the waste removal account, Nvaste tire storage, and carrier requirements and penalties are discussed
in RC\\,-70A.205.400 and RC\V 70,A.205.460. The U.S. Uniform hire Code also re;;ulates tire piles
since they present a fire hazard.
In addition, Ecology, maintains a \Fasts Tirc Removal Account to fund tire pile cleanups. This account
is funded with a S] fe.e collected for each new vehicle tire sold in \\Washington. The account funds
waste tire efforts idetinfled by local governments and other public entities for waste tire pile
prevention, clean up, and education. The Counts used these funds for tire pile prevention activities,
such as the cleantip of ? 3,600 tires at four tiro amnesty collection events from 201- to 2021. -More
information can be found on the program's It ebsite: t)oV l\--rite 'I-oxicsi 13usiuess-
yy�a�rc,/ \ 1an l��c_ � olu _yy�i,tc /\\r,t5tc tir�c
8.1.10 Construction and Demolition Waste
Thcrc are several prk ate for -profit and not -for -profit facilities that accept constrtictioti waste
throwdiout the County~. 'l hesc facilities are described in more detail in Sections 3.1 and 4.1.
�g RF. Store
• RDS "lratisfcr Station
• SSC facilities
• Cando Recycling "Transfer SlRtiot)
• Slater Road Recycle Park
• Granite Consi:ruction Company
VVHATCONi COUN!Y COMPREHENSIVE SOLID APJD HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMEtvIT PLAN PAGE 89
MAY 15, 2023
• Whatcom Builders
• Ilenifin Recycling 1 acility
8.2 Needs and Opportunities
The purposc of the solid waste system is to protect public health and environmental quality.
C',nfortunatcln .if generators do not have a convcnient means of disposing of their waste, some
generators "Al be more likely to dispose of their waste illegally. Others may store the waste while they
seek disposal. Such sroragc or dumping is illegal and often creates environmental and/or human health
risks.
Managing these risks and ensuring that We are disposal opportunities for miscellaneous waste is a
critical role of the County. Althot g,11 miscellaneous «%rites represent only a relatively small proportion
of the total solid smstc generated, the Cotuiq l-With Department receives a significant number of
inyuirics about a earn'- of unusual and new mmsws. h is the County_'s responsibility to ensure that a
safe and reasonable disposal option exists.
All miscellaneous xvanc types are being handled consistent with the description in Section 8.1. 'I7ie
County will continue to remain actiN7c -vvith all identified special waste handlers to ensure compliant
disposal practices. In certain cases, such as ,vith C/D waste and vactor waste, miscellaneous waste
may be wpwposcd.
8.2.1 Construction and Demolition Debris and Recycling
C/D wastc cotes ises a sippiiicam portinn of the waste stream. The 2013 waste sort stud- conducted
bV I1010gy found ghat a1q,m nately 13 percent by «eight of all solid waste. consisted of woodwaste,
including treated and painted "gxHi, dimensional lumber, engineered wood, and pallets and crates. -An
additional ten percent of all solid "sac umsisted of constriction materials, including drywall, asphalt
paN-ing and roofing, ceramics and bricks, carpet and carpet padding, concrete, and residual materials.
Based on these data. (3/1) waste rgnuctus a significant portion of the waste stream and recovery
efforts may eifectivch increase County diversion rates.
Since completion of the stut� RDS installed an'IRh that «-as operated throu,,gh early 2020, to recoyYer
C/D related material, that were dropped off in a designated area m manually' sortedfrom the transfer
station tipping floor. While. in operauon, the A1RF contributed a -,iVA11cant amotmt of diversion that
was not acunautcd for in the KoA( y study.
Ibc County's ITO (Ordinance No. 91-0a1) requires that solid waste generated in the Count- be
processed or disposed of at a do sigtrtted wash facilit*v. "ilic ordinance also establishes priority levels
for wostc disposal site.-, that favor recycling, or oc ther mans of diversion over landfilling of unseparated
solid waste. I-Io\tcv,er, the ordinance exempts C/D waste. A subsequent ordinance (Ordinance No.
96037) further clempts C/D waste from the FCO.'].'his amendment allo-y s disposal of C/D waste
at undesignatcd disposal sites, includino, sites located outside. the Count-. It is difficult for the Count
WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHHAIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN PAGE 90
MAY 15, 2023
to determine the current recN-cling IC.v-cls of these materials, givcn their out -of -county disposal Location
More investigation would be required to better trnderst,.rnd the situation. Alternatively, revising the
current exemption niay encourage better m,,tnagemew at existing in -County facilities to _ ensure
material recovery prior to disposal.
8.2.2 Vactor Waste
Materials from the City of Bellingham's victor w,,iste facilit v are sent to a landfill to be used as landfill.
cover. Since much of the material_ contains some level of contamination, reuse of the material requires
careful consideration. I-Iowever, some opportunities may- exist to i-cpur-pose the, material as fill for road
projects where the fill will then be capped with asphalt and isolated from and= potential exposure
pathways. The City of Bellingham and the Coutity shot:rld vvorl, with rehulatory agencies to identify
appropriate and safe beneficial reuse alternatives.
8.3 Goals and Actions
"I"hc County -vvill evaluate the potential for disposal, rccvding, and reuse of miscellaneous -waste
sources. Programs for miscellaneous waste will focus on the cvaluation of alternatives for management
of construction demolition, street sweepings, and pharmaceutical -\vaste.
WHAICOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MAINAGEMEN! PLAIN PAGE 91
MAY 15, 2023
Table 8-1
Goals and Actions for Miscellaneous "haste
GOALS
ACTIONS
_........_... ................... ... ................................ ......._..........
s 1. Increase C/D materials
A.
................. ..................... ._................................... _......... __................... .... _...... _
Conduct outreach to building associations and other
recycling.
construction -related entities to educaie contractors about
the benefits of a self-regulating industry.
...... _...........____.............._._................_.........._...._........ ......_......__................_........._._.............._..._................... ....._.._..__............ _........_..__._.____.__..
B......................................................
C.
....._........_........__.....................`...._........................_._....._........W...... .................... .......... _..._........_..
Evoluale potential for instituting recycling requirements for
construction sites through the building permil program.
D.
Implemeni provisions for governmental construction projects
to require recycling of waste and a preference to use
recycled building products.
E.
Explore County use of reclaimed asphalt shingles.
... ............. _..... .. ......
2. Control sham recycling, if it is
A.
................ ........ .. ..
Develop a monitoring program to evaluate sham recycling.
laking place.
Understand if there is an issue of illegally hauling solid waste
under the guise of recycling.
B.
Evaluate changes to the flow control exemption for C/D
materials.
3. Work in state regulatory
A.
Evaluate growing need to manage street sweepings and
structure to effectively manage
the regulatory barriers to beneficial reuse and/or
street sweepings and
management of street sweepings.
contaminated soil.
4. Provide effective management
A.
Continue to support and/or enhance existing programs for
options for pharmaceutical
pharmaceutical take back.
waste.
5. Be prepared for management
A.
Coordinate with the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office
of miscellaneous waste
Division of Emergency Management for integration of waste
generated though response; to
handling/disposal into emergency planning documents.
natural or human -caused
disasters.
_................._._.._ .,_.._......._.._.._...._..........._....__..._.................. ......................................_........................................
NOTES:
..-.................. ......................... ...................... ......
C/D = construction and debris.
County = Whaicom Couniy,
WHATCOM COU11111Y COMPREI iENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANA.GEMEN] PLAN PAGE 92
MAY 15, 2023
9 ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
:Administration and enforcement of solid waste regulations in the County arc carried out by various
agencies in the County. Administration of solid waste regulatiots is the joint responsibility of Ecology,
the County Health Department, and the incorporated cities in the County. Responsibilities for the
criforcement of solid m,iste regulations are distributed between Ecology and the County Health
Dcpartmcn t.
This scctiotl identifies the statutes and regulations that form the basis for solid waste administration
and enforcement and the agencies responsiiblc for implementing them, discusses their effectiveness,
and offers rccomirucnclations for ill provetnell ts.
9.1 Existing Conditions
9.1.1 Agency Roles and Responsibilities
WHATCOM COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
The solid "wstenl is managed by the Solid \A'astc Division of the County 1 Tcalth Department;
management includes the following responsibilities: solid waste enforcement, solid waste CacilitV-
permitting; education and outreach for waste prevention and recycling; ensuring economically efficient
recycling and disposal systems; litter control; lu.azardous waste education and disposal; and monitoring
of the County ,s closed landfills. ThcyT also facilitate SV" AC committee meetings. Funding for the Solid
\\ riteDivision is allocated through the Counrt-'s annual budolet process (see Section 113) with most
revctuucs proeided by the collection of an excise tax on garbage luaulcd by certificated haulers, as well
as be multiple I'Colo g} Local Solid Waste Financial _Assistance Grants. The health Department
administers scti•eral contracts to provride solid waste education and outreach services to enhance
County programs.
1'11e Solid Waste Division was transferred to the County Health Department from the Counter's Public
Works Department on lanuan 1, 2015.
WHATCOM COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
AS the agency formerh- overseeing the Solid \\%.Isle DiVisiotu, the Public Works Department: was
responsible for drafting previous solid waste plans, ftucluditug the 20U8 CS1JNV 1P and the 1991
I Iazardous Waste Plan. The Public \Works Department has remained engaged in the planning process
of the. current CSI M' \II', although they no longer holdany responsibility for solid waste activities in.
the County.
\NHAICOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MAIIIAGEMEN1 PLAN PAGE 93
MAY 15, 2023
SOLID WASTE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Ile vlatcom. Cot "y S AC was established in 1985 to provide input and re\-ic\v, for the CSl lWN111
that vvas under development at that tithe. The SwAC has controlled to meet to revic", and update
solid and ha wdou; waste management plans, Count- policies and ordinances, and other issues related
to local solid waste management SV AC meetings arc open to the public and are recorded with -",ritten
minutes. all documents and nieeting minutes are distributed to the mayors of the cities, affected
agencies and (mganizations, and interested individuals
SOLID WASTE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
']'Ile SWJ C is responsible for estimating quarterly and annual revenues, recommending mutual budgets
to the County Council, and monitoring expenses to ensure bud_ a congAance. "Ile SM7 is
composed of the may -ors representing each chy in the Count-, as -\yell as the Counh- executive. The
SWIM is responsible for revic-',ing the C 511\V-MP and providing recommendation; to Count•
Council.
CITIES
Pursuant to inte.rlocal agreements with the CourlVq all cities ha--e instm ted niandatory garbage and
rcc�-cline collection. Cities in the AVCTC-regulated areas have the option of providing for solid waste
collection either through mt nkipal crews or through contracted services. If cities do not elect to exert
local authorit over collection, collection services will be provided by the collection company- -,i-ith the
underlying certificate for the geographical area that includes the. city.
'Ile cities of Everson, Fundale, INnden, Nookwck, and Somas haN-e rrnmicipal contracts for both
residential and commercial solid waste collection. the Cite of Willingham has a municipal contract
MIT SSC for residential collection and commercial collection remains governed by \h'C"1 C regulations;
disposal is managed through an independent contract. No other cities in the (Awry currently- have
independent disposal agreements, although the Cky of Amddc previously had separate disposal
ccnluacts. Jlc City or I>lainc has asserted no local authorb, vand consccluc-ndy is fully serviced under
VJ'TC authority-. Coincidclually, all cities that contract for collection Services al this tinge hay'c
contracted m1h a collection company that Bolds tic tindwlyrng =17C certificate. Covering that cite.
\part from Blaine, cities in the County Undertake solid waste collection and determine collection rates,
i requency of service, billing, and rcco.rdkecping systems through ordinances and contracts Wth privatc
collecdori con anics. My-conuacwd collection companies provide direct billing servtccs. No city in
the Count° has a municipally- operated collection srstem.
J'hc City of Bellrngliam .also has a formal, staffed, litter -control program. ,l dcput.izcd city- staff
n ember performs all Jitter ;and illegal dumping control activities, including, investigating' litter and
illegal dumping complaint,, providing enforcement, and cleaning; up dumping sit -es. Other cities also
have litter control programs, although litter control actrv.i.ti.es are often informal and are generaBy
performed by public n7orks or parks cre,\vs, as needed.
WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREANSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEM[NI PLAN PAGE 94
MAY 15, 2023
NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBES
Residents of the Lutmt>i and Nool�sack tribal lands use inane of the same services as non -tribal
residents of the Coimtyl living on fee lands, and as such are considered participants in the 202 2027
CS1I\V'�.IP; ho"Nevcr, the County does not_ have enforcement: jurisdiction in these areas. Both the
1.ummi Nation and Nooksack Tribe contract m7ith private W"UTC certificated haulers for garbage
collection.
WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY
l cology is responsible for promulgating and enforcing state regulations associated x ith solid waste
disposal, air emissions, and wastewater and leachatc discharges. "The state solid waste regulations that
I,cology cnlorces resillt from state legislation (including ,PC\\ 70A 20?) and in response to federal law
such as I'CR_A.
l-:cology revicNv's and approves local solid waste management plans, works with local health
depar.ttnetits to enforce: the slate's Solid Waste Handling Standards 173-350), and peruaits
incinerator ash disposal as authorized by RCAV 70.138RC\\' 70 A.31 _). Ecology may periodically- revise
facility- standards for demolition landfills, compost facilities, and AIR\% facilities as part of the NIFS
revisions. h:cologr also provides grant Funding to local governments that assists in solid «vaste program
operations.
NORTHWEST CLEAN AIR AGENCY
The NWCAA has regional responsibility for rcgulating "ttid enforcing air quality. Solid xvastc
management acttvines that impact air quality 1-1111 under N\X'C \ jurisdiction.. NWCA_A regulatory
act ivitics in local solid waste management historically have been focused on the regulation of emissions
for solid Waste incinerators; the perlIII Iting of controlled burns of woody debris, including burns at
landfills and transfer sites; and enforcement related to the else of burn barrels to burn solid waste.
N\\ C \,A is also responsiblc for regulation of anY construction that may result in handling and/or
disposal of asbestos -containing materials.
"I'he Post Point Nvastc\v-ater txeatmcut plant operates an incinerator for its sewage sludge and is
permitted by N\\'C;\;\.
WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
I'lhe V\"UTC regulates solid waste collcction com.panics under the atithority of RC 51. In brief,
the lase provides for regulated garbage collection companies with monopolies in specified geographical
(certificated) areas. The AN'L TC regulates collection fees and operating standards, as ',-ell as requiring
annual rm cnue and expense reports for certificated collcction companies. Collectors charge uniform
rates subject to AV'C;TC approval across each certificated area. Collection companies must provide
collection services at the specified tariffs to aII customers in their certificated area. The original
certificates -,acre awarded in 1961. "These certificates are perpetual unless a collection company fails to
WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN PAGE 95
MAY 15, 2023
offer adequate sere-icc or cedes or sells all or part of their certificated area to anotller collection
company-. If a collection compam- decides to cease business, their certificate could be sold to a
competing entity, under review of the W TC, that competing entity \v )uld then provide collection
sere -ices to the same jurisdiction. The AV'l;C prop -ides temporary authorisation during the review
period to ensure unititcrrupted service to customers.
\\With the passage of the Comity s 1990 Service Level Ordinance (Ordinance No. 90-95), the Count=
took an active role: in defining local solid \easte collection services. "Through the ordinance and
successive-Imcl)(Itlei its, tl)e. Coutlly defined minimum garbage and recycling collection services and
set collection charge rate policies. J'he \\LTC is responsible for regulating the certificated services in
the framc-,vork of the Count_N's Service Level Ordinance.
The NN"UTC also reviews the C Sl INV1\11) during the approval process and evaluates probable financial
iml�)acts to COMILV ratcl)avcrs.
9.1.2 Flow Control Ordinance
Flow controls are legal provisions drat allow state and local governments to designate the places where
N1SW is tal:eti for processing, treatment, or disposal. County Ordinance 91-0=11, adopted June ?5, 1991
and codified as \\ („C.._h 1. O.30, establishes Courrt�7 control over the disposal of solid waste in the
County and requires destgnatcd disposed sites to have disposal agreements with the Count-. The FCO
establishes priorities for the flow of materials through the County solid waste system, prioritizing
recycling as the primary means of solid waste handling. In September 1996, the Counts= Council passed
an ordinance (No. 96-C!,i 7) to exempt C/D materials from the flowcontt:ol. requirements.
9.1.3 Financing
Until 1990, the Comm- financed solid haste icti.vitics from disposal revenues received at Countv-
disposal tacilitics. Thee c activities included landfill operations, transfer operations (e.g., subsidizing
the Alaple halls and Pu]1It Roberts drop box sites), the closure and maintenance of old landfill sites,
and planning and administration. AC"ith the establishment ��f the: hCO and the tcmporary disposal site
agrecmenl witl) the former Rccomp 1-,tcilll\- (now Republic) i_u_ 1990, the County funded its solid waste
.activities th the surch.,iroc collected b1 R.ecornp. These surcharge funds allowed the
County to fo.rrrtallY close past Couwy landfills, enl.tance waste teducti.on and recycling program design
and implemcntatiort, and address other County solid waste. funding obligations. 'Mien FCO-based
disposal Site agreements became utieniorccable in earl.\ "1997, disposal sites ceased to collect and remit
the disposal sure h Irgo, and the County lost its solid N tslo.- revenue source.
Tllc Count. then rep ie\\-ed several financing options, including no funding (i.e, ceasilig am solid waste
fiuictiotls), reactivating a 1987 Coutaty ordinance (No. 87-17) authorizing; the collection of pass-
throut�h i�ecs at private disposs_tl facilities; irnl�lcmenting a percentage collection. excise tag though the
disposal disttict., Implementim, a per-colm.1iner collection excise tax through the disposal district; and
s1lift7nt> to encral tax fundii-I through the Couim s current ctipcnsc fund.
VJI-IAICOM COUN;Y CO;AtP REHENSIWE SOUL AND HAZARDOUS 1NA STE MANAGEMENT PLAN PAGE 96
MAY 15, 2023
The no -funding option was rejected because of the Coumy's need to meet statutory obligations,
including planning, ordinance enforcement, and post -closure responsibilities for closed County
landfills. The implementation of the 1987 pass -through ordinance was deemed inadvisable, since many
Of the same flow control legal issues that challenged the disposal site agreements ,xrould apply to the
earlier pass -through ordinance. The percentage excise tax through a disposal district was considered
feasible, but potentially inequitable., since customers paid varying arnot.ims to different haulers for the
same level of service and would thus pay � crying amounts of excise tax tehilc receiving the same
service. The shifting to gencral tat funding \i-,-as }:ejecrcci bcc,luse of the limited availability- and
competition for current expense funds.
The Count- determined that a weight -based excise tax based on disposal district taxing authority
Would be the best funding mechanism. This approach yvould avoid the perceived inequity of a
percentage tax and would link tax payments to container size and anticipated container weight. The
Cotlnty's disposal dishier 8.13) was revised to reflect this excise tali approach and others
updated through Ordinance 97-041, adopted July 29, 1997. The collection of the excise tali began. in
October 1997. According to 8.13.030, effective January 1, 2020, the excise tax is levied on all
solid waste collection at each residence business, and instinrtion at the rate of 3.3 percent of collection
charges paid to certified and franchised solid Wasic 1laulers and S8.50 per ton for: solid waste received
at disposal facilities. The County levies this tax to adrnmister solid vN%astc management planning and a
portion of the education and communify outreach in the County. This excise fee is collected by t:he
collection companies.
9.1.4 Construction and Capital Acquisition Plan
State regulations require a "six year construction and capiial acquisition program for solid waste
handling facilities" and a "plan for financing both capital costs and operational expenditures for the
proposed solid paste system" (RC «;.v0,,1 ' (Q� 0 � ,5) "phis rccluirc-rncnt only applies to public facilities
and since tlic majority of solid waste collection facilities iu the Coutit- are privateh owned and
operated, only the Point Roberts scale hot.ise replacement is included.
Table 9-1
Whatcom County Construction and Capital Acquisition Program (2022-2027)
72022 - 1 .2023 ;.j �02�+ 2025 - '2026 --- 2027
Point Roberts Scale
150,000 - -
House Replacement
..........................._........ ............................._..........._. .
NOTE:
= no dato available.
WHATCON4 COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN PAGE 47
1\4AY 15, 2023
9.1.5 Administration
The County I-Iealth Dcpartmmy pro Ales staff to administer the contracts for solid maism education
and outreach programs, procure state and local grants supporting solid waste operations, and support
the SWAC and S\\7:C. In addition to contract administraiion, County staff respond to public
questions and serve as a resource to the commum, Except for defining the terms of the: Service-
Level Ordinance, the Count- does not take an actVe role in administering the collection, transfer, or
disposal of solid waste generated in the County. 7_'hese actions arc managed through municipal
contracts AV 1 'I`C G-Per r»its, and private contract mechanisms between scr��ice pI N iders.
9.1.6 Enforcement and Compliance
The Count- Health Department maintains responsibility for pci-snit compliance and solid waste
en£orceinent ractivities in the County and the solid «paste systun. County Health Dcpartincnt staff
routinely administer solid t-,-astc permits to facilirics in the County- and periodically assess compliance.
Staff, along with the sheriff's office, address the need to enforce solid waste ordinances, including
instances of illegal dumping and improper solid «-aster management on private property.
_Although disposal rates have been stable or have nioderat.cly, iticmased for rears, illegal disposal
continues to be a problem in rural County areas. Given the size of the Count the possibility of
multiple sites scattered throughout the County-, and the difficulty of feathering sufficient evidence,
enforcement activities related to illegal disposal are very time-consuming. Staff only responds to
complaints and does not activc, patrol the (Ann, looking for illegal disposal sites or inaprope.r solid
waste management on private property. On average, there are 170 complaints per teat.
"Ile (An n x Healtl.a Department's complaint tracking consists of an initial site visit for documentation
and verification of illegal dumping or irnpmper solid waste management; research of ownership,
property owner, etc.; outreach to the pnlx ty owner and enforcement letters; follonvoll> public
contacts, correspondence, and inspections, and court preparation and appearances, if needed. It is
County Health Department police to erlccnu•age V Onneary compliance and avoid the use of law
cnforcem.ent agencies. if there is a lacl: of progress, the sheriff's depanawnr may become involved
and the illegal dnm_ping naay result in a civil action and subsedue at Court date.
In addition to the general problem of adequately responding to complaints (£illcgal disposal, bringing;
charges against violators is further complicated by the cvidcnce rcquirctnClM, for prosecution based
on state law. The current system can consume nurnetous work hours to feather suf merit Wdence,
conduct repeated inspections or investigations, and possibly bring court action.
9.2 bleeds and Opportunities
Financing for the° solid waime system is pun ided through the County excise tax collected by, collection
companies, variou,1. T.cology grants (as made available), and revenrics re illtin�) froru leases \1,ith l7rfN ate
sector solid waste punk rs (refer to sections TI A and V 21 Current funding* levels arc enough to
WILAWOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID NND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT P1 AN PAGE 98
MAY 15, 2023
support minimum programming, but more funding may be needed to expand the CountA_-'s education,
outtcach, and business technical assistance. The County should periodically assess programs in
development and the funds available and reallocate funds on an as -needed basis to meet the
impl.emcntation priorities for waste reduction re.cecling, and composting.
9.2.1 Enforcemenf and Compliance
Lnforccrnem of solid waste disposal provisiorts is a crillc,,il component of the County's solid waste
nrulat�ernent program. While the community prides itself on disposal compliance and a relatively- high
rate of diversion, specific challenges exist in the more rur,,d portion of the County. In particular, the
Kc udall-Maple Vallcy area requires urban levels of service even though it is a more rural area.
THE KENDALL-MAPLE VALLEY AREA
The KetidalJ Maple Vallee area is in unincorporated \Vhatcom County but requires near urban area
levels of sc rvice because of its relatively- high residential development density-. In addition to
demographic factors, the area is challenged by its distance to ttipical urban services. As a result, there
is ticqucnC Illegal dumping of solid waste on vacant lots, off loggirig roads, and in culverts. Count=
I Iealth_ Department. staff have implemented a compliance. and enforcement_ program, bt.tt because of
limited resources and countywide demands, additional infrastructure mayr be ticcessan, to better serve
this area. In the past, the County I Iealth Department has worked with Community groups, including
Kendall Kleen, to provide special attention to these issues and has facilitated various clearnip activities.
POINT ROBERTS
Point Roberts is located just south of the Unitcd States —Canadian border and is isolated from the
mainland United States. The community- includes many seasonal residents who must navel into
C;anacla to return to their primary place of residence, whether in the ['nixed States or Canada. While
residents and visitors in other seasonal communities around the L;nitcd States would be pern-litted to
transport household solid waste to dispose of at their primary place of residence, international border
regulations prohibit tl:)c importation of solid waste itito Canada. '-�s a reseth, residents must dispose of
garbage before leaving Point Roberts and in some cases, garbage is disposed of illegally at public parks
and facilities.
In kanuan ?0191 the Courtly lmpletnenmd mandatory curbside garbage pickup for Point Roberts,
wl'ich helped alleviate mans- of the enforcement challenges, including illegal dumping, illegal transport
of g�111:1)agc into Canada and overuse of -public park dLill pstets.
9.3 Goals and Actions
Beyond educational h.togramming administrative and enforcement ,sal ilics represent a significant
role for the County- in the larger- privatized system. As funding for these roles expands, the County
WHATCOiM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN PAGE 99
(VIAY 15, 2023
will cotlsidcl- alrermlm-es to increasing compliance rand participation in the appropriate recvcling ;tnd
svastc �.��i�,u7agcment pro�rran�s.
Table 9-1
Goals and Actions for Administration and Enforcement
GOALS
ACTIONS
1. Evaluate regulatory changes to
A. Evaluate the existing exemption program (discussed in
j increase efficiency and
Section 4.1 .1) for solid waste collection effectiveness.
management.
l
B. Evaluate the existing civil penalty structure for waste
violations, WWI consideration to develop alternative structures
to incentivize compliance.
......................................... _....... ........................................... ........................... _................... _.......... _.......... __._._._... _........................................ __..... _.._......
C. Evaluate and create effective County solid waste
enforcement tools countywide, with emphasis on highly
developed, unincorporated areas (such as LAMIRDs).
D. Conduct revision, as warranted, to Whatcom County Code
_8.15.030.E to reflect current disposal sites. _
E. Pursue an interlocal agreement with Skagit County that
defines and establishes solid waste planning and service
i
provision responsibilities in the Newhalem and Diablo area.
F. Review adequacy of existing excise tax levy and exemptions
..................._.._.............._._............__..._....._................_.._.._.._._........ .. ----....._._.__....__.....
to address recent state funding reductions.
_...........__._..._.....__....----..........._._._......._._..._._.__._........_.__..._._.....__._.... ____.........._
2. Develop and implernent
A. Provide programming and support to local community watchmm
community -specific progra T s in
groups in areas with compliance challenges and host events
highly developed
to raise awareness.
unincorporated areas (e.g.,
LAMIRD) to address compliance
challenges.
B. Assess the need for additional drop box facilities in
unincorporated areas to encourage legal disposal practices.
C. Evaluate [he potential need for additional enforcement staff.
3. Provide sufficient funding to
A. Explore potential new funding options 10 support expanded
n')aintain current and expanded
County facilities and disposal options.
levels of seivice.
NOTES:
Counly = Whatcom County-
; LAIViIRD=!:mniied Arey of lOorc. hiense Rural Development.
WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREI 1EI`-iSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT PIA ! PAGE 100
MAY 15, 2023
I0 LOCAL HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT
M
10.1 Master Section
This section proi-ides the framework of the CXistint7 hazardous N aste management s%-stem,
current program services associated with hazardous waste collection, public education, and technical
assistance, and identifies opportunitics and constraints for improving those services. '11i's section also
serves as a foundation for program goals that are presented in Section 10.2, Implementation.
10.1.1 Introduction
As an overall component Of the County-'s solid and hazardous waste management system, this section
is specific to hazardous waste management s},stem components and is intended to demonstrate
compliance tv-ith RC\\' 70_A.300, the I Iazardous \Vastc Management 1ct. The format of this section
follows the Neology --recommended outline provided in Guidelines for Developing and Updating
Local I Iazardous W'astc Plans (I,'cology , 2010).
The Countv• adopted its initial hazardous waste tnanagcincnt plan in 1991 to comply With requirements
stipulated under RC A! 0A3(1Q. Since then, updates to the CSI l\V'\SIP (inost recently completed in
2022) have included reference to the 1991 Hazardous \\%ante Management Plan, with no substantial
revisions to that plan completed
10.1.2 Analysis of Current Conditions
10.1.2.1 Hazardous Waste Inventory
A RW is regulated as solid waste all is defined as hazardous waste (waste chemicals) generated from
hot scholds and qualified CFSQG businesses. Where are two pern-utttd N1R\V'F's located in the Count):.
`I'lte County owns dze AV'11atcom County 'MR\V I" also kno-wn as the Disposal of Toxics Program
facility, located at 3303 Airport Drive in Bellingham (Figure 1-1), yvl ich accepts '-,\IlRA\' from Connn-
households and clualifying small businc sscs. '1 he tactlitCs hours are 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.. \londa�
through 1 ridav and the first Saturday of each month. The facility is operated under contract by Clean
L:arth.
-Automobile-related 1\1R\\% (motor oil, antifreeze, and oil filters) are also accepted at the following
satellite facilities:
WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN PAGE 101
MAY 15, 2023
0 Cedarville Road drop bot station
-- Ilours: Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Birch Bay drop boy statiotl
— I lours: Sundae 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• NVD Linden transfer station
-- I -lours: ANloll(bly through Frj(tly 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., arld Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00
p. nt.
T'he second facility is the SCRttic Cite light Skagit I lydroclectric 1'rojcct (Ne«halem) INIRVIT. This
facility accepts \IR\X% from CI;SOCis N orking on the Skagit Hydroelectric Project and is open by
appointment only.
In 2020, tic Nevvhalem NIK\V',I' collected 12,364 pounds of 1\IR\N' from eight businesses. The
Nc«-haleni comnicta with Clean Harbors to tr,_insport and dispose of all NIRW collected. ".the
County collected '153,766 pounds of in 2020 (64,003 pounds from ( I ,S()Gs and 389,763
pounds from County residents). Figure 10-1. presents tic annual MR\' received ovu the past ten
years.
600,000
O 500,000
0
400,000
300,000
200,000
100,000
0
Figure
ReceivedAnnual MRW
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
1,11c County scr\-cd 6,907 customers at the NIR\N- facility and through mobile collection events in 2020
(972 Visits b\- C1'SOC;s and 5,935 visits b\ Cot.irlt. residents). This rcptcsencs a decrc.zse of nearly
2,500 hou>ehold customers bct���ecn 2019 and 2020, which is believed to have been Lzrgcly related to
the COVID '19 pandemic 1-Ture 10-2 presents the annual IM, rcceiv-c.d from households oil a pear
capita basis.
WHATCOM COUIN11Y CONAIPRi 1 iENSIVE SOLID AIND 1IA ZARDOUS WASTE MANAGFMFNT PLAN PAGE 102
Figure 10-2
Annual Per Capita Household MRW Receivel
2.25
z 2,00
0
LU
i.75
0
2010 2011 2012 2013 201q 2015 2") 16
MAY 15, 2023
2017 20118 2019 2020
Figure 10-3 presents the -intw-,11 JILIu_1bCr of users of the COL1111.�_",, NIRW facilities and I)rograms over
the past tell years.
Figure 10-3
Annual Customers —Moderate Risk Waste Facilities
9,000
8,000
7,000
U 6,000
0 5,000
4,000
-D
3,000
000
< 1,000
x
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
Dangerous Nvaste generators. Ecology's 'cology's records indicate hmv in' -flay of the ColloNving rwil.-Ibers of
businesses and 111stittlOODS in 11 the Count\ werc registered as hax,,Irdmis generators as of Julie.
2021
WHAlCOM COUPIIY COMPREHENSIVE S(--)!.!D AIND HAZARDOUS WASTE MAPIAGEtOENII PLAN PAGE 103
MAY 15, 2023
* Large -quantity generators: 23
Medium -quantity generators: 27
Small quantity- generators: 51
-- Includes only We small quantity generators that have chosen to obtain an EFA
identification number, «-flick is not required for (FSQGs; the actual number of
CA 1S<2Gs is higher
* Non generating sites and transporters: 2-1
— These have active EPA or state. Knt lmdoti numbers but did not generate Waste in
the most recent year.
Rernedial action sites. Ecology's list of confirmed and suspected contaminated sites in the Count_
can be found at b.ttps:� fortre,s t.t?;os l cc_ ,/tcp`�chrclx>i_t1n >/I�c i tilt a5�_» ,.
The sites are listed in five categories (figures shown are current as of June 2021):
1.. Bromnificld sites: one site. Brownfield sites arc abandoned or underutilized properties Where
potential habilit due to environmental contamination and cleanup costs complicates
redevelopment.
?. 1 ;nvironmental covenants rc tster: seven sites. Phis registry is a list of site:; that have residual
contamination after the cleanup has been completed. These sites have environmental
covenants or deed restrictions limiting the types of use,, on the property-.
3. Leaking underground storage tanks: 121 active Sias. This report contains information on
underground storage tank facilities that require cleanup, as we11 as their cleanup history.
4. State cleanup sites:
a. Confirmed and contaminated sites report: 215 records. Ills report- contains information
about sites that are urrdergoing cicainT and sites that are amnihing further investigation
and/or cleanup.
b. No further action cites: 263 records. This dataset contains information about sites
prcviousl)on the confirmed and suspected Contaminated Site list (above) that bare
received a no further senora decision. These sites may have deed restrictions or
environrnerital covenants.
3. IN ulawd underground Storage tanks: 128 active sites with 346 tanks. Tlshington State
regulates active storage tanks on different properties including sas stations, industries,
commercial properties and government entities.
Hazardous waste services (transporters and facilities). listed on. Ecology! hazardous waste and
toxics reduction services directory at ]t �_:.,� �c�olot�< <�,t.s�o� /f _c<�ula iou, l —1 ijs&uidance-
i;cchnr<i1 ts�a tatrc</[>._rn��dct_rn� �yz�tc.��n.td,.3ntc.�l�i�f�<r.�rmtcc�cic.or,mtr,c�zt/1�sii�o<iot�_5,.��3�tc._flctlatt�.y
WHMOM C00a)' COMPREHENSIVE SOLID A[,]D HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEIOFNI PLAN PAGE: 104
MAY 15, 2023
10.1.2.2 Public Education
The Count\ is dedicated to educating the public about hazardous waste issues. Educational programs
arc desiglied to increase "nxareness and to reduce use, misuse, improper storage and disposal, and risks
to human health and the ens>ironment related to hazardous products. The Count- prioritizes specific
topics, audiences, and education rncthods according to hazards, community needs, and outreach
effectIN mess, so specific campaign elernent.s change over time. The Count- also sirategically teams
with comniutrih partners to cost-effectively reach a w.idcr rangc of the public in its educational
messaging.
The County identifies and implements effective means of cotanectirng hazardous materials education
to related enviixonmcnt".d, health, and resource concerns, such as restoring- Puget Sound, protecting
indoor air quality-, protecting; drinking water, preventing- chronic disease, and broader community
health improvcrnent.
In addition to educational materials on t:he Countv's wcbsite specific to hazardous material
❑�anagement (htt �: www.co.whatcom.wa t), the Count- maintains
pri.r:it.ed brochures and posters for distribution at the public's request. "fours of the MRNV' facility are
provided to various community groups upon request, and Clean Farth and NIRV-F staff are available
to "Teak at variot s public meetings (e.g., small business associations, neighborhood associations, real
estate professional associations).
10.1.2.3 Technical Assistance
The Cournt�T is committed to assisting the public in safely storing and using hazardous chernicals, as
«c11 is appropriate1v disposing of NIMN,'. In addition to information provided on the County's website
relative to appropriate disposal options (see Section 10.1 22), COunty residents can receive technical
assistance through the Disposal of Totics, as ��-ell as a telephone hotline (3C0380-4610) maintained
b\ Glean F.arth. Assistance is typically provided in the form of over -the -phone technical advice and
referrals to information available on the Internet. In cases «here additional, on -site technical assistance
Is warranted for small. businesses, Coulit- staff Pollution Preventiotr assistance specialists are available
to conduct hazardous -w-aste management assessments and consultations. In addition, the T'-nviroStars
program (see Section I L I) is another resource for businesses.
10.1 .2.4 Service Improvement Opportunities and Constraints
The CountN- plans to focus its available funding on program and serxicc maintctiance. Partnerships
With both the private sector and nonprofit organizations W-ill continue to be c,�plored to identify
potential means of cost-effective service enhancement.
WHAICOM COONTY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN PAGE 105
N4AY 15, 2023
10.1.3 Legal Authority for the Program
The 1976 RCRA addresses the nr.anagernent of solid and hazardous waste ,it the federal level. RCR.,A
exempts small quantity generators and household hazardous from hazardous waste regulation
at the federal level to allow greateru focus on large -quantity generators of hazardouwast
e. aste.At the state
level, the management of solid and hazardous waste is delegated to L,colog) by the I TA through the.
RCRI A Statc Authoriz.ttion rulcmaking process. The RCR_A program is administered by Fcology
through the Washington State Dangerous Waste Regulations in \V�AC_Ch tp_ter 1 73 303, Solid Waste
1 Iandlinr, Standards in \\ .'\C C hapter 173 350 (including NIR W), and (:rircria for 1IS\V 1n Landfills in
\\ AC (h,.irmcr„1 73351. Relevant federal laws and regulations include: the following:
• RC:RA
• Toxic Substances Control Act
Univcrs.tl Waste rule
\-Mercury-containir.ig and rechargeable battery management legislation
* Comprehensive 1_ iivironmental Response, Comperisatio1) and LMbilitti .Act
(CM RCJ,.A/Superfund)
* Emergency Planning and Community Right -to -Know Act (establishes the '11»ics Release
Inventory program)
Solid and hazardous wastes are regulated in the state through multiple statutes and regulations:
0 1.-la ardour \\paste. i\Ianageme.nt Act
a Solid Waste: Alanagemcnt Act (R.0 \� 70 \ 205)
\MTCA
Polltnion Prevcntiott Plannin( _Act
L;scd-Oil 1'euclin,< ,Act
l'ndcr R.C.AV70 \ 300, local government are assiomcd the rCSpon ibility- to dev°clop and implement
plans for marragin,(, A1R\\?. " I'll e Cotulty's Dcpariti-Icnt of 1-lesi1th is the lead agency toritnplcmcntation
and cnforceni.cm of local hazardous w-.istc regulations, yvhich include:
a \\ CC; 2:1.06, Solid \\ tste Rules and RegulaIioil s Standards staid Permits
10.1.4 Financing the Program
File Counl.Cs prograrn.s to address MRW arc funded printaril\ through:
1.acise t:aX on solid \N-rite hattled bV certilicatcd haulers and self -haulers
I Cology grants (primarilY LS\WF A Grant funds)
WHATCOM COUNIY COMPRBtENSIVFSOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGHMENIF PLAN PAGE 106
MAY 15, 2023
10.1.5 Governance Siructure
\s }presented in Section 1.0.1.3, local governments arc delegated the responsilbilit-\- bv The state to
prepare and carat out comprcllenS.ive management plans for small quantities of hazardous waste
through adoption of the 1 lazardous Was ,Actin 1985. The County, through dlc C,ountt.
Health Department's Disposal of 7,oxics Program, is assigned the lead responsibility for operating and
maintaining The hazardous waste management systen. Consistent with the solid waste management
governance structure, the County has adopted interlocal agreements with the cities of Bellingham,
131ainc h;verson l 'erndale 1,� Helen; \ ooksacl:, and Sumas for the Countv's management of hazardous
waste (Appendix B).
10.1.6 Program Philosophy
"t lie prlln -y object, Or Che h zardous �ti astc inanagctlacnu progratn is to protect tiie health an' safCty
of the public and the etiviroriment front the potential adverse effects of exposure to hazardous «paste.
10.1.7 Program Services
The County provides services in the following six required elements associated tiv1th hazardous Waste
managemcni:
0 1Jouschoid hazardous waste collection
0 1-10usehold and public education
0 Small business technical assistance
0 Small business collection assist<ul.cc
a 1 nforccnient
a Used -oil collection and public education
(_Tools associated with maintenance of exi>tin,2 services, as well as strategic expansion of services, as
warranted, specific to each of these elements arc discussed in Section 10.2.2.
10.1.7.1 Household Collection
The Counts current) accepts household hazardous waste at its facility located at 3505 _Airport
Drive ill Bellingham (figure "l-F. '1'lhc facitity accepts the follozzl,ing household hazardous waste
Substances from (;ourm- residents:
• \utornotivc products
• Cleaners
• Fluorescent lamps
• l ,atex paint
• Lawn and garden chemicals and other toxic materials
WHATCONI COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN PAGE 107
MAY 15, 2023
• Mercury thermorn0crs and oilier deg -ices
• Od--based paint and associated products
• Solvents
• Corrosive liquids and solids
• \Cro-,ols
• Pool chemicals
• Used oil and fuels
Annual collection events: To promote appropriate disposal of I\IR\\' in underserved areas of the
County, up to two collection events have been held annually at locations that are geographically distant
from the NIR\N' facility. Because of international transport challenges, one J\1RNV collection event is
held in the Point Roberts area at least once (very two years.
C lTSQG waste pharmaccudeals collection: Disposal services are available for qualif ing CI-;SQGs
at the NIR\\' facility. (TA)Gs wkhAT to d"nue of dangerous waste pharmaceuticals must comply
with the Dangerous Waste Regulation's (\\::.... �_ must call the tel
hotline (360-380-46*1 and follow specific guidelines before transporting the substance(s) to the:
facility.
MRVV reuse program: To reduce i\-IR\V' disposal rages, reuse of appropriate materials is provided at
the SIR\X-' facilil�. 'or example, latex -based paint ghat is received b>> the facility is made available to
the public for reuse. "Phis program annudha .reduces the amount of AIRW requiring disposal by ten to
15 percent.
10.1.7.2 Household and Public Education
Section 10.1 2.2 provides a description of current household and public education services provided
by be Count- specific to hazardous wAsre management.
10.1 .7.3 Small Business Technical Assistance
In addition to information provided nn the. Cotnitfs webdin relative to appropriate disposal options
(see Section 1RI.2.2), County residents can .receive technical assistance through a telephone hotline
(3604380-4641Q maintained by Clcan JIM. Assistance is gjAcally provided in the form of technical
advice over the phone and referrals to i ohnnarion available on tic Internet. In cases where additional,
011-Site technical TIssist:ance is Nvarranted for small businesses, County staff Pollution Prevention
\ssistance specialists arc availal„plc to conduct hazardous ���aste manalrement assessments and
constinu ons. hi addition, the l�nviroStars program (see Section 3.1.1) is another resource for
businesses.
WHATCOM COMOY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AIv1D HAZARDOUS WANE MANAGEMBA PLNvl PAGE 108
MAY 15, 2023
10.1.7.4 Small Business Collection Assistance
C]i,SQGs may dispose of hazardous v aites at the. AIRVV% facility and must pay for hazardous waste
disposal in accordance with the fee structure defined in the Disposal of Toxics Program operations
plan. NV'astes accepted from CI at the facility are consistent \with those identified in Section
10.1.7.1 for household collection.
The County also provides pharmaceutical collection scri ices to CI "SQGs through a specific program.
Participating small businesses must be pre-certit7ed to particip"Ite in the disposal program.
10.1.7.5 Enforcement
The County Health Department leads enfo.rccmcnt. of local hazardous waste regulations for CESQGs
and households and investigates approximaicly 170 complaints per VC
ar. AWhen appropriate the
Coilnty coordinates with Ecology and other agencies ()It etifor-cement, inspections, and technical
assistance. 'Fhe three main activities of the local cnforceincnt program are:
• Complaint response and enforcement
• Regulatory coordination.
• Site investigation
10.1 .7.6 IUSed-Oil Education and Collection
Used motor oil is currently collected curbside by A.IS\F' collectors for appropriate management. Ns an
alternative, used oil may also be delivered to the �MR\V facilit- , as well as to satellite sites such as SSC
Cedarville Road and Birch Bay drop box stations and NVD L\ nden Transfer: Station. The Country
relies primarily on service description content on its «-dbsite For public education specific to used -oil
collection services. It also relies on technical assistance offered throat h the telephone hotline (360-
380-4640). In addition, the Count- has collaborated «pith the fort of 13ellitigham to provide handling
mid disposal of used \vatercraft motor oil.. I fforts bv the Port ha\c resulted in darning I nviroStar
status by educating the public on proper vv2tercraft motor oil disposal through signagc at port -
operated facilities.
10.1.8 Process for Updating the Hazardous Waste Section
With inclusion of this hazardot s waste nlanagcment section in the 2022-2027 CSIIWMP, the process
for completing revisions to this section specific to the ltazardotts Nsastd sr -Stem components is
described in Scction. 1.8
10.2 Implementation
This Scction describes programs to help the Countv achieve the goals related to its hazardous waste
managcment program. for the 2022--2027 planning period.
WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MAN.nGEMEN7 PLAN PAGE 109
MAY 15, 2023
10.2.1 Guiding Principles
The County Vol:
I_ In priority order, promote the following hazardous waste management sttategies:
a. \\'aste prevention
b. \\'astc reduction
C. Reuse
d. Recycling
e. Ph) sical, chemical, and biological treatment
f. l ncllleratlon
g. Solidification or stabilization
1v l Andfrll
2. 1,stablish program priorities, target resources, and focus efforts accordingly.
I 1 assure that program services are available to and easily accessed by all residents and businesses
regardless of income levels or where they reside.
A use emerging information technologies to the progmm's advantage. _At the same tithe, use
alternative communication methods to ensure that no group or community is excluded from
program information or services.
5. Be adaptive to changing conditions, such as:
a. Commlanit}7 values
b. Environmental and health indicators
c. 1?olitical priorities
G. Be responsive and accountable to ratepayers.
7. Continually improve the program efficiency and effectiveness bY measuring performance.
8. To minimize risks to human health and the environment, foster ati ethic of responsibility
among; those Who ]produce, :ell, 111d use haiardous products.
9. Be strategic in developing partnerships that advance the program's mission including
nontraditional partnerships.
10. Work_ to reduce hwnsatt and cnvi.ronmewal exposure. to hflz,rdouS material and products and
reliance on publicly funded services. FXamplcs include:
a. Promoting greater producer responsibility
b. 1.'_nconraging businesses to use cAs6ng and crncTKg "green" technologies
11. Encourage grcatcsr coordination of effort by government and nongovernmental organizations,
businesses, and residents.
12. Facilitate nuen ency coordination and cooperation to:
WHATCOM COAFY COMPREHENSIVE SOLD AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN PAGE 110
MAY 15, 2023
a. Improve regulatory oversight anal enforcement
b. Minimize regulator gaps
c. Reduce duplication of effort
10.2.2 Strategic Goals
There arc six elements Specific to the County's local hazardous waste wstem under which future
sY stern preterred prograins and alternatives are categorized. The following subsections present the
Countv-'s goals specific to each element.
10.2.2.1 Household Collection
IIouschold collection element objective: Provide or facilitate corn-cnient collection services for
household hazardous wastc and key special -\-,•rites that meet the needs of residents.
WHATCOM COUNI"Y COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN PAGE 111
MAY 15, 202:3
Table
lousehold Collection Goals
i�ouse{11. old .11 Cailection Goal 1 Disposal Facility Operation :;
AAction
Operate an MRWF and associated satellite collection facilities for residents.
Time frame
Ongoing, 202.2-2.027.
Implementing Agency
Whatcom County (through contract with Clean Ea11h).
Funding Source(s)
Excise fax on solid waste hauled by certified haulers and LSWFA funds.
Household Collection Goal
2 Collection Event
Action
Tlost at least one annual mobile collection event for residents in underserved
._._......_.._....._.. __..................._..
areas of the County.
_..................._...._............................ _........_._..____.......... _......._._....._.._......................_..._.............._................_...... .............. .................. ................. ........_.._..._..._...._...............__.._..._._.._..._..._..
Time frame
Ongoing, 2022--2027.
_........._......_....._..._._.._..---...............__............._............._.__...._....._......._...._......_......_.........._........_._.._.._.............._......_....................................._......................................................._.._......._.._.._.._...._._..........._-_.......__..._.._..........I
Implementing Agency
Whaicom County (1iirough contract with Clean Earth).
Funding Source(s) Excise tax on solid waste hauled by certified haulers and LSWFA funds.
NOTES:
County = W'hatcom County.
MEW - moderate risk waste.
LSWFA = local solid waste financial assistance.
10.2.2.2 Household and Public Education
Household and public education elcriient objective: I I'ducatc and motivate residents to understand the:
environmental risks posed by hazardous products, reduce purchase and use of hazardous product,
and proy)cdy use, store, and dispose of hazardous products.
Table i2
Household and Public Education Goals
........... ._ - I
Household and Public Education Goal 1: MRW Reduction Education and Ouireach
Action
Provide HHW education programs designed to increase owareness and
reduce use, misuse, improper storage cued disposal, and risks to human health
and the environment. ........
time frame
Ongoing, 2022 2027.
Implementing Agency
Wh atcom County.
Funding Sources)
Excise tax on solid waste hauled by certified haulers and LSWFA funds. j
Household and Public Education
Goal 2• Hazardous Waste Hotline _
Action
Operate a holline (360-380 46/+0) for residents fo provide information about r
............._.................... _....._._._.............._....._........................ .......,............_..........
hazardous materials prevention, use, storage, disposal, and clean up.
_.............._....._....._......_.._.................... _......_..........._.............. ....._..................................__......_...................................... ......._...................._........_...__................... _.... .............. .......... ..._......... ......
Time frame
Ongoing, 2022--2027.
Implementing Agency
Whaicom County (through contract with Clean Earth).
Funding Source(s)
Excise tax on solid waste hauled by certified haulers and LSWFA funds.
I NOTES:
HHW = household hazardous waste.
j LSWFA =local sold wasre financial
assistance.
WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT FLAN PAGE 112
1y4AY 15, 2023
10.2.2.3 Small Business Technical Assistance
Small business technical assistance element objective: Educate and motivate shall businesses to
understand the environmcntal risks posed by hazardous products, reduce purchase and use of
haiardoi s product, and properly use, store, and dispose of lazardous products.
Table
BusinessSmall
Small Business Technical Assistance Goal 1: MRW Reduction Education and Outreach
Action
I Deliver technical assistance services that result in measurable changes in
I
waste management, compliance, and best management practice
implementation.
Time frame
Ongoing, 2022-2027.
Implementing Agency
Whatcom County.
Funding Soulcc (s)
..
Excise tax on solid waste hauled by certified haulers and PPA funds. I
Smail Business Technical Assistance Goal 2: Hazardous Waste Hotline
Action
Operate a hotline (360-380-4640) for small businesses to provide information
about environmental health, including hazardous materials prevention, use,
_....__._-.__...._._
storage, disposal, and clean up.
�. _.
Time frame _..._._......._._. ......_.__...................._............._._......__...._...-.__._..................._.._..._....._.........._._...--......_._.._..---....--------._............__._...._...__......._...
Ongoing, 2022-2027. __ ..._..._. �----.._..._.._...._..�
Implementing Agency
1 Whatcom County (through contract with Clean Earth).
-F Funding Sources)
- d______.............................._................. _.._.......e.
Excise tax on solid waste hauled by certified haulers and LSWFA funds.
............._.._...... _.__..._..................__.._.-_._--__.___-___..._.._......_._.._...._......_..._......._....__...._..__.... __ ..._....
NOTES:
LSWFA = local solid waste financial assistance.
MRW = moderate risk waste.
(....___..........__.-..___.....___....____.._._.............. -.....__.. _ _�................._.
10.2.2.4 Small Business Collection Assistance
Small business collection assistance. cic:nicnt objective: Providc or facilitate collection sei-s-ices for
business hazardous sx-aste grid kc\- special w'-Istes that meet the needs of small quantity generators.
Table 10-4
_ SM al) «siness Collection Assistance deals
Small Business Collection Assistance Goal 1: MRW Collection - -
I Action Accept business hazardous waste frond si-nall quantity generators for a fee at
j the existing MRWF.
t
i Time frame .__._. Ongoing, 2022-2027.
I Implementing Agency Whatcom County. i
Funding Source(s) Disposal fee paid directly by business customers supplements excise tax on
solid waste hauled by certified haulers and LSWFA funds.
I NOTES:
SWFA = local solid waste financial assistance.
MRW = moderate risk waste.
MRWF = moderate risk waste facility.
WHATCOM COUN]Y COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN PAGE 113
MAY 15, 2023
10.2.2.5 Enforcement
I�nforccment element objective: Provide proceed -on of human health and the environment for all
residents and -\vorkers.
Table 10-5
Enforcement Goals
.. ..... ........................ ..... ....,.............. ............. ................. ... ........
Enforcement Goal 1: Complaint Response and Enforcement
Action
Respond to hazardous -and solid waste -related complaints, and conduct
enforcement activities, as warranted.
t Time frame
_._..._._.._.____......_ ...___.._____..._.._.._.._._.._.....-----;-..._......_
Ongoing, 2022--2027.
.............._...
Implementing Agency
_._.
Whatcom County.
-- ..._............. .._._.... _ .... ..... ......... _..._.. .....-- --------------- .......... ....... .. .........
Funding Source(s)
I-xcise tax on solid waste hauled by certified haulers and LSWFA funds.
-
Enforcement Goal 2: Regulatory Coordination
Action
Coordinate with Ecology, other agencies, and other County departments
involved in hazardous materials regulations that relate to prevention and
proper use, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials.
.........................................._..._.....................................-.............__......__-_-._....._......._............__........................._.._.............-.__......_._._.._..................................._........................................................
Time frame
Ongoing, 2022-2027.
Implementing Agency
....._....___....._........................__._....._..._......_...........__........_.......;......_
Whatcom County.
.._._......_........_....._..................... ...... ........ ..... ........................... ..... ...._..... ......... .......... ..... .._.... ..__........ _... --- _..._._._._....._--------- ......_..__..... _..._._........_...__._......
Funding Source(s)
Excise lax on solid waste hauled by certified haulers and LSWFA funds.
E NOTE:
LSWFA = local solid waste financial
assistance.
10.2.2.6 Used -Oil Education and Collection
Used -oil education and collection elcmcnr objective: Provide and facilitate. collection services for used
oil and related mloinotiv c wastes that meet the needs of residents and sn)all quantit.v generators.
Table 10-6
Use Foil Education and Collection Goats
Used -Oil Education and Collection Goal is Used -Oil Collection Sites
Action
Operate the MRWF and associated satellite facilities.
-Ongoing,
Time frame
2022-2027.
Implementing Agency
Whotcorn County (through contract wish Clean Earth Technologies).
Funding Source(s)
Excise tax on solid waste hauled by certified haulers and LSWFA funds.
Used -tail Education and
Collection Goal 2: Oil Filter and ,antifreeze Collection
Action
Opeiate the [vARWF and associated satellite facilities.
Time frame
..... ._................................._...................................._...._....._......._.._...._e..............................................._._..............................................................._....._.._......................................_................._...._.................--.____......................................................._....._..................._.......................
Ongoing, 2022-2027.
Implementing Agency
.........._.._..........................__......................_................. ....._..........._.......a....._.._........_.........
Whatcorn County (through contract with Clean Earl Technologies).
...................... _................._...................... ...._................_..._........................_..........._.........................._.................._......._..._._................................................._..._._.......... ................ _.......... ....
Funding Source(s)
Excise tax on solid waste hauled by certified haulers and LSWFA funds.
MOTES:
LSWFA = local solid waste iinancial assistance
MRVV; = moderate risk,/vosle f ,ciliiy.
`,NHATCOM COUNI1 ' COMPREHENSIVF SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WAS]f. MANAGEMENT PLAN PAGE 114
MAY 15, 2023
10.2.3 Programs and Milestones
All program goals presented in Section 10?2 arc intcelded to be ongoing efforts throughout the
planning horizon «with no specific milestone -associated dates.
10.2.4 Annual Budgets
Section 10.1.4 presents the current sources of funding specific to operation and maintenance of the
hazardous «taste management program. The Disposal of "['oXics Program is responsible for
managenicni of all hazardous -,vaste-related S Stem components and Set vTices. It was allocated an
operating.budget of S375,000 in 2021. This budget was supported in 2021 bar Local Solid WasteFinancial Assistance grant funds in the iinoutit of 5281,000. The current grant fund allocation has
been reduced to 5280,000 annualh for the nest rvo vTear term.
WHAICOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WAS IE MANAGEMENT PLAEI PAGE 115
MAY 15, 2023
1 � IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE
The purpose of this section is to outline the planning process Mowed in the development of the
2022-2027 CSfl\V'Iv11' and identifi implementation responsibilitics, actions, and an overall
implementation schedule.
11.1 Implementation Responsibility
Solid wastc ninagernent is govuncd by the laws and regulations of federal, state, and local
governments. These laws and regtdaum s create the legal framework defining roles and responsibilities.
The following section discusses the roles and responsibilities of local governnunt in the managerncnt
of solid waste in the Countx.
WASTE REDUCTION AND RECYCLING
Waste reduction and recycling is a fundamental strategy and top priority for solid Waste management
in the County -and is a critical element of the CS1 TV77\11?. The CountA .is responsible for implementing
education and recycling programs counta�tividc �i7i.th its partners to reduce waste disposal. Private solid
waste companies will continue to support recycling education and en.forcemcnt as, a basic part of their
custorner serI�-iccs efforts.
COLLECTION
Vlxcept for the Cite of Blaine, the cities in the Cmany manage the solid waste collection systun,
including establishing rates to pay for die service. (Aws arc responsible for ensuring ghat their solid
waste collection sV-stems, albeit prig ately m\rned, comply with the CSt IWIN11'. The \V'UTC is
responsible. for ensuring that the services prowidcd, and the rates chaTcd by the regulated haulers are
in compliance with dare CST 1\V1iMP.
DISPOSAL
1t is the responsibility of the Conn, to ensure that a long; -term disposal system is ovailable for \1S\fi .
Private entities operating, transfer stations in the'. Count- use their operating contracts to ensure that
property permitted disposal facilities are used for the disposal of count -generated waste. The.
CSIVON1P .is rcduircd to describe cAsting solid waste disposal handling, MAY .in the County that,
are all prtl-ately owned. 'MeCounts is �csponsible for assessing the need for additional solid waste
handling facilities ov-ea- the 20-year planning horizon.
WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MAPIAGE10FNI PLAN PAGE 116
MAY 15, 2023
EDUCATION AND PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
Cornpt.-ehcnsive education will continue to be conducted throughout the County so that people are
informed of the need to reduce, source separate, and recycle solid Developing educational
programs is required as part of the (:SI IN\'i1Il) (IZC\\ 7(1
the Countis responsible for ensuring that the public has a chance to participate in the decision -
slaking process. This has been accomplished be holding public meetings about the CSI and
other solid issues, providing adequate public notice meetings, establishing a comment
period during which citizens submitted written comments on the proposed 2022-2027 CSI I\t'M131
distributing inforimiti.onal brochures, and soliciting ideas from citizens
SOLID WASTE PERMITS
\s described in Sections 9.1.1. and 9.1.3, the County I Leal.th Department is responsible for pert -nutting
Solid WIste facilities.']'he department issues permits for transfer stations, drop boxes, vactor waste
facilities, rccY cling facilities, digesters, and MRW facilities.
.\pplicants must also apply for permit approval from the County Department of Planning and
Development Services. The Department of planning and Development Services reviews proposal to
make sure thev- tic consistent with CountV7 land use codes, zoning, and the Couiirv's comprehensive
phin. potential approvals required include building permits, grade/till permits, and conditional use
permits.
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PLANNING
The Count- is responsible for solid waste planning and management. The CountN-, in cooperation with
the cities, is required to prepare a coordinated, comprehensive plan that must comply with
i O A\ 20-, Lcologr- s Guidelines for the Development of Local Solid Waste Management Plans and
Revisions, and the Cost \ssessment Guidelines published by \ 'C'R, in accordance with RCA\
IMPLEMENTATION
It is the responsibility of the Counts- and cities to implement programs follow>ing the adoption and
appro� al of the 2022-202 i CSI IW �\II'. The County and the cities Luc required to adopt regulations
and ordinances gnu erring solid waste handling to inzplcment- the 2022-202 CS1 M AU) t1.ZCA\
REPORTING
Municip-111itics that provide their o-wn solid disposal arc required to report annual tonnage
iliformation. to l cology.
WHATCOM COU11ITY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN PAGE 117
ViAY 5, 2021
SOLID WASTE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The County is required to establish a local SNVAC to assist in the developinent o1 programs and
policies concerning solid waste management. The S\VAC also reti-ie-wS and comments about proposed
rules, policies, and ordinances before their adoption. The SWAC is advisory only:, making
recommendations to the. County Council that makes final decisions after considering SW.\C
recommendations' and other available .information. The Count}- S\V'SAC elects its oVI-n chairperson,
adopts its o,,N:n brlav,%s, and conducts its own meetings in accordance with the Lcology Solid Waste
Planning Gwidelines. County staff provide information to the S\\=_A(: and facilitate meetings.
11.2 Summary of Goals and Actions
'17ie follow;ing table p.rovldes a list of inzpleinentation actions for (he Count, cities, private haulers,
private busincsscs, and institutions in the County. The list is derived frog.» the goals and actions in
each section contained in the 2022-2027 CSI I\\1-l\4P. The Count- will perform an annual review of the
2022-202 / (;S1 l\\ MI) to ensure it is kept in current condition. and Ick,ntii-v goals and sictiorns that have
not been met according to the imp] emenlation schedule. The County \vill adjust existing programs as
needed to address areas Nvhcre goals are not being niet. ;ldditionally, the Count.- will review and update
ILAs as needed.
WHAICOM COUIvIIY COMPRE! 1E[=1SIVE SOLID AND I-IAZARDOUS WASI E MANAGEMEIvII PLAN PAGE 118
COST ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE
General Information
Plan prepared for the County of:
Plan prepared for the City of:
Prepared by:
Contact telephone
Contact email:
Date
Years
Throughout this document:
Year 1 (Base Year) shall refer to
Year 2 shall refer to:
Year 3 shall refer to:
Year 4 shall refer to:
Year 5 shall refer to:
Year 6 shall refer to:
Each year shall refer to (check one):
Calendar year
X Fiscal year
Whatcom
N/A
Whatcom County Environmental Health Department, Jennifer Hayden
(360) 778-6036
JHayden@co.whatcom.wa.us
February 24, 2022
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
January 1— December 31
Such as July 1—June 30
Page 8 of 29
1. Demographics
1.1. Population
1.1.1. Provide the total population of your County (excluding cities choosing to develop their
own SWMP) for the base year and each of the following five years.
Table 1.1.1.a.
Year 1 236,702
Year 2
239,738
Year 3
242,700
Year 4
245,610
Year 5
249,048
Year 6
252,284
1.2. References and Assumptions
Note that the population under jurisdiction of the plan does not include East Whatcom County, which
is covered under the Skagit County solid waste management plan.
Population projections have been provided from the OFM 2021 County Growth Management
Projections 2010-2040 report.
0. Waste Stream Generation
Provide the information below related to solid waste and recycling. Disposal refers to those tons
disposed of at a landfill, incinerator, transfer station, or any other form of disposal you may be using. If
other, please identify.
2.1. Tonnage of Solid Waste Disposed
2.1.1. Provide the total tonnage of solid waste disposed of in the base year and each of the
following five years.
Table 2.1.1.a.
Year 189,459
Year 2 193,486
Page 9 of 29
Year 3 197,494
Year 4 201,498
Year 5 205,978
Year 6 210,336
2.2. Tonnage of Recyclable Materials with a Market'
RCW 90.95.090(7)(c)
Page 10 of 29
Year 5
Year 6
2.4. References and Assumptions
1. Total tonnage of solid waste disposed calculated using base year measured disposal per
capita, the average of the high and low modeled growth rates of solid waste disposal, and
OFM population forecast
2. Total tonnage of recyclable materials recycled calculated by taking the difference of the
medium growth projected MSW Generated and MSW Disposed Of, and OFM population forecast
3. Lautenbach Recycling markets source separated recyclables to third party facilities if
unable to process internally. All recyclable materials collected in the County have an end
market.
3. Collection Programs
3.1. Regulated Solid Waste Collection Programs
Residential
# of customers 1,968 1,998 2,028 2,059 2,090 2,122
Tonnage collected 266 279 293 306 319 333
Commercial
# of customers 73 74 75 77 78 79
Tonnage collected 149 162 175 189 202 215
UTC-Regulated Hauler Name Nooksack Valley Disposal (NVD)
G-Certificate # 0000166
Page 11 of 29
Commercial
# of customers 463 470 477 484 491 499
Tonnage collected 3,680 3,693 3,706 3,720 3,733 3,746
Table 3.1.c
UTC-Regulated Hauler Name G-
Sanitary Services Company, Inc.
Certificate #
0000014
Year 1
Year 2 Yeaf 3 f.' Year 4 Year 5 Year
Residential
# of customers 23,911
24,273 24,641 25,015 25,394 25,779
Tonnage collected 55,626
55,639 55,652 55,666 55,679 55,692
Commercial
# of customers 4,791 4,864
Tonnage collected 20,193 20,206
3.2. Cost & Funding for Solid Waste Programs
4,937 5,012 5,088
20,219 _20,233 20,246
5,165
20,259
Provide information for solid waste programs that have been implemented and/or proposed. Include
costs and proposed funding mechanism. If these programs are discussed in the SWMP, provide the page
number in the draft plan on which it is discussed.
Table 3.2.a.
NA
Page 12 of 29
Table .3,2 &
Proposed
Program Cost Funding Page #
NA
3.3. References and Assumptions
1. Number of customer growth calculated using average OFM intermediate population
forecast (1.5%) applied to number of customers recorded during the base year.
2. Solid waste collected growth is calculated using medium solid waste disposal growth
forecast (13.33%) applied to solid waste tonnage collected during the base year.
Waste Reduction (Recycling and Organics)
4.1. Recycling
4.1.1. Regulated Recycling Collection Programss
Provide information for each UTC-regulated recycling company operating in your jurisdiction for the
base year and each of the following five years.
R RCW 70.95.090(7)(c)
Page 13 of 29
Table 4.1.1.0.
UTC-Regulated Hauler Name G-
Cando Recycling
and Disposal
(Freedom 2000,
Certificate #
LLC G063819
Year 1
Year 2 Year 3
Year4
Years Year 6
Residential
# of customers 1,968
1,998 2,028
2,059
2,090 2,122
Tonnage collected 146
159 172
186
199 212
Commercial
# of customers
NA
Tonnage collected
NA
Table 4,1,1,b
UTC-Regulated Hauler Name G-
Nooksack Valley Disposal
Certificate #
G000166
Year 1
Year Year 3 Year.4. Year 5 Year 6
Residential
# of customers
2,567
2,606 2,646 2,686 2,726 2,768
Tonnage collected
448
461 474 488 501 514
Commercial
# of customers NA
Tonnage collected NA
Table4,1.11c
UTC-Regulated Hauler Name G- Sanitary Services Company, Inc.
Certificate # G000014
Page 14 of 29
Year 1 Year 2 Year Year 4 Year 5 Year 6
Residential
# of customers 23,911 24,475 24,842 25,214 25,592 25,976
Tonnage collected 5,212 4,584 5,761 5,777 5,791 5,805
Commercial
# of customers 802 814 826 839 852 864
Tonnage collected 1,535 1,548 1,561 1,575 1,588 1,601
4.1.2. Recyclable Materials
Provide a list of recyclable materials to be collected in accordance with the SWMP. For each item,
indicate if there is an active market and if the revenues exceed the cost of processing.
Table 41.2.a.
Recyclable Material Active Market Revenues > Processing Costs
Cardboard
Mixed Paper
Aluminum
Specific Plastics
Glass
Tin
X Yes
No
Yes
X No
X Yes
No
Yes
X No
X Yes
No
Yes
X No
X Yes
No
Yes
X No
X Yes
No
Yes
X No
X Yes
No
Yes
X No
4.1.3. Costs & Funding for Recycling
Provide information for recycling programs that have been implemented and/or proposed. Include costs
and proposed funding mechanism. If these programs are discussed in the SWMP, provide the page
number in the draft plan on which it is discussed.
Table`4.1.3.a:
Implemented
Program Cost Funding Page #
4.2. Other Waste Reduction Programs (Organics, such as Yard Waste and Food Waste)
4.2.1. Regulated Organics Collection Programs
Provide information for each UTC-regulated company collecting organics operating in you rjurisdiction
for the base year and each of the following five years.
Page 16 of 29
Toble 4.2.1.a
UTC-Regulated Hauler Name Nooksack Valley Disposal
G-Certificate #
G-000166
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6
Residential
# of customers NA
Tonnage collected NA
Commercial
# of customers NA
Tonnage collected NA
Table 4.2.1. b
UTC-Regulated Hauler Name Sanitary Services Company, Inc.
G-Certificate #
Year 1 Year 2 Year Year Year 5 Year 6
Residential
# of customers
Tonnage collected
Commercial
# of customers
Tonnage collected
3,653 3,709 3,765 3,822 3,880 3,939
1,948 1,961 1,974 1,988 2,001 2,014
NA
NA
4.2.2. Costs & Funding for Organics Collection Programs
Provide information for programs for collecting organics that have been implemented and/or proposed.
Include costs and proposed funding mechanism. If these programs are discussed in the SWMP, provide
the page number in the draft plan on which it is discussed.
Page 17 of 29
Table 4.2.2.a.
Implemented
Program Cost Funding Page #
WSU Extension Compost $65,000 Solid Waste Collection 43
Program Excise Tax
4.3. References and Assumptions
1. Recycling data provided by Lautenbach Recycling and calculated using intermediate
OFM population forecast (1.5%) and recycling collection increase forecast (13.33%).
S. Disposal
5.1. Energy Recovery & Incineration (ER&I) Disposal Programs
5.1.1. ER&I Facilities:
Page 18 of 29
Toble 5.1.1.o.
Facility Facility
NA
Name
Location
Owner
Operator
5.1.2. Amount Landfilled
For each facility, provide the estimated amount of ash or materials that cannot be processed for the
base year and each of the following five years.
Table 5,1.2.o.
Facility NA
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Year 5
Year 6
5.1.3. Costs & Funding for ER&I Programs
Provide information for ER&I programs that have been implemented and/or proposed. Include costs and
proposed funding mechanism. If these programs are discussed in the SWMP, provide the page number in
the draft plan on which it is discussed.
Program Cost Funding Page #
NA
Page 19 of 29
Toble 5.1.3.b.
Pro posed
Program Cost Funding Page #
NA
5.1.4. Ash Disposal Expense
Provide the expected costs ash disposal.
Amount of
Year 1
NA
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Year 5
Year 6
5.2.
Land Disposal Program
Page 20 of 29
5.2.1. Land Disposal Facilities
Provide the following information for each land disposal facility in your jurisdiction that receives garbage
or refuse generated in the county.
Name NA
Location
Owner
Operator
5.2.2. Regulated Disposal
Provide the tonnage disposed of at each facility by UTC-regulated haulers.
Table 5.2.2. a.
Facility NA
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Year 5
Year 6
5.2.3. Non -Regulated Disposal
Provide the tonnage disposed of at each facility by other (non -regulated) haulers and other contributors.
Table 5.2.3. a.
Facility NA
Page 21 of 29
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Year 5
Year 6
5.2.4. Costs & Funding for Land Disposal Programs
Provide information for land disposal programs that have been implemented and/or proposed. Include
costs and proposed funding mechanism. If these programs are discussed in the SWMP, provide the page
number in the draft plan on which it is discussed.
Tob(e 5.2.4.o
Implemented
Program Cost Funding Page #
Page 22 of 29
5.3. References and Assumptions
6. Administration Program
6.1. Costs & Funding for Administration Programs
Provide information for administration programs that have been implemented and/or proposed. Include
costs and proposed funding mechanism. If these programs are discussed in the SWMP, provide the page
number in the draft plan on which it is discussed.
Toble 6.1.o.
Implemented
Program Cost Funding Page #
Page 23 of 29
6.2. References and Assumptions
7. Other Programs
7.1. Programs
For each program in effect or planned that does not readily fall into one of the previously
described categories please fill in the following table.
Table 7.1.0.
Program Landfill Post -Closure Disposal of Toxics Pnlh,tion PrPventinn Assistance
Page # 74-75 109 99
Owner/Operator Whatcom County Whatcom County Whatcom County
UTC Regulations No • Yes No Yes No
Anticipated Yearly
Costs $98,400 $666,633 $146,784
7.1.1. UTC Regulation Involvement
If UTC regulation is involved, please explain the extent of involvement.
7.2. Costs & Assumptions of Other Programs
Disposal of Toxics $366,417 Solid Waste Collections Excise Tax 109
$300,216 State Local Solid Waste 109
Financial Assistance Grant
Pollution Prevention Assistance $146,784 Solid Waste Collections Excise Tax 99
State Local Solid Waste
Financial Assistance Grant
Table 7.2.b.'
Proposed
Program Cost Funding Page #
NA
7.3. References and Assumptions
Costs provided by County
8. Funding Mechanisms
This section relates specifically to the funding mechanisms currently in use and the ones that will be
implemented to incorporate the recommended programs in the draft plan. Because the way a program
is funded directly relates to the costs a resident or commercial customer will have to pay, this section
is crucial to the cost assessment process. Please fill in each of the following tables.
Page 25 of 29
8.1. Facility Inventory
Table 81,a
;Facility Inventory ±;
Facility Name Type of Facility Tip Fee per Ton Transfer Cost Transfer Station Final Disposal Total Tons Total Revenue
Location Location Disposed Generated (Tip
Fee x Tons)
Recycling and
Disposal Services
Private Transfer
$ 140
NA
Ferndale, WA
Columbia Ridge
Arlington, OR
124,812
$17,473,6a1-andffl,
Republic Services
Private Transfer
$113.40
NA
Ferndale, WA
Roosevelt Regional
50,400
$5,715,360
Landfill, Roosevelt, WA
Freedom 2000, LLC
Private Transfer
$270
NA
Pt. Roberts, WA
Headquarters Landfill,
Casale Rock, WA
634.82
$171,401
(Cando)
SSC Birch Bay-Lynden
Private Dropbox
$300
NA
Lynden, WA
Recycling and
109.57
$32,871
Drop Box Facility
Disposal Services
SSC Cedarville Drop
Box Facility
Private Dropbox
P
$300
NA
Blaine, WA
Recycling and
Disposal Services
142.30
$42,690
SSC Roeder Ave
Drop Box Facility
Private Dropbox
p
$300
NA
Bellingham, W A
Recycling and
Disposal Services
88.98
$26,694
NVD Drop Box
Private Dropbox
$260.00
NA
Lynden, WA
Recycling and
5,013
$1,303,380
Facility
Disposal Services
NOTE:
NA - Not Applicable.
Total Tons Disposed for each facility based on most recent year data is available (2020), except SSC Drop Box Facilities, which have data available for 2021.
8.2. Tip Fee Component
Tonle 8.2.e. _
Tip Fee Components
Tip Fee by Facility Surcharge City Tax County Tax" Transportation Operational Cost' Administration Closure Costs
Cost Cost
Recycling and
NA
14 5%
NA
ND
ND
ND
NA
Disposal Services
Republic Services
NA
14.5%
NA
ND
ND
ND
NA
Freedom 2000, LLC
NA
NA
NA
ND
ND
ND
NA
(Cando)
SSC Birch Bay-Lynden
NA
NA
NA
$0
$78.40
$0
NA
Drop Box Facility
SSC Cedarville
NA
NA
NA
$0
$78.40
$0
NA
Drop Box Facility
SSC Roeder Ave
NA
NA
NA
$0
$78.40
$0
NA
Drop Box Facility
NVD Drop Box
NA
NA
NA
$0
$144,372
$0
NA
Facility
Notes:
NA - Not Applicable
ND - Not Disclosed by private solid waste company
A The County solid waste excise tax is paid through solid waste collection fees and is not represented in the table above
o Drop Box Facilities have listed transfer station disposal fees per ton in the operations costs column
c Providers do not track operational and odminisiraiive costs per ion separately unless listed. These items are reported together in the Operational
Costs Column.
Page 27 of 29
8.3. Tip Fee Forecast
Toble 8 o.
Tip Fee Forecast
Tin Fee ner Ton by Facility Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6
Recycling and
Disposal Services
$148.53
$152.98
$157.57
$162.30
$167.17
$172.18
Republic Services
$119.10
$125.05
$131.31
$137.87
$144.77
$152.00
Freedom 2000, LLC
$326.70
$336.50
$346,60
$356.99
$367.70
$378.73
(Cando)
SSC Birch Bay-Lynden
$400.00
$400.00
$400.00
$400.00
$400.00
$400.00
Drop Box Facility
SSC Cedarville
$400.00
$400.00
$400.00
$400.00
$400.00
$400.00
Drop Box Facility
SSC Roeder Ave
$400.00
$400.00
$400.00
$400.00
$400.00
$400.00
Drop Box Facility
NVD Drop Box
$280.00
$280.00
$280.00
$300.00
$300.00
$300.00
Facility
Notes:
1. Tip fees for private waste management facilities have been level for the past 10 years and rate increases are not currently anticipated by
the facility operators.
2. Private operators of the faciltiies respond to market conditions and may change tip fees at any time.
Page 28 of 29
8.4. References and Assumptions
Please provide any support for the information you have provided. An annual budget or
similar document would be helpful.
Whatcom County Solid Waste Budget
8.5. Surplus Funds
Provide information about any surplus or saved funds that may support your operations.
Surplus funds within the County Solid Waste program are managed appropriately to
their funding source. Grant funds that are not spent are returned to the grantor.
County General FUnd dollars are not used to fund solid waste operations. Excess
solid waste excise taxes (3.3% per ton) that are unspent are transferred to a solid
waste reserve account that has been established to fund future landfill post -closure
costs, provide for disaster debris management, or to support programs that are
recommended within the solid waste management plan.
APPENDIX H
RESPONSE TO ECOLOGY PRELIMINARY REVIEW
AND PUBLIC COMMENTS
Appendix H
Response to Comments
Comment No. and Category/Plan Section Comment I Response
Section 1- Public Comment: RE Sources
1. Trash Pollehon and Plastics
A. 1ho CSHWMP rightfully provides a lot of data on the amount of crash and recycling collected that are
The County will appreciale s he na fart,,, (Iola from the E7AP_
sent to landfill or recycling facilities, but we noticed a lack of focus on escaped trash- the kind of crash
w , , only experience al our beach and olher cleanups. We have also helped pilot and have been
ono the lic, to officidily collect data for thw e no,, Environmental Proteclion Agency's (EPA's) Escaped
nosh Assessment Ptotoco6 IETAP) where community silence is used to collect data on how touch and
what kinds of trash are found where. Theso protocols were designed to address the growing problem,
will, bosh pollution in the U.S. and around ]he world. As the final protocols have just been adopted, this
doll. is 'III cry now and we have yet ro see a report, though we hope to see one in the near future.
Perhaps Bala from ETAP could be used in the (,lure CSHWMP to help lac Y,le the issue of escaped trash
and bosh pollution_ In addition mro,ps, a' do any other ocollecl data on how much trash our
volunteers cleon,p by event and location. This data is most commonly reporled byh^'eight, but we
could collecf more dal. on volun or types if help(,( in terms of tracking escaped trash metrics. We
ould be happy to share IN, data and see if others would be able to as well for the purposes of IN,
Plan
13_ Along the lines of escaped trash and pollution, single use plastics escape into the environment and pose
Promoting o,lroach staled to local ordinances and legislation around waste reduction has been
a Threat to not only aquatic organisms, but humans os well, as plastic pollution can entangle or Trap
added in the goals and actions table (Table 3-1, Implementation Schedule). It is beyond the scope of
nimols, be mistaken as fend and block digestive tracks to starve animals to death, can be toxic and
Ihis plan or the Solid Waste program to provide financial incentives for mail businesses io incorpotota
s when plastics break down into micmplas]ics or even nano plastics. We appreciate the
taw infrastructure.
,than' 1" the GSH WMP Io single -use plastic reductions and would like to see it go n [,,the, will,
selling sortie measurement goals to track progress. We also would like to see more ehcom.ge nenl of
education programs as local ordinances and legislation pass Io reduce single Use plastic waste old
pollution, along with more financial incentives and assist once Io make these policies a realityfor small
basinesses and schools Thai may hove to change infrastructure and labor Io accommodole new
paGdes, suc11 as accommodating durable flatware for example.
C. There are manyway, trash can escape into the environment, but one way trash certainly escapes is
The Solid Waste program pul out a social morke ling compdign cooed at reduci tip litter caused by high
way u,
s. entaliy o windy days as bash cans fall over and blow open or wind simply blot s
winds. Mention of that campoig_n has been added to Iho plan (Section 4_2, 1), The County does not
ItemsThere seems to be Hilo menlion of this In the CSHWMP. Perhaps there shoud be o enlio or high
intend to odd new language to the plan to further address high wind,
wind periods in the beof the planning area 12-I) and/or may be under the climate section.
Inclusion of aducalion for minimizing escaped flash is also important.
D. vJ- appreciate the inclusion of illegal dumping and think ]here should be some additional focus on
illegal dumps,, addressed as they are brought to the Heollh Dep,dment's g11—li— through the
damping in creeks and olona olhor shorelines, including the cleanup of older illegal dumpsites that
ompIdnt process. This is addressed in the Atlmin and Enforcement section (Section 9.1.6). Illegal
anti nue to attract m: illegal dumping
dumpslocoted in the City of Bel=inahorn or, managed by City code enforcement staff (Seel:,, 9.I.11.
E, One thing we did not see mentiened is the potential illegal dumping could hove to spread noxio,s
The Solid Waste program does not hove the resources to dedicate to something that Is not a definite
..eed, (primarily when it comes to illegal yard waste dumping). We world again like to see some
eed o, concern. The County'' noxious weed tlitision is,e'pon,,ble for identifying and controlling
meosu,ehies associated with thisin table 7-3 under goal 2.
eed'. and will refer cases to the Heoi!h Department for follow-ap if there is o,ecunenc, of
iIleg.l dunhping that m.y „w0 in the spread of mar a„weed, We do not onficpole adding new
tang,agc to the plan to address noxious t+•eed'.
F_ There is not a lot of octal under the action component in table 7-3, but along will. surveying residoots
Comment notod. hhe County is v+.U,Pq wish city governments ton Monitor go,bage services available
and businesses regording disposal scrods, please induct, people who are unhoused. II has been our
to ,nhoused people.
experience shot anhoased people can c,I, o,te to trash pollution, though generally w.,ld avoid
doing so if they cold hove,offer access to disposal facilities_ Additionally, services providod to the
public in puahc cre.s as away is alleviate illegal dumping should be considered.
Appendix H
Response to Comments
Comment No. and Category/Plan Section Comment
Response
2. Waste Reduction and Public Edaca Ron
A. We appreciate the focus here on waste reduction. bolt, in the amount of toxic waste reduced as well as
The County will perform on annual retiew of The CSHWMP to ensure it is kept in current condition and
as these are key comoonenls of profecfing human health and the environment from hazards
identify goals and actions that have not been mel. A description of this process has been all to
idled with waste. Looking al the larder picture, in terms of education and effectiveness of
Section 11.2 and will address all goals and actions included is the plan Additionally, Section 1 8.2
ecycling and waste reduction progra s, it cerlainly would make educalion and outreach much easier
provides an rof the relationship between the goals and aclions in each section and the
it recycling was consistent throughout all of Washington State-losood, it becomesmor. complicated as
ImplenenfolionSchodule.Measmles and out estones are more appropriate for a work pleas that con
different areas. even within the County. have different methods and 'rules" for disposal. Having private
be easily amended to meet current trends, rather Than the CSHWMP, which feels as a broader steering
odor haulers work together to bring c sistenl messooing across the County to the public would be of
documell
+at help. Table 3-1 conla,m o lot a! o eat gods and ac!..ns, however, w c would like to see mere
rubles milestones to know what the successes are, or if we are not mcoling the goals, then how
m
nc adjust to eal Those goals? There also shm ould be soe referee to table I I which actually
-Ivesra timeline !hat is very rolmvant to table 3-1 )similarly, Table I I-1 should be referenced in all the other
Tables outlining goals and actions).
B. We urg,--; That the CSH\^I,Y1P include e-waste in more education progra s, as we only exoecl more e-
Electronic waste is managed by the Washington Stole "ECyde `:Vashir:glon" program (Section 4.).1)-
aste Mil, e]ecl,00ics that are not always buill to 1OSI-
C. Along the lines of education and outreach, the County has had several previously successful social
References to social marketing around wade reduction and r,cycf=.ng hove been added to Section 3.
Marketing ccmpaion, such as scooping pet waste. Sociol marketing is not mentioned much in this plan,
including the goals and actions Table iTable 3-1),
bul seems particularly relevant in effectively reaching oof to targeted audionces to better understand
how to effect behchange, such changsuch as with mullifarrily residents that could be doing belle, with waste
ondrecycling disposal fas iutable 1-2).
D. Because of school closures one to the pandemic, we have been tough[ that entering classrooms is no
The inclusion of custodial staff training will be considered during the next RFP process for waste
longer a given. Reaching students today can be done through their teachers if tied to classmorr•
reduction and recycling educational pogroms in schools.
co", P.E Sources is currently offering p; ofessional tlevelopment or clock hours To leachers in order
to reach students. Bul there is no equivalent to after custodial staff. Education and Iroining far this
population is not addressed. They are not commercial or youth yel They are a population that can
greatly impact the waste streams in Whalcgm Ccunly.
3. Recycling
A. Recycling is a large con-•pon ;nl of This plan and is o areal measurable way to too of how sorc•e wosfe is
k
The County has incoin...tee the ideas of refuse, reduce, and reuse into the Waste Real Ron section
diverted from landfills. We would like to doom see measurable goals included in this seclion. While
of the plan )Section 3; Table 3-1),
ecycling is imoo,h ot, Iho concept of downcycling c left out. Over time since the creation of the first
CSHWMP, we have come to understand that recycling really is not the answer to waste dvem-,
especially a any materials are n I truly recyclable and get downcycled so that e-hoolly we cannot
to ycle them anymore because the integrity of the material is on campa—sed. Refuse, reduce, and
tons,gay bo moredifficult to cap Tom numbers, but deserve more atc,lion in this plan in aide, to
C vert st wae from lunchi h, the next bar 'locale. we would like to see more updated concepts of
,s-
waste managemenl, recycling, and diversion r)—morafod.
3, Add',Tionally, we would love to see the County become a leading e-mple by adopting practices such
II is not within the scope of this plan to have the County adopt the practice of committing to
as the Coun ly committing to goals to purchase paper with ac erlain percentage m.de from recycled
purchasingous,ded m alo,id,
paper moor,ols. or shoring how much compost. mcyded concrete, or other recycled materials the
County uses or purchases. Tll;s could help create more of O morkel fo,,ecycP,ng if others follow The
Counly's example to try to purchase recycled or reused materials before buying new when
appropriale.
C. Ridwell was also not mentioned in This seclion. They ore relatively new to the Bellingham area as of 2021,
Comment noted. We do not anticipate adding language about Ridwell in this plan,
and provide pickup services for items h,- plasfc flm. Slymfoam, threads, col leries. light bulbs, and a
roloting (ealurod item every 2 wee<s noon requesl.
WItAiCOM COUrr1Y COMPRF:HEr151VE SOLID ^W D HAZARDOUS WASTE MAHA-u-iT PLNI
Appendix H
Response to Comments
Comment No. and Category/Plan Section Comment
Response
4. Organic Material Management
A. We are pleased ;o see the progress and successes Ihel hove been mad, is organic mofeed
Green Each Technologies routinely samples their finished product to ensure it meefs all oNecal
aen l. We would like to see more on how things like conf—fable plastic, lelrapax, and PFAS
mposl qualily specifications. and will work to include PFAS and other forever chemicals os those ore
(per s Td polyfiuorao!kyl substance) Conla:nina fond packaging or products are irnp—li,q Tho
Incorporated Into the speclfical—s.
mpostina process- White composlable plastic is composlable under cerlain conditions, we wony that
at a cerlain volume or concentration, these cobdii ,Ns n.oy no longer exist. Of concern are the plastics
thal do ,at break down in the c.U)posl and use of compost liner spreads plastics back at into the
,enl. PT AS is a per i eel and bioaccumu;gTly, contaminant thal is c n—ly found is food
mappers and packeGing such as pi— boxes. Eorev,r ol-,1co1s such as These can make compost less
desirable. We woula I,ke to avoid these arable , and would Fike to ensure that the camped produced
can safuly and conf:denlly be usetl without posing undue risk to the environment or human health.
8. We would suggest niore Invesfigafion into These issues and lhal could mean more education and
The goals and actions table in Section 3 has been updated to include an ocli,N on education about
outreach on wh,l Truly should go into the curbside compost.
which Items may go into the food waste bins.
C. We are also concerned about the appropriate Disposal of organic waste from marijuana farms as this
The Cooely may c,,,Id,r this comment for the next plan updale if There is more guidance rcoolly
industry expands and more inf—hot en hecomes avcilablc.
vailable on This issue.
D. We would love to see curbside compost and oraonic I,p—1 be more accessible to all. However, we
"Consider accessibility of organic materials collection and management" is ncluded as a goal in
wonder about equitable ways This could be done, —ell as how best to ensure that disposal is done
Tobte 5-1 with actions including' estiaale expanding organics collection Io areas of the County That
properly, espoddly at multifamily residences.
are served not by exisling programs" and continue to support composlina of homeen and identify
opp,d—ilies to expand existing programs."
V/HATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID ANN HAZAR0O0s WASTE UTAII-EIENI Pi AEI
Appendix H
Response to Comments
Comment No. and Category/Plan Section Comment
Response
5. Biosolids (Sewage. Sludge, and Septage)
A. Thousands of unregulated loxics are in sewage -derived biosolids. Research shows that Ihousands of
The County recognizes that there are many concerns about land application of biosolids. If ondwhen
them cal—.1—inanls have been identified in sewoge sludge including: 27 metals, PFAS, microplaslics.
Ecology creales new feaulotions. The Biosolids permit adminislered through Ecology will address them.
fl-n. relardanls, pesticides, Personal care products, pharmaceuticals, and hormones. Many of the
chemicals found in sewoge sludge are defined in Ecology's Torras as being persistent, bi....... alot- ,
and lox , IPf They Transfer throughout the road web exist in all irophic levels, and are found in
organ — Ih.I are far ham the source of contamination. The biosolids Thal are spread in Whotcom
County are not an exception and will also conladu Ihousands of talc confominanls. Exposure to even
mall —ants of these loxics can, over time, be dangerous to human health anti the env,ronment.
Studies show that these loxics can lead to respiratory and cardiovascular diseasecancer. reproductive
effects, renA, and ne rodevelopmental ell endocrine disruption or immune syslem dysfunction.
and organ damage in hurr and o mats. Federal and Slate Regulations are not protective of human
health and the end—uceal for biosolids- Of the hou-nd, of brit chemicals found in biosolids, only 9
metals will be tested for in The di-dids produced and spread in Whotcom County. That is the current
Slate and Federal Regulations even though Eca!ogy recognizes that PBTs found in di —rids are a se,, —
health and environmental problem. There are Chemical Aciian Plans (CAPS) for 6 PET, Mercury,
polybrorninated diphenyl ethers IPBDEsI, lead, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and per- and poly-fluorinaled alkyl substances IPFASI. The —metals
(mercury and lead) are currently being regaloled no, the Biosolids Permit but PBDEs, PAT s, PCBs, and
PFAS are not. Even miniscule amounts of persistent loxics can have long lasli profound elfecls. Future,
stricter regulations are on the horizon. Recent developments at both the Federal and State levels
regarding PFAS compounds could hove substantial effects on the local spreading of biosolids. On
October 18. 2021 EPA Administer Michael S. Reg- announced the PFAS Strategic Road —la: EPA
Commitments to Action 2021-2024.10 The Roadul will hold polluters of PFAS responsible for their
action and will prop.. onitonng and Testing requirr,eats within file Nationol Pollution Di"t—ge
Elimination Permits (NPDES). Also in October of this year, Ecology announced that PFAS compounds meet
the definition of a hazardous substance that is 1n the Environmental Cleanup I — whi^_h —ons cleanup
will now be regulal ed under the Model Toxics Control Act INITCA). Ecology will be taking Steps to: Create
cleanup level standards for PFAS, prevent adul anal releases of PFAS into the enut eat, require PFAS
ride—, to be reported To Ecology, and reduce the use of PFAS- If whalcom Counly continues the
practice of land applying biosolids, it wilt be responsible far meeting these new regulations Ond no, this
will be done needs to be incorporated into the CSHWMP.
Fit osolid, (Sewage. Sludge, and Septage)
B. Increased Iranspore..y is needed. The CSHN/MP lists the three facilities that currently apply biosolids. The
This plan will not list addresses of BioSGlds land gppl•/ng facilities. Act .... I properly owners are notified
(coot.)
baalions of these facililies should be included. In addition, anyone that produce or processes biosolids
of Biosolid land appi ars, end anyone who is interested in Emetid activities can join the interested
in the aounly should also be listed and (hair to—fion padded to be completely transparent.
parties list (hough the Depadw."[ of Ecology.
6. Constra<tion and Demolifion Waste
A For construction and demolition IC/D) waste, there is. heavy reliance an nonprofits. As n;entioned in
Cornm=_nl noted -
Ihe CSHWMP, The Appliance Depot Went out of business because of cou,d, leaving our Counly without o
toy to drop off old appliances that can be fixed and resold for use. II would be wonderful to not hove
uch vulnerabilities. There 1s also vary little financial incentive for businesses to slam based on reuse.
B. The CSHWMP should also hove a stronger focus on constructor debris and diversion as well as conerele
Increasing C/D rec Ycling is the first goal .toted in Tablo 8-1, with actions inclutlingincreosing oalreach
and asphalt. Carbon dverslon elements should be included in this plan as well,
to business associations and supporting existing diversion efforts.
\/HA I COM COUNTY COhtPREHEI'ISIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WAS IE —NAG-ENT PTAN
Appendix H
Response to Comments
Comment No. and Category/Plan Section Comment
Response
7. Disaster Debris
A. As we recenfly experienced m or floodin_a in Whafcom County in November 2091, this cation is very,
ldl,xier debrisnonagen eni is found in the Dis,sfer Debris Manaoemenf Plan, which is referandedi,
imporfonl. As disdslers become more Irequenl will climate thong'. if may no longer be appropriate to
this plan (Section U.S). The County does not anlicipale adding new lamguago in IN, plan 1, address
rely on FEMA and other emergency se-ces to provide the answers to disaster debris as these
disaster debris.
ergency services bocome ilretched thin. Tle CSHWMP should really consider ,1 least a list of
polenl tat disaster debris locations and plans in case of an emergency. Alter the recenl floods, there is
re io be a lot of C/D waste from flooded houses. II would be nice to see , way to mitigate or salvage
what con be sad o ecycled while also addressing a possible dlostic increase in waste directly
following the even t Additionally, we are concerned about santlbag disposal. Leaving sandbag disposal
up to residents who ore already burdened with potential flood damage, should not have to occur.
Perhaps there could be a program started to bra back sandbags and allow, for reuse as possible when
ceded. We are also concerned Abell disaster waste such as fire suppressonl ]hot contain hazardous
subs tan uch as the example of the Custer Iron derailment in December of 2020 and whot happens
to this to is debris Thal contains PFAS.
8. Vaclor Waste
A. we appreciate that the foxicify of vcolor waste is taken idb—kideral— as we keep learning mnore
Con-,rnent noted.
,boll contaminants of emerging concern, such as 6PPD which is tonic to salmon
9- Waste Tires
A. We appre idle the proga a I1,1 have g ne on to collect waste tires and to make disposal more
This plan does not address privale storage of tirst Fen. Waste fie, storage regulations are found in WAC
esebo. Tires can touch anon toxic chemicals, and,oceolly it was found that o chemical
173,350 and — discussed in Section 8.1.9.
amp, ord! in fire dust called 6PP0-quinone can Cause prespawn mortality in so!mon. We see a tot of
piles of waste tires Billing and in parking lots (such os of car dealerships. ethnic shops, bike shops.
or fire stores) before They are presumably picked no for disposal, ontl in the nicanlin- are left to leach
onlaminonts into waterways wilt) every rain event. We would like to not only see information on the
,sposat ,elhod,. but best practices for the storage of Ihis waste unfil it can be removed from a site,
B. Addlionally, w often see fires used for pu,p......ch as bm uperiog docks. .—ring shorelines, or
11 is beyond the scope of this plan were ti to determine how and where wasres are reused or recycled.
u ,b rubber fieldsre
or playgrounds. This needs to stops IN, creates a toxic hazard for human health
old the environment and should nave, be considered on appropriate reuse m _fhod to divert from
landfill and should be considered for inclusion In the plan.
10. Other Types of Waste
A. The CSHWMP does account for many types of waste and disposal, but . few additional types we would
Comm,enl noted. colipoiad signs are the respomibilily of the celd1d.1, or Ile property—ner Who
like to see included are —nnpdgn signs and,
placed them on Iheir property,
B. what con be done to address the increase of packaging odd mailing conlainers as more tolls get
Cardboard and envelopes an be recycled Expanded polystyrene foam will be bonded in
good delivered to their homes.
Washington slate starting in 2023.
C. Thepractice of burning waste on privale property se ne to Continue antl residents softer from poorer all
The illegal burning of waste is addressed in the Admin and Enforcement section under Ml (Section
quality because of Ihis. 11 would be nice to see this addressed somewhere in the CSHWMP.
8.1.2i-
11- Reduce and Reuse
A. The CSHWMP C-1.1ns a lot of pertinent information: however, It seems fo fall short of our current
The concepts of ',educeand reuse were added undo, the definition of Waste Reduction in
[undome,far understanding of reducing waste overall- Far example, in the set of definitions given on
Seclian 2 3.1.
pages 23-24. the concepts of reduce antl reuse falls short despite earlier mention in the CSIF1WkiP thal
these were important components. Reduce or reuse are dal included under any of the terms. only super
vag only under owith the catch oll of or beneficial use Ihat prevents disposition of mote,iol to
landfills and lncineod s.' This does not set the right lone (or the rest of the plan antl hinders Iho
effectiveness of if,, CSHWMP to its care if it does not update to reflect our carrell understandings with
only including .]do, approaches.
wli— MCOUNTY COMPRE:HFN SIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUSWASTE. MANAGErAEHT PLAD
Appendix H
Response to Comments
Comment No, and Cafegory/Plan Section Comment
Response
12. EgLlly, Diversity, and Inclusion
A. We opp,dcloc That accessibility of waste disposal and recycling se considered in the CSHWMP,
re
Specific needs are addssed as they arise. This comment does not specify ths a e neednd challenges
an though we wonder what Thal in actually looks like. Equity tl affordability shuld certainly be
of The noted communities. The Point Roberts said waste collection system is detailed is Section 4-
nsidered, beyond cost-effeclive actions, The accessibility dynamics of landlords as well as apartment
complexes or multifamily residents should also be accounted for in the CSHWMP. More services Should
be considered for areas like Maple Falls and Glacier on highway 5,12111a1 currently have Iir led acces,
well as needs for commune lies an Lomm1 Island and continued services to provide far the challenging
Beds or Point Roberts due to its geographic location.
B. Lee appreciate lhof e•. the educ,fsah seclian, it states !hot Ecology's Intended audiences era routinely
Hew language has been added to Section 3-1, 1. staling that education that is put out will to reviewed
.volualed for planning for inclusive engagement that addresses languages, cultures, literacy, abilities,
by the Covnly PIO for audience accessibility,
and ofile, characteristics of The audience, but what about Whatcom County?
C. Current curbside nick ups are only possible if the customer is able-hodied. Do heulefs provide
It is not within the scope of The plan to require that ha.;'.ers Provide alternative services to their
alte mllives for those in out community The cannot bring materials curbside?
usloniers.
D. While diversely, equity, and inclusion in the CSHWMP itself is important, it is also important that this be
The Coun ly has held o convening of all Health DopaHmenl boards and commissions to discuss and
IMI-led a the committee and those he help compile the CSHWMP.
promote racial equity work.
E. Is There a diversely, equity, and inclusion plan for The SWAG? It else appears that while same of The
The roles of the S WAC are spelled out in The bylaws. Some of the positions are specified to be solid
invaluable tar her breadth and depth of knowledge, there are some inherent conflicts of
wasid induslry representatives; however. There one also many positions available for gnvale citizens.
Inierel film P,ivote cowponies who benefit from the increase of waste, so it es important to ensure there
public officials, and Special interest groups. the County believes that the committee is appropriately
is a wide variety and balance of representation an the committee,
balanced.
13. Measuring Success, Selling Measurable
A. While There ore many wonderful tables in the CSHWMP that layout goals. aclion5 old timelines, There is
The County old the SWAC worked together to determine appropriate goals and actions for this
Goals
a lack of meosurables. How will the successes of this plan be measured? How do we know if
,china plan. Keeping the goals and actions broad but targeted allows the program to focus oa
pals arc being met? We would love to see some numbers being assigned to the goals outlined in the
emerging trends, rather Than locking into one. It was agreed that seitino measurable goals wood be
CSfIW.MP and an assessment of how we are doing In The next CSHWMP with ad,pti,e management
appropriate far e focused work plan that con be more quickly and easily revised than a five-
Incorporated
year plan can to respond to changes in solid waste management. In addition, composloble organics
and food waste is the largest waste stream by far, and The plan does slate o gall of reduce J this
•asle stream by 505.
b. A Sea Waste goal for the County would also be wonderful and could help push others to help meet this
Promoting The theme of zero waste is induced in the goonsand actions table of Section 3. Contracts
g pal. On page 47 of The CSHWMP, the solid waste management planning guideEna end that
with waste educators can be reviewed d,ring future RFPsto "puire more dell—cro es in terms of
local jurisdictions (such as the County) set specific waste reduction goals and implement programs to
dele.
waste reduction-
C. We very niod, support The County moving forward to develop not just waste reduction programs, but
The County has very re entry entered into o contract with a s.ff—r. compony:hal provides a lookup
also a mechanism for Tracking subsequent results as staled, and woold like To see goals set and progress
loot for many waste streams, making it easy to deterniine how, to recycle or dispose of certain
h—s—d and a _ sec so we can keep improving. We believe that the County can play o significant
In
iaferials. The County did not have This tool during the initial draflina of this plan pool Mention of
providing easy access to waste management information that is spread to various well
this loot has been added to Section 3.1.1,
ben _n as The leader locally.
D. Along Ihesc lines, the current CSHWMP indicates in some sections that the data show a change in waste
Fine,lan states Ihot waste gen r n Trends shot hove been observed are likely We to factors such gs
generated (such as section 23.9 Per Capila Waste Projects), but there is very little discussion o, tlato to
sing public awareness of Ih.e negative economic and environmental impact of solid
odl cote why these chances occurred. Such discussion would be valuable to Include,
riles and the C01I0-19 th—denol,
iVLATCOM COUiNlY CO1%l R--!,EtSIVE SOLID AND IIA—DOHS WASTE NIANAOEI,It4e PLAN Table Page 60. la
Appendix H
Response to Comments
Comment No. and Category/Plan Section Comment
Response
14. Miscellaneous
A. The name of our olaanizotion has changed from "RE Sources for Sosiatnable Communitiesto just' RE
RE Sources nome Ills been changed and corrected Ihr—ol—I the plan_
Sources' which is currently Hal reflected in INS plan.
8, Figure I shows orconics drop box on the legend, but there are none on the map. We wanted to make
There are no organics chop boxes in the couuly. Thal yuib,l has been rc—c! fren: the lemnd.
` re that there indeed were no organics drop boxes in Whalcom County?
C_ Se of the dtalions we found difficult to follow, For example:
1, We co—t find the citations on pogo I I Ihot are rcm,ch,cd.
1. There ore some citalions without links on page I and,
2. Sec lion 234 states Not the mediom series population projection was used for the plan_
2. It is not made clear which version of the 2010-2040 projec lions were used for Ills plan.
D. On page 21. in the second to lost par rgph, in the lost sentence, "I'n, should be copild,sed of the
ag
Prior to (:nalizing, a final technical edit of the plan was compleleC to otltlress spel5ng and crammalical
beginning of the sentence_ There ar a few more similar, small errors in the pion.
E. On page 23, the definition of organ vials stales that it makes op'o significant component of the
�asignificant'
A reference to Figure 2-5 has been added.
County's solid waste stream . h"" er is[alive term Met does not mean anything
without context -We regoesl that some language be added for clarification, or at [cost a reference to
figure 2-5 on page 29 that does define the actual perconlages for each category of waste stream
.omposition in the Ecology 2016 study.
F. Fig,ju. 2-5 on page 29 foils to mention the actual measurement and used for percent said scream
A description of the measurement unit was added to the text old the footnote of In, figure.
omposition. II is unclear whether this measurement was the percentage by weigh], volume, pieces of
trash, or something else. If figure 2-5 is consistent wfit, later figures, could guess ]hot it is per enl by
,eight, but we think it wcu.d make the plan stronger to include this n,portanl ioforrnotion in the figure.
G. omilgrly, figures 2-6 and 2-7 also cannot stand alone. The narrative text of the plan indicates Ihai the
A description of the measurement ,it for Figure 2-6 was added to the title of that liaore. The definition
_ r menu for waste diversion and recyd roles are derived from Ions of waste, but the unit of
of diversion are is included in Section 2.3.8.
- ent is not monlid—d anywhere in the figures. leoving oMblg,ily and lack of clarity.
N. On page 32, the lost paragraph slates that the plan pred,cis changes in waste disposal and genoration
Comment Holed. The County will review the data as they relate lathe CO\113-19 pandemic and
duo to —id and past-covid, but makes no indication of what those changes might be linarease or
ncarporate that inforrnolion into the next plan pdote,
decrease and how so?). Figures 2-8 old 2-9 indicate on Increase mostly, but perhaps this could be
referenced in the nanalive-
I. On pace 44, there are some errors in reference to RE Sources work. Correcilens oro noted below with
These errors have been addressed,
text to red for additions and spike through for deletions:
W I --so COUNTY COMPREIr[NSNE 50110 NO rlx2A10005 tNHSTE 1- 1
Appendix H
Response to Comments
Comment No. and Category/Plan Section Comment Response
Section2 Public Comment: Carl Weimer
1. Miscellaneous
A. I. This draft plan provid s a cry good •, ure of P- pr vat'zed .v art, handling system In What—
the lmple eafion Schedule. Table l 1-1, jo—rds—pecific actions and a proposed li—Ii.e. which
County, historical backgm rid of the system and various programs. and the basic levels of recycling and
the County will attempt to implement wilh the resources available. Keeping the goals broad allows for
disposal. Buf us the tle(inilion of "plan ' irulical es a plop is supposed to provide "a detailed proposal for
the program to pivot and focus on emerging trends, ,other than remcinina commilled to an
doing or achieving something, d this plan falls .hail of that. While the plan provides priorities for
education and outreach plan that may no longer be or prionly,
handling va gstes, it fails to provide a prioritized list of specific actions to undertake to achieve
those priorties Vor budget numbers so decision makers can understood,,h,l is needed to make
imp—cm-1,
B. The "g—ls and actions' tables reatl more fke a wish list of good ideas but pro•nde no clear path lonvard
Budget numbers are included in the UTC form for programs that the County imolemeNts.
In what order they should be implemented, whot they might cost, preferred implementation dales, or
what would be gained by Implementing In—
C. The plan as written provides no push and creates no responsibilities Io actually do anylhoss to mprove
The plan has,implementation schedule that includes all of the goals and actions and the dewed
the system. P fadge the plan so it reads less like a history of solid waste in the County. and more
mplementai on dales. II is important to include the history of the system far coolezt.
like o real plan of action to move toward zero wade with clear priority actions, desired dales for
implementation, and •,vho is responsible for funding and implemenling.
D. The plan locks useful information that would allow anyone Io know whether the current aclivilo, ore
These activities ore still performed by contracted —to edocli— educators. as stated in Seclion 3.
improving or even undermining solid wosie handling based on the priorities listed. For example, waste
pro ention and reduction are listed o. the highest priorities mulliple times Ihroughout the document, yet
it would appear prog—N all,, efforts in these areas hove esig,ificoolly declined over the past couple of
decades. In the 90s. when the County --cognized as a notional leader in —se prevention and
.cycling, there ware hundreds of school programs and business waste audits done each year: there
n-�utliple outreach actin lies and distribution .silos throughout the County distributing information
about using less toxic products;
E. Thar, r ea active efforts to get retailers to offer better packaging allern.tives and products made of
Efforts to a_et.elaflers to offer better pa kagna alt—olives is a policy l...I decisan gad Ire•/and!h,
post-cosmer wosie,
cope of this plan.
F. There was a locol recycling hotline that was pomoled and answered hundreds of calls each month on
People use the lot ... at to gel disposal and recycling information now; a recvd; 9 hotline would no
west. prevention and recycling Issues: and
longer be beneficial. The County has vary recently purchased software Thal wig p—iid. easy access to
information on how to dispose of or recycle many items (Section 3,1,1)
G. There were efforts to emote local lobs through counly star Ina grants for businesses that would divert
Efforts to create jobs diverting waste materials is a policy -level decision. and not within the scone of
local waste materials (this is how The RE Stare and .f,pplionce Depot got started).
this plan.
H. While this plan describes some current programs There are no measurobles or metrics included that
Annual waste and,,cycling per capita amounts are included in the plan; these are large indicators of
would allow anyone to know if the described programs are effective, are increasing or decreasing, or
wIelhme, waste reduction and recycling od... Banal efforts are successful.
.ally being treated as priorities like the plait states.
I. There are not even any budget figures Ihol show now much is being spent on such.cif•nties from year
Budget numbers are included in the UTC form.
to year,
1 The only real measurahlc is the per capita disposal rate which is going in the wrong di —lion, and oughl
The per capita disposal role is affected by a multitude of factors, many of which ore beyond the
to b , clear call for the need for increased waste prevention and reduction progams.
anneal of this progra T. Product packaging, consumer buying habits. and global pandemics all feed
into —so habit,
K. Please updalc this plan before approves! I. include clear mefrics that allow us to know the Trajectory of
The County and the SWAC worked together to delermine appropriate goals and actions for this
the d fterent prlonlies based on budget spen q and program activities.
rching plan. Keeping the gaols and actions broad but targeted allows the program. to focus on
. ding trends, rather than locking in to one. Metrics and m...... ple, are more appmmarte for a
ark plan that can be quickly altered to account for changing trends.
VINATC OM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HA:ARDOUS WASTE MAn---ENT PLAN
Appendix H
Response to Comments
Comment No. and Category/Plan Section Comment
Response
Miscellaneous (cool.)
L. The plan lacks any descriptive enolysis of where n,oterid, being collecled for recycling go, and whether
This statement refers to the entire U.S. recycing system and 1s not specific to Whalcom County. The
that material is actually being mcyclr;•d in a beneficial way, or is being down -cycled or disposed of.
,cycling markel is no over changing landscape. making it challenging to frock the final destination
There have been many naliono'. and local o,ticlas over the past few years regerding the collapse of the
under the —rent solid waste authority_ Reports submitted to the local health prnsdictiom and the state
,cycling system neltonwide. and how a large portion of what is being col!ecled and paid for as
do not include final declinations for recyclable,. By All account, the source -separated recyclable,
,Cycl,bles is actually being disposed of because of kick of markets. Even the Counly's recently
produced in VJh,t—, County are very sigh qualify and there has been much less difficulty finding
released Climate Action Plan ,lair_, That Mudh of our current waste is buried in landfills in eastern
recycling markets willing Io accept them. The plan cannot include inf—iolion about where of of our
wo,hinglon and Oregon, including a large c—Nity of the waste we anempf to recycle:' Yet nowhere
ecyclobles go.
in IN, plan is there a description of here our local recyclable, go, and whether they are actually
-
ecycled or disposed of at those ond,cinls. There is also no discussion about whether the County or
Slate tries to audit actual mcyctina or even cores wboth,, it i, vitimolely being disposed of. I would
uspecf that due to our erect residential mcycr,np source separation system our recyclable, are more
—,kaldoc than in many c odic, Met use commingled sWl.m.s, yet there i, no clear review or
disc of the actual and fair, of our recyclable, in this plan. Please add ,n additional section to IN,
plan about where our recyclables ultin palely go, and how the County or Slofe verify recycling claims.
M. The plan contains little information an the actual funding of the system ):ik a fine item budget) and no
The solid waste tax was amended in 2018 to requir self -haulers Io pay the cads, Iazwhen bringing
disc of ways to possibiy increase Iundng for the many programs that are alluded io but not active,
waste to the transfer stations. This amendment was made Io make up for the shorlfolls LHJ, were
The Csounty'I solid waste excise to., has remdoed slant for decades, while other Iunding sources from
experiencing n the grants provided by Ecology to pay for infroshucture programs. At This Rimini there is
the slate and federal gev .ent have until recently decreased. The current draft of the plan says As
no need to increase funding to the solid waste fund.
County funding levels for solid waste ri—aoement improve, the County will prioritize their resources
based on the goals and aclions oullincd' in the Waste Reduction and Public Edacalion section of the
plan, at there is no discussion of how that funding might increase. whether the increase will be sufficient
to ccomphr, ,hylhing, or possible ways to make such an increase happen. If o Small Increase io the
County', excise tax would provide fund';ng far priority waste prevention and reduction programs
shouldn't that at least be dscu,sed in this pbni If current waste prevention and reduction efforts all
short load it appears They do tram the incraas;,a disposal rote,) should, I there be a recommendation
to increase rund,ra if the County really believe -,the priorities Ihey slot, in their ptan2
1•1. Please add a sector, that shows current budget allocations by priority, and to discuss the costs and
A table with current budget allocations has been included in Section 11 B.
benefits of an increoo to funding for waste prevention and public educalion progro
O. the plan contains no mention of climate change, yet the County has worked for a number of years now
Reference to the Climate Action Plan has been added in Section 1.5, Rel,fionship to Other Plans_
to produce a Climate Aclia, Plan that was recenlly approved by the County Council, and contains a
whole section on s^lode.' The Climgte Action Plan discusses our cvrreni waste mgnggen enf system
and makes recommendations for improving that system. Ic help address our current and mpending
male crisis_ Please add a section !hat integra!es the recommendations from the Climate Action Plan.
and ensure that the Wnat—m County CAmote Impact Advisory Committee is provided a mired
Invilalien 1, review and comment on 11-is olon before it is finalized.
P. The plop contains no clear onolysis of wh,l incantives or disncentive, exist to O better system based oa
The Disposal of Toxics progro valuable
luable county resource available to all citizens. Charging a fee to
priorities staled. o what aclions local government should consider to decrease unnecessary waste. For
dkiincentivize proper disposal ofl ousehoid hazardous waste would more fine, [kety cause people to
ample, the Di —d of Toxic, foci Ily use, a large part of Iho Counly's solid Waste budget so it can
improperly dispose of thch hazardous wastes roth,r than pay for disposal. Instead. this plan focusc-s on
onlinue to offer free disposal of unused toxic aradact, but in IN, plan Ihere is no discussion of whether
providing education around less toxic alternatives and busying onlywhat is needed.
offer uch fine is coca,rag! no use of such uhocca,ory products, or whether charging,
.all lee for such disposal miahl help Rile ant the uo of such products and free up money to promote
toxic -free allernolive,. There is us, no discussion or recommendation regard what options local
_ .enls may have in ha,-,g some of these toxic products wh— good allem,tives exist to
a,e—hl public money from hauna L. continually be spent to subsidize such padocts use and disposal.
W—COM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WAS IE MANAGEAl ENT PLAN
Appendix H
Response to Comments
Comment No. and Category/Plan Section Comment
Response
Miscellaneous (cont.)
Q. Another exomple: Due to on office move, I recenlly had to had several hundred pounds of high aloofly
There are mulliple reuse oppo,tunilies for good usable office paper.
office paper to —cycle,. There was insufficient informalion ...'table anywhere I looked aboul the best
place to do this, or what the costs would be. I decided Io lake the paper to RDS far convenience even
Though I know they had eso.blly begun charging a mall teefor recycling_ I was verysurprised when I
s charged the some role for recycling this paper as the current disposal rote at P.DS due to the
quantity I had. In other words. if I had only been concerned with the cost and convenience of getting
rid of this paper, I would have been belle, off disposing of it as garbage on Ihoir tipping floor_ Yet
owhere in this plan is there a discussion of the potential benefits of requiring ,ecyding
and disposal facilities Io offer recycling al rates less than .,sposal.
R. Please add a section that discusses current incentives and ot,socentives to wade pre entio and
Table 11 includes o statad q-1 of "i Wily knowledge and expertise of waste reduction
ecycling, provides inf.— ion about he bell— local gov ents have regarding banning certain
re lhotls by pr—e rd g educational oppodunfies to targeted populations using existing public and
tonic products where d e—li—, -ist or packaging that is problematic to rocycling, a make
vote resources: It is beyond the scope of IN, plan or the solid wosle program to ban cerlaln toxic
recoendalions along those lines for actions to improve our waste system based on the prioriiies in the
products or pgckagng.
planmm
, CHAT CC to COUNTY CO1nPREHENSIVE. SOLID An D HAZARDOUS WASTE 11--F.MI17IT PLON Table Page 10a la
Appendix H
Response to Comments
Comment No. and Category/Plan Section Comment
Response
Section 3. Ecology (Revislons Required for Plan Approval)
1. Chapter 9
A. Include a section referring to six -yea, capital and qui,iliop projections.
Most of the said waste fee f lies in Whatcom Coonty are privately owned and operated. The only
State Lew (RCW 70A.205.075) requires that solid waste plans include a construction and c,p;t,l
lotion and capitol gcqui,di.n project planned is the Point Roberts transfer stolion scale house,
acquisition program for six years into the future. This requir enl is gen rally interpreted to apply only to
which is staled to be replaced. with a budget of $150.000. A new ,,olio, (9.1.4) has been added and
public facilities, because a solid wosle plan connol dctate construction schedNes and capital
nclude, a description of IN, proj,cl, along with Table 9-1. -
poquisilions by private companion (except in limped cases).
Please clearly stale that since Whatcom County solid wasle facilities are privately owned and operated.
no construction or copilot acquisition expenses are being proposed for his Plan.
2. Chapter 4
A. Pmvtde a description of markets for recyclable,.
Table 4-2, Current Markets for Rccyd blc 1,1aterio+E791s, has been added to Section 4.1.1.
State taw (RC W JOA.205.045(7) (c)) requires "a description of markets for recyclables" in solid waste
npgemenf plans, which includes g recycling market ...lysis antl an idenllf—t— (denignatian) of
the molerials considered to be recyclable.
Plea include a description r f the markets for recyclable molerials collected in Whatcom County. This
description would lit well under Section 4.1 Existing Conditions. We also reco un,and including a link, to
the market trend data posted and updated by Ecology in IN, section, see link below:
hl fps/oppbox.com./s/k,xstzlj,7khBoql5,qwcf?.vfoo,g,,n,
Section 4. l logy (Recommended Revisions)
1. Chapter 9
A. Include a r c endabon to review and update inleriocal agreements.
ti
A review of the ILA, s nciuded as poll of the annual plan revfew described In Section 11.2.
The combinali of an wderlocal agreement (ILA) and o cs,l, i,u of adoption is generally required for
all participating jurisdictions in order for a solid waste management plan to be approved by Ecology.
The ILA, in the current plan were signed in 1991. For Ihis reason, we strongly recommend the Plan include
end lion Ihal before the next Plan updal e, the County:
1. Rao— the current ILAs with all Plan signatories and reuse as needed to reflect current conditions and
slatules.
2. Consider entering into sepgrale ILA, Io plan together to ensure issues related to the financing and
operation of the County solid work, system do not delay or interfere with the plan update process.
2. Chapter 4
A. b,pand designated r yclable, Ifs(.
The County is not going to expand the designated recyclables list in The County Code. bol will accept
The Plan includes a list of "a c,pt,d curbside materials by bin' in Table 4-1 to be ca!lected by
b.to6d, from other collection programs it there are available morsel,
certificated haulers in unincorporated areas, which meets the requir ents under Whalcoin County
Code. We recommend expantlinp The designated recyclables list foenclude materials collecf,d through
Section 4.1.3 was updgled to include a reference to table 4-1,
other types of programs, such as drop-off and buy-back locofion, or Ihrouah other collection services.
In addition, in Section 4.1 a, The Plan includes a link to Whatcom County', code listing what's required I,
be call- led curbside. We recommend this section also include b reference back Io Table 4.1 where a
summary of the currenl list can be found.
3 Chapter 2 or 4
Include current and projected recovery roles Through the current and proposed recyGina programs-
The County n.ay consider This approach for the next plan pdot,
Thi s is recommeadod Crlte- Ecologyc n determining whelher or not to app—a anollo—ti,e
to curbside in an urban area. hgures 2.8 and 2.9 are particularly strong elements of the Pro, end we
end fhe Plan uses Ihis dot. and dsplays it as a recovery rote in addition to The per copito lbs.
and total Ions shov:n in Ih, figure 28 and 2S This data could also be included in Chortler 4ln i,caling
that They are based on the project;,,,, in Chapter 2.
rvHAICOrA COUr4TY COMPRE add VE SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE A—AGOAETri i'LAn Table Page 11 of I
Appendix H
Response to Comments
Comment No. and Category/Plan Section Comment
Response
4. Chapters 1 and 2
Update sections related to recent state plans and studies.
The blest data available at the lime of drafling The plan were used, and it is nol feosible to revise all of
2018 Waste Gen —lion Data:
the data tables and figures throughout the CSHWMP. using the 2018 waste generation cola, 2020-2021
n Section 2 3,2. 2017 waste generation and recovery data provided by Ecology is referenced.
WA State Waste Characterization Study data. Reference to the 2021 Slate Solid and Hazardous Waste
Please use 2018 data that is posted here: https'J/ecology.wa.gov/Research-Data/Data-
Plan has been updolodia Soclion 1.5.
2020-2021 WA State Waste Characlerizafion Sludv:
Section 2 3.6 references Ecology's 2015 waste characterization study. We recommend that data from
2020-21 study is used since the Plan covers 2022-2027. See here:
hltps.//opp.box.com/5/orhk,4zorkx68dg5sk33hwn ,x) 5hushd,
2021 Stale Solid and Hazardous Waste Plan:
In Section 1.6. please update reference to the 2021 State Solid and Hazardous waste Plan:
h t I ps://cpps.e, ology.wa.gov/public o lions/SummoIYPages/ 2104050.htm
5. Title Page —other places where the full ;inu
Change the Plan's tine.
This has been updated Ihroaghout the plan.
Is mentioned
To bnag some statewide consistency and to make it clear the time period II co—s. we recommended
that the title be changed to: What,,,, County Comprehensive Solid and Hazardous Waste
Mgnaaea i Plan - 2022 to 2027,
6. [xecative Summary
Include n Executive Summary.
The County does not believe that an executive summary is a necessary element of the plan.
We suggest including an Execalive Summary at the beginning of the Plan before the Introduction to
-me what the Plan will include and its purpose. The Plan provides some information in Chapter I
fan pa. 61 that, if condensed further, would work well in the Execalive Summary.
7. Glossary
Move the Glossary for clarity.
The glossary has been moved to the front of the plan.
Soclion 2.3.1 Solid Waste Definitions on pg. 23 includes some helpful definitions relevant to Chapter 2.
However, the more comprehensive glosson7 incladed at the end of the Plan would be helpful to include
We suggest moving The Glossary to the begirvling of the document after the Acronyms and
Abbrevlallons section and before the Executive Summary fwhich is a separate rer andation
included in these coma lsf. After making Ihese changes, Section 2.3A Said Waste Definitions would
be redundant and can be removed from the Plan.
8. 01Tdpler 1
Reference Skagit County's Solid Waste Management Plan.
Areference to the Soda-J Counly SWMP has been added to Soclion 15.
In Section 1 1, the Plan addresses its relationship with other Plans. Since parts of Whalcom Coanty (the
The County may consider entering into en ILA with Skagit Counly in fine and-
asternmost portion including Diablo and Newholem) are served by Skagit Counly waste hooter Waste
Management and managed in the Skagit County system, we recommend you reference and provide a
link to Skagil Counly s Said Waste Management Plan (Skagits SWMP).
We also recommend II -I the Plan specifically reference Alternative D in Chapter 9 of Skagit's SWMP
toted Io regional opportunities. Skagit, SWMP discusses entering into an interlocal agreement with
What—, County for the Diablo and Newhalem area to be included in the Skagit County solid waste
system,. Skagit's SWMP presents the gd-Mtge, and disadvantoges related to IN, Alternative option.
and it would be helpful to reference this langeoge in the Plan and include Whotcom Coanty's
pe"Pective
9. Appendix
Include SWAC Bylaws and evidence of SWAC palncipanon.
The SWAC bylaws and meeting minutes are included as Appendix E to the plan.
Ecology rscornmands that the Counly show the Plan was developed with the active assistance and
pericipolion of a local SWAC. Although Ecology did receive documentation of meeting minales when
It,, Pre!,mir—y Plan was submilled, we atonal receive the SWAC Bylaws and they are not included in
the Plan. We suggest the docun'Ientalion of meeting m nines be included as an Appendix along with
the SWAC Bylaws and the Resolution establishing the SWAC.
10. Chopler x
Reference the sunsetling of the LightRecycle program in the Plan
Reference to the UghtRecycle program has been added to Soclion 3_I.1_
The Lightencycle producl stewardship law will likely end in July 2026. We recommend including
ough e that addresses this likely change. Some sample draft language and additioncl guidance on
Ihis topic can be found here.
WHATCONI C— TY CO1IPPD1aJSIVF. S OLID ."to HAZARDOUS VIASTE I.IANAG MEIET PLAID
Appendix H
Response to Comments
Comment No. and Category/Plan Section Comment
Response
11. Multiple Sections
A. Inclusion of Lummi end Nooksack tribes in Planning efforts.
A descript]on of the Lummi Nation and Nooksack Tribe involvement in the planning process hest —
Ecology s planning guidelines broadly encourage inclusion of l6r al reservations in Planning Areas.
added to Seclion 1.3_ -
Beyond ensuring filet at solid waste services within the Planning area are described in the Plan, some
-
benefits of iocludioa Iribes in Planning efforts include slrenglhening The relationship between Whatcon,
County and the Tribes. identifying oppod—ities to belle, coordinate services, and expanding
-
opporfunilies for grant funding. We recommend including a section and/or mcom—ndolion in Ch. 3, 1,
5, or 9 that encompasses how Whalcom County collaborates for intends To collgboralei with Lummi and
Nooksack tubes in Planning efforts. Here are some examples of how tribal nations are ddressed in other
SWMPs: Mips://ecy,,pp,box.com/file/972212077848
B. In addition, p land acknawledaomeni created in collaboration with the local tribes would be a strong
A land acknowledgment statement has been added to Seclion 2_1.
element to inclvdo in The Plan, .,included as a recommendation to consider in the next Plan update.
For example, in the draft Tacoma -Pierce Courtly Plan, They acknowledge that Pierce County has for
hous—dis of years been the fratlilional land of many Libel nations. This i, just one of a few ex mples of
unties who are loce,poraling an environmental justice perspective into Iheir plans.
12. Multiple Seclion,
Equity and environmental justice c mide,efions-
The County will discuss this os pall of If,,, planning atoll for the next plan update_
We recammend providing -no information obouf socioeconomic indicators that can be used to
support NJhglcom Counfy's solid waste goals, specifically related to education and outreach gaps
idenfifiod in Ch. 3, T, and 5.
According to the EJSCREEIJ tool, which you can read more about here, a significant percentage 1809 or
higher) of the population in ports of Whalcom County identify as low income, elderly, unemployed.
and/or having less Ihon o high school education. There is also a high percentage of children under file
age of 5 in many are., of Whalcom County, which is important to consider when developing equitohle
stakeholder ong,ge,moul sibLeales. Far example, are public meetings held at a lime suitable for parents
and c ,et,k,,,? Theo are all bowlers to accessing serace, and achieving solid waste goals in Whalcom
County. We strongly encourage you to use the EJSCREEPI fool to support recommendations Thal more
imenlionally focus on under-resourcetl areas with underserved populations.
The County could also include a section where existing plans and programs that incorporate
m m ental justice are discussed, such as the current efforts to expand the County rate relief
groo
In addition to the EJSCREEIJ Tool. Ecology has some Equity and Envlronm enfal Justice Resources that can
assist with decision -making around access to services and targeted ed—clion and outreach. Please
foe] free to consult the resources provided in our Box folder:
https://,pp.box.co,-/s/c,93.6f,12n1l—n 9xti1 cgeo7 I wbk64
U Chapter 11
Include a periodic Plan chock -up in your imrplemenfation pion
Language describing on annual reveW of the plan. specifically the goals antl actions, has been
To ensure the Plon is kept in cunenl condition, we, suggest including o recom�mendaliou in Ch.
added to Seclion 11.2.
I 1 to periodi Gaily deform a'Plan check-up" during The Plan', implementation period. We suggest Ihis
be done annually with your SWAC and that you share the results of your checkup with Ecology.
WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREME; ISIVE SOLID AT TO HAp ARDOUS WASTE MAhAGFMENT PLAIT
Appendix H
Response to Comments
Comment No. and Category/Plan Section
Comment
Response
Section 5. Ecology (Minor: Edits)
13. Chapter s, pg. 18
A. "Sail C ervotion Se '— e now known as "USDA Natural Resources Conserval service'.
Addressed in the CSHWMP.
14. Chapter 2, pg. 21
A. We recommend doplayina Table 2-3 Whalcom County Employment Sect— 2017 in descending order
Addressed in the CSHWMP.
Payne, than in no particular order.
75. Chapter 2, pg. 21
A. Pleose link the Whalcom County Comprehensive Plan in Section 2.1 3 Land USA.
Addressed in the CSHWMP.
16. Chapter 2. pg. 22
A. Use of wordsystemasload of "Covnly' is not as intuitive and clear as to who owns the facilities and
Addressed in the CSHWMP.
the County s rote in solid waste management aclia i- over lime. Please refer to 'County" Instead of
system'. or clarify Mat word'system' refers is, the Covnly.
12. Chapter 1, pg. 50
A. In Section 4.1.1. "Collection Serviceec s' h Sary space in the ward "Colltion".
5'nntlue
Addressed in the CSHWMP.
18. Chapter 1. pg. 56-57
A. Pleose link and fiR the misspelling of "the WSRA 2014 report t'Wl d Sorting It Out: The State of
Addressed In the CSHWMP.
,�lulf4omily Recycling in 1va9lington State
19. Chapter 11. pg. I10
A. Chapter 7 I Implcmeniolion Schedule title is misspelled-
Addressed in the CSHWMP.
20. Chapter 9, pg. 89
A. Pleose replace WAC 113.304 and ails, the Solid Waste Handling Standards of WAC 1 ]3-350 instead.
Addressed in the CSHWMP.
which came into effect in 2003.
Notes
C/O = c—h—lion qnd demolition.
the Covnly - Whalcom Covnly,
CSHWMP- hamrdaus
Comprehensive solid antl waste monagem enl plan.
CROP = conlaminalion reduction anU outrearh plan.
Ecology = Washington Stale Department of Eulogy.
N WCAA = NONhwesl Clean Air Agency.
RFP =request for proposal.
U1C =Utilities and Transportalian Commission
N HALCON\ CGUdTY COMPREHET:>'IVE SOLID AND HA/, APDOUS WAST E—NAGEMEM PLAN