Resolution 14-011 Adopts Solid Waste Mgmt Plan CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY
SPOKANE COUNTY,WASHINGTON
RESOLUTION NO. 14-011
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY, SPOKANE COUNTY,
WASHINGTON, ADOPTING THE CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY SOLID WASTE
MANAGEMENT PLAN,AND OTHER MATTERS RELATING THERETO.
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Spokane Regional Solid Waste Management System interlocal
agreement entered into on July 15, 2003, between the City of Spokane Valley, Spokane County, and the
City of Spokane (the "Solid Waste Interlocal"), the City of Spokane Valley (the "City") became part of
the Spokane Regional Solid Waste Management System(the"Spokane Solid Waste System"); and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Solid Waste Interlocal, the Spokane Solid Waste System provided
solid waste transfer,transport, and disposal services for all solid waste generated within the City; and
WHEREAS, the Solid Waste Interlocal was amended by the parties on November 2, 2011 to
terminate at 11:59 PM on November 16, 2014; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to RCW 35.21.152, the City is granted authority to manage, regulate,
maintain, utilize, operate, control and contract for solid waste handling systems, and may contract with
any public or private party to operate publicly or privately owned or operated solid waste handling
systems, and to designate particular publicly or privately owned or operated solid waste handling systems
as disposal facilities; and
WHEREAS, since the amendment to the Solid Waste Interlocal in 2011,the City has researched,
reviewed, and conducted studies on options for solid waste handling of solid waste generated within the
City's boundaries; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to RCW 35.21.120,the City is granted authority to award contracts for any
service related to solid waste handling, including contracts entered into under RCW 35.21.152; and
WHEREAS, at the City Council's meeting on May 27, 2014, the City Council determined to
contract with Sunshine Recyclers, Inc., to provide comprehensive solid waste transfer, transport, and
disposal services for the residents of the City; and
WHEREAS, the City entered into an agreement with Sunshine Recyclers, Inc., dated as of June 4,
2014, to provide comprehensive solid transfer, transport, and disposal services for the residents of the
City(the "Sunshine Solid Waste Services Agreement"); and
WHEREAS, pursuant to RCW 70.95.010, it is the responsibility of local government to assume
primary responsibility for solid waste management within their jurisdictions; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to RCW 70.95.080(3)(a), a city, upon assuming control of solid waste
handling within its jurisdiction, is required to prepare a coordinated, comprehensive solid waste
management plan to be integrated into the comprehensive county plan; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to RCW 70.95.010, the Washington State Legislature has found the
following priorities for the collection, handling, and management of solid waste are necessary and should
be followed in descending priority order as applicable: (1) waste reduction, (2) recycling, with source
separation of recyclable materials as the preferred method, (3) energy recovery, incineration, or landfill of
separated waste, and(4) energy recovery, incineration, or landfill of mixed municipal solid wastes; and
Resolution No. 14-011 Adopting Solid Waste Management Plan Page I of 3
WHEREAS, pursuant to RCW 70.95.080(1), each solid waste management plan shall consider
and plan for the following handling methods or services: (1) source separation of recyclable materials and
products, organic materials, and wastes by generators, (2) collection of source separated materials, (3)
handling and proper preparation of materials for reuse or recycling, (4) handling and proper preparation of
organic materials for composting or anaerobic digestion, and (5) handling and proper disposal of
nonrecyclable wastes; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to RCW 70.95.080(2), after June 10, 2010, each local comprehensive solid
waste management plan shall, at a minimum, consider methods to address the following: (1) construction
and demolition waste for recycling or reuse, (2) organic material including yard debris, food waste, and
food contaminated paper products for composting or anaerobic digestion, (3) recoverable paper products
for recycling, (4) metals, glass, and plastics for recycling, and (5) waste reduction strategies; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to RCW 70.95.010 and RCW 70.95.080, the City prepared a draft
comprehensive solid waste management plan and took public comment on the draft plan by, (I) posting
the draft plan on the City's website and accepting comments electronically, (2) placing a copy of the draft
plan at the Spokane Valley Library, (3) making a copy of the draft plan available at City Hall, (4)
conducting a public open house on July 31, 2014, and (5) accepting public comment at the regular
meeting of the City Council on November 4, 2014; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to chapter 43.21C RCW and chapter 21.20 Spokane Valley Municipal
Code (SVMC), the City conducted a SEPA review of the draft plan and made a determination of
nonsignificance; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to RCW 70.95.094, the City provided the draft plan to the Washington
Department of Ecology ("Ecology") for review on July 17, 2014; and
WHEREAS, Ecology provided comments to the City on the draft plan on August 21, 2014; and
WHEREAS, the City has considered the comments from Ecology and those received from the
public and incorporated necessary changes into the draft plan; and
WHEREAS, the City desires to designate the Sunshine Transfer and Disposal Station located at
2405 North University Road, Spokane Valley, as the Spokane Valley University Transfer Station, which
shall be open to use by all residents of the City and the solid waste collection companies collecting solid
waste within the City pursuant to the terms of the Sunshine Solid Waste Services Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the City Council determines that adoption and implementation of the final Spokane
Valley Solid Waste Management Plan is in the best interest for the public health, safety, welfare and
environment for the City and its residents; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to adopt and implement the final Spokane Valley Solid
Waste Management Plan effective as of November 17, 2014; and
WHEREAS, the City Council determines that existing State laws and regulations, existing
Spokane County Regional Health District regulations, existing City regulations, the Sunshine Solid Waste
Services Agreement, and the City's anticipated contracts for solid waste collection services with Waste
Management of Washington and Sunshine Disposal, Inc. are sufficient to fully implement the final
Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan as of November 17,2014.
NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Spokane Valley, Spokane
County, Washington, as follows:
Resolution No. 14-011 Adopting Solid Waste Management Plan Page 2 of 3
Section 1. Designated Transfer Station. The City Council hereby designates the Sunshine
Transfer and Disposal Station located at 2405 North University Road, Spokane Valley, as the Spokane
Valley University Transfer Station and as the City's designated disposal system, which is owned and
operated by Sunshine Recyclers, Inc., and which shall be open to use by all City residents and the solid
waste collection companies collecting solid waste within the City. Sunshine Recyclers, Inc. shall
provide solid waste transfer, transport, and disposal services at the Spokane Valley University Transfer
Station to the residents of the City and solid waste collection companies pursuant to the Sunshine Solid
Waste Services Agreement.
Section 2. Solid Waste Plan Adopted. The City Council hereby adopts the Spokane Valley
Solid Waste Management Plan(the "Solid Waste Management Plan"), attached hereto as Exhibit"A" and
incorporated herein by reference. The City Council hereby authorizes the City Manager to take all
actions necessary within his authority to implement the Solid Waste Management Plan, including, but not
limited to, finalizing and submitting the Solid Waste Management Plan to the Washington Department of
Ecology for final approval and to Spokane County for inclusion within Spokane County's comprehensive
solid waste management plan.
Section 4. Applicability of Law. The City Council hereby finds and determines that as of
the date of this Resolution, existing State laws and regulations, existing Spokane County Regional Health
District regulations, existing City regulations, the Sunshine Solid Waste Services Agreement, and the
City's anticipated contracts for solid waste collection services with Waste Management of Washington
and Sunshine Disposal, Inc. are sufficient to fully implement the final Solid Waste Management Plan as
of November 17, 2014.
Section 3. Effective Date. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect November 17,
2014.
Approved this 4th day of November, 2014.
ATTEST CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY
Christine Bainbridge, City Clerk Dean Grafos, Mayor
Approved as to form:
J/
Office o(.he City orney
Resolution No. 14-011 Adopting Solid Waste Management Plan Page 3 of 3
spoka�`
4•••0 'Valley .
SPOKANE VALLEY
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
PLAN
REVISED PLAN
SEPTEMBER 2014
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• GREEN SOLUTIONS
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING
SPOKANE VALLEY
SOLID WASTE
MANAGEMENT PLAN
REVISED PLAN
SEPTEMBER 2014
Prepared by:
Green Solutions
PO Box 680
South Prairie, WA 98385
rick@green-soiutions.biz
(360) 897-9533
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Executive Summary
Introduction E-1
Overview of Recommendations E-1
Waste Reduction Recommendations E-2
Recycling and Organics Recommendations E-3
Solid Waste Collection Recommendations E-3
Transfer and Disposal Recommendations E-3
Special Waste Recommendations E-4
Administration Recommendations E-4
Implementation Details for the Recommendations E-5
1 Introduction
1 .1 Purpose 1-1
1.2 Planning Area 1-1
1.3 Planning Authority 1-1
1.4 Required Plan Elements 1-1
1 .5 Planning Goals 1-2
1 .6 Solid Waste Planning History 1-3
1 .7 Relationship to Other Plans 1-3
1 .8 Public Participation in the Planning Process 1-4
2 Background of the Planning Area
2.1 Introduction 2-1
2.2 Demographics 2-1
2.3 Economy 2-2
2.4 Criteria for Siting Disposal Facilities in the Planning Area 2-4
2.5 Current Waste Generation 2-4
3 Waste Reduction
3.1 Existing Waste Reduction Activities 3-1
3.2 Waste Reduction Planning Issues 3-2
3.3 Alternative Waste Reduction Strategies 3-3
3.4 Evaluation of Waste Reduction Alternatives 3-8
3.5 Waste Reduction Recommendations 3-9
Spokane Valley Solid Waste Management Plan i Table of Contents
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4 Recycling and Organics Collection
4.1 Existing Recycling and Organics Programs 4-1
4.2 Designation of Recyclable Materials 4-6
4.3 Planning Issues for Recycling and Organics 4-8
4.4 Alternative Recycling and Organics Strategies 4-8
4.5 Evaluation of Recycling and Organics Alternatives 4-9
4.6 Recycling and Organics Recommendations 4-11
5 Solid Waste Collection
5.1 Existing Waste Collection Activities 5-1
5.2 Waste Collection Future Planning 5-3
5.3 Alternative Waste Collection Strategies 5-3
5.4 Evaluation of Waste Collection Alternatives 5-4
5.5 Waste Collection Recommendations 5-5
6 Transfer and Disposal
6.1 Existing Transfer and Disposal Activities 6-1
6.2 Transfer and Disposal Planning Issues 6-3
6.3 Alternative Transfer and Disposal Strategies 6-3
6.4 Transfer and Disposal Recommendations 6-4
7 Special Wastes
7.1 Introduction 7-1
7.2 Asbestos 7-1
7.3 Biomedical Wastes 7-2
7.4 Construction and Demolition Wastes 7-4
7.5 Moderate-Risk Wastes 7-6
7.6 Street Sweepings and Vactor Wastes 7-10
7.7 Evaluation of Special Waste Alternatives 7-11
7.8 Special Waste Recommendations 7-12
8 Administration
8.1 Existing Administration Activities 8-1
8.2 Administration Planning Issues 8-3
8.3 Alternative Administration Strategies 8-4
8.4 Evaluation of Administration Alternatives 8-4
8.5 Administration Recommendations 8-5
Spokane Valley Solid Waste Management Plan ii Table of Contents
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9 Implementation Plan
9.1 Introduction 9-1
9.2 Waste Reduction Recommendations 9-1
9.3 Recycling and Organics Recommendations 9-2
9.4 Solid Waste Collection Recommendations 9-2
9.5 Transfer and Disposal Recommendations 9-2
9.6 Special Waste Recommendations 9-3
9.7 Administration Recommendations 9-3
9.8 Six-Year Implementation Schedule 9-3
9.9 Implementation Responsibilities 9-5
9.10 Funding Strategy 9-6
9.11 Twenty-Year Implementation Schedule 9-6
9.12 Procedures for Amending the Plan 9-7
Attachments
Glossary
A. Environmental Checklist
B. Resolution of Adoption
LIST OF TABLES
Executive Summary
E-1 , Implementation Summary for Recommendations E-6
2 Background of the Planning Area
2-1, Population of Spokane Valley 2-1
2-2, Size of Businesses in Spokane Valley 2-3
2-3, Types of Businesses in Spokane Valley 2-3
2-4, Estimated Composition of Solid Waste Disposed
in Spokane Valley 2-6
2-5, Recycled and Diverted Materials 2-7
2-6, Projected Solid Waste and Recycling Quantities
for Spokane Valley 2-8
3 Waste Reduction
3-1 , Rating of the Waste Reduction Alternatives 3-9
Spokane Valley Solid Waste Management Plan iii Table of Contents
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List of Tables, continued
4 Recycling and Organics Collection
4-1 , Materials Collected for Recycling by Waste Management 4-3
4-2, List of Designated Recyclable Materials 4-7
4-3, Rating of the Recycling and Organics Alternatives 4-10
5 Solid Waste Collection
5-1 , Waste Collection Service Providers in Spokane Valley 5-1
5-2, Rating of the Waste Collection Alternatives 5-5
6 Transfer and Disposal
6-1, Preliminary Cost Analysis for Regional System 6-4
6-2, Rating of the Transfer and Disposal Alternatives 6-6
7 Special Wastes
7-1 , Rating of the Special Waste Alternatives 7-12
8 Administration
8-1 , Rating of the Administration. Alternatives 8-5
9 Implementation Plan
9-1, Implementation Schedule for Recommendations 9-4
9-2, Implementation Responsibilities for Recommendations 9-5
9-3, Funding Strategies for Recommendations 9-6
LIST OF FIGURES
2 Background of the Planning Area
2-1, Population Distribution for Spokane Valley 2-2
4 Recycling and Organics Collection
4-1, Price Paid for Baled Aluminum Cans 4-5
4-2, Prices Paid for Select Recyclable Materials 4-5
6 Transfer and Disposal
6-1 , Solid Waste Facilities in Spokane Valley 6-2
Spokane Valley Solid Waste Management Plan iv Table of Contents
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY for the
SPOKANE VALLEY SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN
INTRODUCTION
The Spokane Valley Solid Waste Management Plan (the "Plan") is intended to provide
guidance for the solid waste system in the City of Spokane Valley. The solid waste
system includes garbage collection and disposal, and programs for waste reduction,
recycling, organics, special wastes and the administration of these programs. This Plan
is intended to provide guidance on program development and implementation for
these activities for the next five to six years,while also attempting to anticipate the
needs of the solid waste system 20 years from now.
State law (Chapter 70.95 RCW) provides the authority for the City to adopt this Plan
and also lists the requirements for the contents of the Plan. In preparing this Plan, the
City is exercising its authority to "prepare and deliver to the county auditor of the
county in which it is located its plan for its own solid waste management for integration
into the comprehensive county plan" (RCW 70.95.080).
OVERVIEW OF RECOMMENDATIONS
The most significant recommendations in this Plan deal with the new programs and
activities that will be necessary for the City of Spokane Valley to create its solid waste
system. The City recently contracted with Sunshine Recyclers, Inc. ("Sunshine"1) to
provide solid waste transfer, transport, and disposal services for the City. This Plan
designates the Sunshine Disposal & Recycling Transfer Station ("Sunshine Transfer
Station") as the disposal facility for all solid waste from the City. An administrative fee
paid by that facility will provide funding for the public education and other additional
activities that the City will need to perform in support of the new system.
This Plan also incorporates the changes resulting from the contracts with the waste
haulers in the City (Waste Management and Sunshine Disposal). The process of
contracting for waste collection services was already underway before the development
of this Plan, and is a logical step for the City to take to ensure the appropriate services
for their residents and businesses.
' Sunshine Recyclers, Inc. operates a number of businesses providing transfer, disposal, and
collection services. For the purposes of this Plan, "Sunshine" refers to that entity providing
transfer,transport, and disposal services to the City pursuant to its recent contract,while
"Sunshine Disposal" refers to the entity providing solid waste and recycling collection services.
Spokane Valley Solid Waste Management Plan E-1 Executive Summary
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All of the recommendations made in this Plan are listed below and are also summarized
in Table E-1. Note that the recommendations are not listed in any particular order
within each group (for instance, the three high-priority recommendations shown for
waste reduction are not listed in any particular order, such as schedule or cost, within
that group).
WASTE REDUCTION RECOMMENDATIONS
The following recommendations are being made for waste reduction programs (see
Chapter 3 of the Plan for more details):
High-Priority Recommendations
WR1) The City of Spokane Valley will evaluate product stewardship programs as
these are proposed on a statewide or national level, and support those if
appropriate to the interests of their citizens and the business community.
WR2) The business community in Spokane Valley may be encouraged to reduce
waste through a recognition program that publicizes success stories.
WR3) The City of Spokane Valley will adopt policies and practices to encourage
City departments to reduce waste.
WR4) Round-up events should be conducted at least annually by the City of
Spokane Valley.
Medium-Priority Recommendations
WR5) Public education materials distributed by the City of Spokane Valley will
include information on alternative handling methods for yard waste, the
value of "smart shopping" methods, how to avoid wasting food, and the
availability of volume-based garbage collection fees.
Low-Priority Recommendations
WR6) A ban on the disposal of yard waste within solid waste disposal containers
may be considered in the future if public education and outreach efforts are
not effective in diverting most of this material from the waste stream.
Spokane Valley Solid Waste Management Plan E-2 Executive Summary
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RECYCLING AND ORGANICS RECOMMENDATIONS
The following recommendations are being made for recycling and organics collection
programs (see Chapter 4 for more details):
High-Priority Recommendations
R1) Curbside recycling will continue to be included with garbage collection services
for residential customers in Spokane Valley.
R2) City residents and businesses will be encouraged to use the Sunshine Transfer
Station for yard waste and organics ("Clean Green") drop-off services.
Medium-Priority Recommendations
R3) Weekly curbside recycling will be evaluated as part of the waste collection
system changes expected to be implemented by Spokane Valley in 2018.
SOLID WASTE COLLECTION RECOMMENDATIONS
The following recommendations are being made for waste collection programs (see
Chapter 5 for more details):
High-Priority Recommendations
C1) When the City fully assumes control of collection services, anticipated to be in
2018, various options will be considered for providers and service levels,
including negotiating versus bidding for haulers and collection frequency for
recycling.
Medium-Priority Recommendations
C2) Educate the public on the benefits of curbside collection services and the
comprehensive costs related to self-haul to transfer station.
TRANSFER AND DISPOSAL RECOMMENDATIONS
Pursuant to the City's agreement with Sunshine Recyclers, Inc., the following
recommendation is being made for transfer and disposal programs (see Chapter 6 for
more details):
Spokane Valley Solid Waste Management Plan E-3 Executive Summary
by Green Solutions
High-Priority Recommendations
D1) The Sunshine Transfer Station is designated as the disposal system for all solid
waste from Spokane Valley, effective November 17, 2014.
SPECIAL WASTE RECOMMENDATIONS
The following recommendations are being made for special waste programs (see
Chapter 7 for more details):
High-Priority Recommendations
SW1) Proper disposal options for residential sharps (syringes) will be promoted
through a cooperative effort between the City of Spokane Valley, the Spokane
Regional Health District ("Health District"), and the waste collectors.
SW2) Green building practices will be promoted by distributing brochures and
publicizing other sources of information.
SW3) City residents will be encouraged to use the Sunshine Transfer Station for
household hazardous wastes.
SW4) Sunshine Recyclers should consider providing MRW disposal services to
businesses (CESQGs) in the future.
ADMINISTRATION RECOMMENDATIONS
The following recommendations are being made for administration programs (see
Chapter 8 for more details):
High-Priority Recommendations
Al) The additional services and programs needed by the City to support the City's
solid waste system will be performed by contracted services to the extent feasible
and appropriate. Existing City staff will be used to monitor the contracts and
programs for solid waste in the City of Spokane Valley.
Medium-Priority Recommendations
A2) The additional funds needed to implement the City's solid waste system will be
collected through surcharges on tipping fees collected at the Sunshine Transfer
Station.
Spokane Valley Solid Waste Management Plan E-4 Executive Summary
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IMPLEMENTATION DETAILS FOR THE RECOMMENDATIONS
Table E-1 shows a summary of the recommendations, including the following
information:
• Lead agency (or company): each recommendation requires an agency or company
to verify that it is implemented in a timely fashion. The City of Spokane Valley is
the lead agency for most of the recommendations, but in some cases this
responsibility is shared with other parties.
• Priority: the level of priority is shown for each recommendation in case limited
resources should prevent the implementation of all of the recommendations in the
future.
• Cost: cost information is shown where available, and the cost figures shown are
only the costs to the City. In some cases, there may be additional costs to others in
terms of user fees and other expenses. For many of the recommendations, the
primary expense is staff time.
• Funding sources: the proposed source(s) of the funds to pay for recommended
activities is shown in the last column of Table E-1. The funding source for several of
the recommendations is shown as "Fee/CPG," which is an abbreviated way of
saying that the funds would come from the fees charged to Sunshine (the
administrative fee and the right-of-way maintenance fee, collectively referred to as a
"disposal surcharge" throughout this Plan) and/or Coordinated Prevention Grant
("CPG") funds when those become available to the City in mid-2015.
Additional details for most of the recommendations can be found in the appropriate
chapters of this Plan. The recommendations are numbered according to the chapter
where they are discussed for easier cross-referencing to other parts of the Plan.
Recommendation #WR1, for instance, is the first recommendation shown in the Waste
Reduction chapter (Chapter 3). Note that many of the recommendations are shown in
an abbreviated form in Table E-1 due to space constraints.
Spokane Valley Solid Waste Management Plan E-5 Executive Summary
by Green Solutions
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CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
1 . 1 . PURPOSE
This Plan is intended to guide the solid waste system in the City of Spokane Valley.
The City's solid waste system (the "City's System") includes garbage collection and
disposal, as well as programs for waste reduction, recycling, organics, special wastes,
and for the administration of these programs. This Plan is intended to provide
guidance for the implementation of the City's System for the next five to six years, while
also attempting to anticipate the needs of the City's System for the next 20 years.
1 .2. PLANNING AREA
This Plan primarily addresses programs and activities for the incorporated area of the
City of Spokane Valley, although a few of the activities extend beyond City limits.
There are no known Tribal properties in the City,but there are eighteen federally-
owned properties that could potentially choose to manage their solid waste separately
from the City's System. The federal properties range in size from 0.15 to 21.1 acres.
Figure 6-1 shows a map of Spokane Valley and local solid waste facilities.
1 .3 . PLANNING AUTHORITY
State law (Chapter 70.95 RCW) provides the authority for the City to develop and
implement this Plan. In preparing this Plan, the City is exercising its authority to
"prepare and deliver to the county auditor of the county in which it is located its plan
for its own solid waste management for integration into the comprehensive county
plan" (RCW 70.95.080(3)(a)).
1 .4. REQUIRED PLAN ELEMENTS
RCW 70.95.090 establishes requirements for solid waste management plans. These
requirements include the following elements:
• An inventory and description of existing solid waste handling facilities including
any deficiencies in meeting current needs.
• The projected 20-year needs for solid waste handling facilities.
• A program for the development of solid waste handling facilities that meets all laws
and regulations, takes into account comprehensive land use plans, contains a six-
Spokane Valley Solid Waste Management Plan 1-1 Chapter 1:Introduction
by Green Solutions
year construction and capital acquisition program, and contains a plan for financing
the capital costs and operational expenses of the proposed solid waste system.
• A program for surveillance and control (to avoid or mitigate the negative impacts of
improper waste handling).
• An inventory and description of solid waste collection operations, including the
identification of collection franchise holders, municipal operations, population
densities by service area, and the projected waste collection needs for six years.
• A comprehensive waste reduction and recycling element that provides programs to
reduce the amount of wastes generated, provides mechanisms and incentives for
source separation, and establishes recycling opportunities.
• A review of potential areas that meet the criteria for land disposal facilities (RCW
70.95.165).
1 .5 . PLANNING GOALS
The goal of this Plan is to develop and maintain a solid waste management system that
protects public health and the environment in a cost-effective manner. The specific
goals of this Plan are to:
• Ensure convenient and reliable services for managing solid waste.
• Promote the use of innovative and economical waste handling methods.
• Encourage public-private partnerships where possible.
• Emphasize waste reduction as a fundamental management strategy.
• Encourage the recovery of marketable resources from solid waste.
• Assist the State in maintaining its goal of a 50 percent recycling rate.
• Ensure compliance with state and local solid and moderate-risk waste regulations.
• Assist those who sell and use products containing hazardous ingredients to
minimize risks to public health and the environment.
• Provide customers information and education to promote recommended waste
management practices.
• Support the State's Beyond Waste goals, especially for the five key initiatives:
increased diversion of organic materials; increased use of green building methods;
improved management of small-volume hazardous wastes; improved management
of industrial wastes; and measuring progress.
One of the six major goals of the Spokane Valley City Council for 2014 is to "implement
solid waste alternatives for collection, transport and disposal in the best interest of the
City of Spokane Valley."
Spokane Valley Solid Waste Management Plan 1-2 Chapter 1:Introduction
by Green Solutions
1 .6. SOLID WASTE PLANNING HISTORY
The City of Spokane Valley was incorporated in 2003. Since that time, representatives
of the City have participated in the Spokane County solid waste plan through an
Interlocal Agreement effective July 15, 2003 through November 16, 2014. Since 2003,
City representatives have participated in planning efforts through membership on the
Spokane County Solid Waste Advisory Committee ("SWAC") and the Spokane
Regional Solid Waste Liaison Board. Both of these groups were instrumental in the
review and adoption of the Spokane County 2009 Comprehensive Solid Waste Management
Plan.
1 . 7 . RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER PLANS
This Plan is designed to be consistent with a number of other plans. The most
significant of these plans are described below.
Spokane County Solid Waste Management Plan
To date, the City of Spokane Valley has participated in the development of the Spokane
County 2009 Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan and has implemented programs
consistent with that plan. Hence, the City is starting this planning process from a point
that is consistent with the Spokane County plan. While future programs in the City
may diverge from the County programs, the use of regional service providers and
facilities will help ensure consistency for most programs.
Washington State Solid Waste Management Plan
In 2004, the Washington State Department of Ecology ("Ecology") prepared a statewide
solid waste management plan, commonly referred to as the "Beyond Waste Plan." The
Beyond Waste Plan adopted a vision that states that society can transition to a point
where waste is viewed as inefficient and most wastes have been eliminated. This
transition is expected to take 20 to 30 years or more. In the short term, the Beyond
Waste Plan recommends actions that can be undertaken to achieve specific goals in five
areas:
• Increased diversion of organic materials;
• Increased use of green building methods;
• Improved management of small-volume hazardous wastes;
• Improved management of industrial wastes; and
• Measuring progress.
The Beyond Waste Plan was updated in 2009 to refine the goals and recommendations
of the 2004 plan. The 2009 update also addressed additional solid and hazardous waste
Spokane Valley Solid Waste Management Plan 1-3 Chapter 1:Introduction
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issues. The Beyond Waste Plan is discussed in greater detail in several sections of this
Plan as appropriate to the topics in each chapter.
City Comprehensive Plan
The Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan ("SVCP") provides a 20-year vision for the future
of Spokane Valley. The vision statement adopted by the SVCP is that Spokane Valley
will be "a community of opportunity where individuals and families can grow and play
and businesses will flourish and prosper." The SVCP was adopted April 25, 2006, and
revisions to the SVCP are considered annually. The SVCP provides a significant
amount of detail for policies and programs for related topics (land use, transportation,
utilities, etc.), and as such it should be considered to have precedence over this Plan in
those matters. Programs proposed in this Plan, especially those that might impact
capital facilities, land use and transportation, should be checked against the SVCP to
ensure consistency.
1 .8 . PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN THE PLANNING PROCESS
The City conducted a public input process for the review of the draft Plan from mid-
July to August 31, 2014. When the draft Plan was released in July, a digital copy was
placed on the City's website and hard copies were placed at the City Clerk's office and
at the public library. Notices were provided to City residents and businesses as to the
availability of the draft Plan and the process for providing comments. The public also
had an opportunity to comment on this Plan at an open house/public meeting
conducted on July 31 for the specific purpose of receiving public input, as well as
through the SEPA review process. Comments could also be submitted through the
City's website, www.spokanevalley.org. Despite these opportunities, no public
comments were received on the draft Plan. Comments were received on the draft Plan
from Ecology on August 25, 014. Revisions have been made in this Plan in response to
Ecology's comments.
The City will use its standard adoption process for the final Plan. This process includes
three steps: an informational memo to the City Council, an administrative report and
work session, and a formal meeting where the Plan will be approved and adopted.
Public comment will be accepted at the formal meeting of the City Council prior to
adoption, which is anticipated to occur in November 2014. The City will also provide
additional opportunity for public comment prior to consideration of the Plan by City
Council.
Spokane Valley Solid Waste Management Plan 1-4 Chapter 1: Introduction
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CHAPTER 2
BACKGROUND OF THE PLANNING AREA
2. 1 . INTRODUCTION
This chapter of the Plan provides basic information that is used in later chapters,
including information on demographics, economic factors, and the amount and
composition of waste generated in the City. It also discusses the criteria for siting
disposal facilities (landfill or incinerator) in the City.
2.2 . DEMOGRAPHICS
Total Population
The population of Spokane Valley has increased steadily since the City's incorporation
in 2003 (see Table 2-1). Based on population, Spokane Valley is the tenth largest city in
Washington State, and it is more populated than two-thirds (26 out of 39) of the
counties in Washington State.
Table 2-1
Population of Spokane Valley
Year Total Population Annual Increase
2003 82,985 0.5%
2004 83,436 0.5%
2005 84,465 1.2%
2006 86,601 2.5%
2007 87,894 1.5%
2008 88,513 0.7%
2009 88,969 0.5%
2010 89,755 0.9%
2011 90,110 0.4%
2012 90,550 0.5%
2013 91,490 1.0%
Projected Figures
2014 92,600 1.2%
2020 96,657 0.7%
2025 100,175 0.7%
2030 103,820 0.7%
Source: Data for 2003-2013 is from the Washington Office of Financial Management (OFM).
Data for 2014 through 2030 is from the Spokane Valley Planning Division.
Spokane Valley Solid Waste Management Plan 2-1 Chapter 2: Background of the Planning Area
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Housing
Based on the most recent census, in 2010 there were 89,755 people occupying 36,558
households. There were another 2,293 households that were vacant at that time. Over
half (62%) of the households were owner-occupied. Two-thirds (67.4%) of the housing
in 2010 was single-family homes, with another 5.0% in duplexes through quadplexes,
21.4% in multi-family units (five or more units per building), and 6.2% in mobile homes.
Age of Population
The population distribution for Spokane Valley according to age is illustrated in Figure
2-1. Compared to the age distribution for Washington State, Spokane Valley's
population contains a slightly higher percentage of young children (ages 0-4), slightly
fewer middle-aged residents (ages 30-44), and a slightly higher percentage of senior
citizens (ages 65 and up).
Figure 2-1
Population Distribution for Spokane Valley
8.0%
7.0%
m 6.0%
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2
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3 0% --Washington
State
a 2 0%
1.0% ®Spokane Valley
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rn rn d1 rn a, 4 rn 7A FA 1 rn d rn +
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Age Groups
Sources: Data is from the Washington Office of Financial Management(OFM).
2.3 . ECONOMY
The City of Spokane Valley has a stable business environment and recognizes the
importance of businesses in providing a strong local economy. The City provides
relatively more assistance to businesses than other areas, especially in permitting new
businesses and developing new sites. The City has a large industrial park (one of the
Spokane Valley Solid Waste Management Plan 2-2 Chapter 2: Background of the Planning Area
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largest industrial parks in the country). Tables 2-2 and 2-3 show basic information
about businesses in Spokane Valley. For Table 2-3, this information is organized
according to Standard Industrial Classification ("SIC") codes, which is a federal system
of organizing businesses by type of activity.
Table 2-2
Size of Businesses in Spokane Valley (2013)
Business Size Number of Percentage
Businesses
1-4 Employees 2,754 58.3%
5-9 Employees 909 19.2%
10-19 Employees 496 10.5%
20-49 Employees 361 7.6%
50-99 Employees 121 2.6%
100-249 Employees 69 1.5%
250-499 Employees 10 0.2%
500-999 Employees 4 0.1%
1,000+ Employees 1 0.02%
Total 4,725
Source: Data is from the Spokane Regional Site Selector and is for 2013.
Table 2-3
Types of Businesses in Spokane Valley (2013)
Business Type Number of Percentage
Employees
Agricultural, Forestry and Fishing (SIC 1-9) 640 1.2%
Mining (SIC 10-14) 50 0.1%
Construction (SIC 15-17) 2,647 5.1%
Manufacturing (SIC 20-39) 5,825 11.1%
Transportation and Communications (SIC 40-49) 3,187 6.1%
Wholesale Trade (SIC 50-51) 4,045 7.7%
Retail Trade (SIC 52-59) 12,820 24.5%
Finance, Insurance, and Real Estate (SIC 60-69) 2,599 5.0%
Services (SIC 70-89) 19,146 36.6%
Public Administration (SIC 90-98) 1,189 2.3%
Unclassified (SIC 99) 210 0.4%
Total 52,359
Source: Data is from the Spokane Regional Site Selector and is for 2013.
SIC = Standard Industrial Classification.
Spokane Valley Solid Waste Management Plan 2-3 Chapter 2: Background of the Planning Area
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2.4. CRITERIA FOR SITING DISPOSAL FACILITIES IN THE
PLANNING AREA
The minimum required contents for a solid waste management plan include "a review
of potential areas that meet the criteria for land disposal facilities" (RCW 70.95.090).
These criteria are listed in a different section of State law, RCW 70.95.165,which refers
to solid waste disposal facility siting, and include:
(a) Geology (g) Cover material
(b) Groundwater (h) Capacity
(c) Soil (i) Climatic factors
(d) Flooding (j) Land use
(e) Surface water (k) Toxic air emissions
(f) Slope (1) Other factors determined by Ecology
Reviewing the siting factors in a solid waste management plan being prepared for a
county, which would have a larger land area and potential landfill sites located away
from urban areas, is more meaningful than addressing these criteria in this Plan. The
area addressed by this Plan consists of only 38.2 square miles and has a population
density of 2,394 people per square mile, making it highly unlikely that a solid waste
disposal facility would be sited in the area. In addition, one of the standards adopted
by Ecology prohibits the siting of MSW or limited purpose landfills over federally-
designated sole source aquifers. The City of Spokane Valley is located over the Spokane
Valley-Rathdrum Aquifer, which has been designated as a sole source aquifer. Hence,
no new or expanded MSW or limited purpose landfills may be sited in Spokane Valley.
Other types of land disposal facilities, such as land application sites, piles, and surface
impoundments, might be possible in the planning area, but the specific factors that
affect the siting of these types of facilities vary widely and will need to be reviewed at
the time a specific proposal is being considered.
2.5. CURRENT WASTE GENERATION
The current amount of waste generated in the City of Spokane Valley is estimated at
55,540 tons per year (see Table 2-5). This estimate includes residential and commercial
waste quantities collected by the two waste collection companies currently active in the
City, as well as the amounts "self-hauled"2 by residents and businesses to a transfer
station. There is no data specific to Spokane Valley for the composition of this waste or
2 "Self-haul" is the term used for the practice of a waste generator (the person or company that created
the waste)to haul their own waste to a transfer station or other disposal facility. This is a common
practice for construction contractors, for instance, and in Spokane Valley there are also a significant
number of residents who choose to use this method rather than subscribe to garbage collection services.
Spokane Valley Solid Waste Management Plan 2-4 Chapter 2:Background of the Planning Area
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for the amounts of recyclable and compostable materials that are collected from the
City, but the following sections describe the best available information for these.
Composition of Spokane Valley's Solid Waste
Table 2-4 shows the estimated composition of the solid wastes disposed from Spokane
Valley. These figures are provided for planning purposes and are based on data
developed for a 12-county area in eastern Washington State. These figures can be used
together with the waste disposal estimate of 55,540 tons per year to provide estimates
for the amounts of specific materials disposed annually (as shown in the last column of
Table 2-4).
Amount of Recyclable Materials Collected from Spokane Valley
Ecology conducts an annual survey of the amount of materials collected for recycling
and composting in Washington State. This survey includes amounts collected through
curbside recycling programs and also commercial and special collections for a wide
variety of materials. Ecology can provide this data for each county,but the data is not
available on a city-by-city basis. Prorating the data for Spokane County appears to be
the best available source of data on how much recycling is currently conducted in
Spokane Valley.
Since 1999, Ecology has also collected data on the amount of "diverted" materials,
which are materials that are diverted from disposal to beneficial uses that are not
defined as recycling. Examples of diverted materials include asphalt and concrete that
are recycled (these materials are not included in the definition of recycling) and wood
waste burned for energy (incineration is also not defined as recycling).
Table 2-5 shows the most recent recycling data for Spokane County (2012) and prorated
figures for Spokane Valley based on the City's share of the County's population (19.0%
in 2012). Table 2-5 uses a prorated share (55,540 tons) of the total solid waste amount
for the County in order to provide a consistent analysis here. This figure is often called
"MSW" (municipal solid waste), which does not include some types of industrial and
other wastes. Construction and demolition ("C&D") wastes are also not generally
included in MSW, although some amount of this is actually included in the MSW
figures (to the extent that these materials are being handled as part of the regular waste
stream and not being disposed at special facilities such as inert waste or limited
purpose landfills). Industrial and C&D wastes are the primary sources of the amounts
shown as "non-MSW disposed" in Table 2-5.
As indicated in Table 2-5, the amount of waste "generated" includes both the waste
disposed plus the amount recycled or diverted. Figures are provided in Table 2-5 for
both MSW and also for the broader waste stream that includes non-MSW materials.
The last two rows of Table 2-5 show per capita figures for recycling, disposal and waste
generation. These figures are expressed in terms of pounds per person per day.
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Table 2-4
Estimated Composition of Solid Waste Disposed in Spokane Valley
Materials Percent of Total Amount Disposed
(by weight) (tons per year)
Paper Newspaper 1.8 1,000
Cardboard 4.7 2,610
Other Recyclable Paper 9.5 5,280
Compostable Paper 4.4 2,440
Remainder/Composite 1.5 830
Total Paper 21.9 12,160
Plastics PET Bottles 0.8 440
HDPE Bottles 1.0 560
Other Plastic Pkg. 1.9 1,060
Film and Bags 4.2 2,330
Other Products 1.3 720
Remainder/Composite 1.4 780
Total Plastics 10.7 5,940
Glass Clear Glass Containers 0.8 440
Green Glass Containers 0.4 220
Brown Glass Containers 0.6 330
Stoneware, Ceramics 0.2 110
Remainder/Composite 0_3 170
Total Glass 2.3 1,280
Metals Aluminum Cans 0.4 220
Tin Cans 0.7 390
Other Non-Ferrous Metals 0.5 280
Other Ferrous Metals 2.6 1,440
Mixed Metal & Other 2.7 1,500
Total Ferrous Metals 6.9 3,830
Organics Food 10.8 6,000
Yard Wastes 9.8 5,540
Manures 2.8 1,560
Other Organics 2.4 1,330
Total Organics 25.8 14,330
Consumer Textiles 2.0 1,110
Products Furniture, Mattresses 2.7 1,500
All Other 2.1 1,170
Total Consumer Products 6.8 3,780
Other Wood 9.0 5,000
Construction 11.3 6,280
Hazardous/Special Wastes 3.7 2,050
Residues 1.5 830
Total Other 25.5 14,160
Totals 100.0% 55,540
Source: 2009 Washington Statewide Waste Characterization Study, Ecology 2010. Percentage
figures are for the Eastern region (as defined by that study), which includes Spokane and 11
other counties. Figures may not add up exactly due to rounding.
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Table 2-5
Recycled and Diverted Materials (2012)
Spokane County Spokane Valley
Recycled Amount 352,913 67,053
MSW Disposed 292,337 55,544
Total MSW Generated 645,250 122,597
Recycling Rate 54.7% 54.7%
Diverted Amount (Non-MSW) 231,863 44,054
Non-MSW Disposed 147,711 28,065
Total Non-MSW Generated 379,573 72,119
Recycling Rate, Non-MSW Only 61.1% 61.1%
All Recycling and Diversion 584,776 111,107
All Wastes (MSW and Non-MSW) 440,048 83,609
Total Generation, All Wastes 1,024,823 194,716
Diversion Rate 57.1% 57.1%
Pounds per Capita (MSW Only)
Recycled 4.07 4.07
Disposed 3.37 3.37
Generated 7.43 7.43
Source: Data for Spokane County is from the Spokane Regional Solid Waste System
webpage. Figures for the City of Spokane Valley are prorated from County data
based on City's 19.0% of population in 2012.
Municipal Solid Waste Planning Projections
Table 2-6 shows figures for the amount of solid waste projected to be recycled, disposed
and generated in Spokane Valley for the next 20 years. These figures do not include the
diverted and disposed amounts of non-MSW wastes. These figures were derived using
the per capita figures shown in Table 2-5 and the population projections shown in Table
2-1. In other words, these projections assume that the recycling rate and disposal rates
will remain constant over the next 20 years (which is an unlikely scenario). It should
also be noted that recycled and disposed quantities vary throughout the year. The
lowest amounts of recycling and waste disposal generally occur in the winter months
(but typically with a spike in waste quantities after Christmas), and the greatest
amounts often occur in the spring and fall. Recent data for the Valley Transfer Station
(2012) shows the greatest amounts of solid waste received in May and August, and the
greatest amounts of Clean Green received in May and November.
Better data on solid waste quantities for Spokane Valley will be available in the future
as a result of the contract signed with Sunshine. That contract requires Sunshine to
provide an annual report on the monthly amounts of waste disposed at their transfer
station by type of waste (total solid waste, acceptable waste, recyclables, organics,
which are the same as Clean Green, C&D, MRW, special waste and unacceptable
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wastes). The report will also include the number of trips by haulers and self-haulers,
and the number of customer service inquiries.
A review of the current programs operating in Spokane Valley concluded that they are
fully capable of handling current disposed and recycled quantities, and that these
programs should be able to continue handling future quantities (for the next 20 years)
as well.
Table 2-6
Projected Solid Waste and Recycling Quantities for Spokane Valley
2012 2020 2030
Population 90,550 96,657 103,820
Recycled Amounts, tons/year 67,191 71,723 77,038
Disposed Amounts, tons/year 55,658 59,412 63,815
Total Waste Generated, tons/year 122,850 131,135 140,853
Source: Based on the per capita figures shown in Table 2-5 and population figures shown in Table 2-1.
Spokane Valley Solid Waste Management Plan 2-8 Chapter 2: Background of the Planning Area
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CHAPTER 3
WASTE REDUCTION
3 . 1 . EXISTING WASTE REDUCTION ACTIVITIES
Waste reduction refers to any action that avoids the generation of waste or reduces the
toxicity of waste before it reaches the waste stream. Washington State law designates
waste reduction as the highest priority waste management strategy. Examples of waste
reduction methods include:
• Reduce materials used in product manufacturing.
• Increase the useful life of a product through durability and reparability.
• Decrease the toxicity of products.
• Reuse a product.
• Reduce consumer use of materials and products.
Existing waste reduction activities in Spokane Valley include public education,
participation in regional programs, volume-based garbage fees, and backyard
composting. These program elements are discussed below.
Public Education
To date, the City has distributed brochures developed by the Spokane Regional Solid
Waste System (the "Regional System"). These brochures address waste reduction,
reuse, mulching, composting, and household hazardous waste.
Other Regional Programs
The City has participated in regional programs to encourage waste reduction. These
programs have included school and youth education, public education, coalitions with
other entities, business and institution education, and home composting. More
information about these programs can be found in the Spokane County 2009
Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan.
Volume-Based Garbage Collection Fees
Volume-based collection fees provide important feedback to residents and businesses
and help educate them to the idea that there is a cost associated with the amount of
waste they produce. In Spokane Valley, garbage collection costs vary according to the
size of the container and frequency of collection for both residential and commercial
customers. For residential customers, current garbage collection charges range from
$14.45 per month for a 35-gallon cart emptied weekly to $29.14 for a 96-gallon cart
emptied weekly (for carts provided by the waste hauler,Waste Management). Waste
Management's website points out the potential for cost savings and provides tips for
Spokane Valley Solid Waste Management Plan 3-1 Chapter 3:Waste Reduction
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reducing the amount of garbage.
Private and Personal Reuse Efforts
The reuse and other waste reduction efforts conducted by residents, businesses and
non-profit groups in Spokane Valley should not be overlooked. Although many of
these are individual efforts that only deal with a small amount of products, altogether
these activities provide a huge benefit to the local economy and avoid additional waste
generation. Examples of these activities include garage sales, donations to charitable
and for-profit organizations, the use of Craigslist and eBay, collection and reuse of
building materials by Habitat for Humanity, and many other related activities.
Backyard Composting
Backyard composting is addressed here (instead of in the next chapter) because it is
considered a waste reduction method. The City has promoted backyard composting
through local public education efforts and also through regional efforts.
City Code
The Spokane Valley Municipal Code does not specifically encourage or discourage
waste reduction activities, but does provide a mechanism for controlling potential
problems that could result from two waste reduction activities: garage sales and
backyard composting. Garage sales lasting more than seven consecutive days or
occurring on more than two consecutive weekends are not allowed by city code.
Compost piles found to be attracting an infestation of insects or other vermin are also
not allowed.
3 .2. WASTE REDUCTION PLANNING ISSUES
Waste reduction is the highest priority waste management strategy because it conserves
resources, reduces waste management costs, and minimizes pollution. Waste reduction
programs can be the most difficult to implement, however,because these programs
may require changes in production methods and consumption patterns, and are
influenced by national/global economies and other factors that are typically beyond the
control of local government. Specific waste reduction issues are discussed below.
Food Waste
Food waste is one of the largest components of the waste stream (see Table 2-4) and as
such deserves attention as to the waste reduction possibilities for it. At the same time,
there is increasing national awareness as to the amount of edible food that is going to
waste. According to a recent report by the Natural Resources Defense Council,3 40% of
3 From "Wasted: How America is Losing up to 40 Percent of its Food from Farm to Fork to Landfill," by
Dana Gunders, staff scientist with the Natural Resources Defense Council, August 2012.
Spokane Valley Solid Waste Management Plan 3-2 Chapter 3:Waste Reduction
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edible food is wasted as it travels from farms to kitchen tables. According to the USDA,
a family of four could save$2,275 per year by making simple changes in the way they
handle food purchases and storage.
Implementation Difficulty
Despite its high priority, waste reduction is a difficult topic for municipalities to address
because it often requires either additional public education efforts or mandatory
requirements (which are generally unpopular). The City must remain sensitive to the
needs of local businesses, so product bans and other mandatory measures must be
evaluated carefully.
Measuring and Evaluating Waste Reduction Activities
Measuring waste reduction is also difficult because the amount of waste generated in a
specific area fluctuates with many variables, including economic conditions, seasonal
changes and local weather. Hence, it can be difficult to demonstrate the cost-
effectiveness or productivity of specific waste reduction techniques.
3 .3 . ALTERNATIVE WASTE REDUCTION STRATEGIES
Many of the potential waste reduction methods, especially those regarding reductions
in the degree of toxicity of specific products and waste reduction for manufacturing in
general, are beyond the scope of what a single city can accomplish. Many of these are
also beyond the scope of what a county or even a state can accomplish,but instead
require action on a federal or international level. Perhaps the one exception to this
principle is the idea of banning specific products, which can be done on a city or county
level in order to force the use of a different product that has better waste reduction
potential.
The following alternatives were considered for new or expanded waste reduction
activities. The listing of an alternative in this section does not mean that it is considered
feasible or desirable,nor that is recommended (see Section 3.5 for waste reduction
recommendations).
Alternative A- Support New Product Stewardship Programs
Product stewardship is a concept designed to alleviate the burden of end-of-life product
management on local governments. Product stewardship programs typically address a
specific type of product and provide an alternative collection or disposal system. One
of the principles that this approach is based on is that the manufacturers of a product
should bear the cost of collecting and recycling (or disposing of) that product, and that
this will create an incentive for them to reduce the weight and/or toxicity of their
products. Retailers, if they are involved in a program, would have an incentive to carry
products that are easier (and so less expensive) to collect and recycle.
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Developing new product stewardship programs is beyond the scope of a city,but
Spokane Valley could participate in such programs developed by others. Any new
product stewardship proposals at the county, state or federal levels could be evaluated
and supported as appropriate to the City's interests. The cost for implementing this
alternative would primarily be a small amount of staff time.
Alternative B - Ban Specific Products or Materials
The City could consider banning specific products that are difficult to recycle and/or
causing problems such as litter. Examples of such bans include single-use plastic bags
and Styrofoam carry-out containers, both of which have been banned by other cities
(such as Seattle, Portland, and Issaquah). Implementing this approach could potentially
require a substantial amount of staff time to research and defend, plus additional staff
time and outreach costs for informing the affected parties and possibly enforcing a ban.
Alternative C - Ban Yard Waste from Garbage Disposal
Of all of the materials in the waste stream, yard waste is probably the easiest material to
handle through other means. Yard waste can be left on the lawn (mulching of grass
clippings), applied as a top-mulch in landscaping and gardens, handled through
backyard composting (for leaves, grass clippings and some types of food wastes),
chipped on-site (for branches and other woody materials), or recycled through
residential and commercial yard waste collection programs.
If an outright ban on disposal of yard waste within solid waste disposal containers is
not feasible or desirable at this time, additional public education could be conducted
instead to promote mulching of grass clippings, backyard composting, and even
vermicomposting (using worm bins to convert food wastes into a desirable soil
amendment). Banning yard waste from being placed in solid waste disposal containers
could then be reconsidered at a later date.
Alternative D - Promote Smart Shopping
The City could conduct more promotion on the subject of smart shopping, such as using
durable grocery bags and buying in bulk. Businesses could be encouraged to promote
the use of durable grocery bags and to offer durable bags for customer use (as many
grocery stores are already doing). The City could conduct a campaign that encourages:
• Buying in bulk.
• Buying concentrates.
• Purchasing reusable products.
• Buying secondhand items.
• Avoiding over-packaged items.
• Avoiding products containing hazardous ingredients.
• Borrowing or renting when possible.
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• Purchasing durable and repairable products.
• Using reusable shopping bags.
Another idea that is gaining in popularity is the use of fix-it workshops, where people
can bring items in need of repairs and knowledgeable volunteers show them how to fix
the item. Organizing this type of workshop is probably better accomplished by a non-
profit group, but the City could help promote the workshops, provide space for the
events, and possibly assist in other ways.
Alternative E - Focus on Food Waste
Food waste can be recycled through the yard waste collection program (see Chapter 4
for more details about that approach), but this does not address the fact that a
substantial amount of edible food waste is unnecessarily discarded. A public education
campaign could be used to inform residents of the meaning of expiration dates,
opportunities to donate food, and other steps that could be taken to reduce food waste.
Alternative F- Promote Volume-Based Collection Fees
Waste Management already provides a system of volume-based fees for residential
customers in Spokane Valley and surrounding areas, and rates charged by both haulers
for commercial customers are also based on volumes. The availability of volume-based
rates for residential customers could be publicized more to highlight the potential cost
savings from waste reduction. The success of this approach could be monitored by the
number of people who are signed up for the lower service levels. Furthermore, the City
could require a rate system that provides greater incentive by reducing the cost for
lower levels of service and increasing the cost of higher levels of service. For instance,
the rate for a 64-gallon can emptied weekly could be set at an amount that is twice that
of a 35-gallon can emptied weekly, and the rate for a 96-gallon can could be triple that
of a 35-gallon can. This approach provides greater incentive for waste reduction and is
used by many cities. Collection rates are discussed more thoroughly in Chapter 5.
Alternative G - Business Waste Reduction Activities
Business waste reduction programs are typically custom designed for each specific
operation. Hence, this type of program is generally beyond the scope of a single city (to
date, this approach has been conducted on a regional basis in the Spokane area). The
City could, however, encourage businesses to examine their own wastes to look for
ways to reduce the amounts of wastes, and to look for ways to recycle more (including
the use of alternative products and materials that would be more recyclable). Business
waste reduction programs typically include the following components:
• Support and policy directives from upper management.
• A waste reduction team or coordinator.
• An accounting of materials purchased and waste produced.
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• A reduction plan targeting specific materials or practices.
• Employee education.
• Ongoing feedback (to employees and others as appropriate) and evaluation.
The City could request that the Chamber of Commerce or another group help promote
these ideas and institute a recognition program for businesses that successfully reduce
the amount of their wastes. With the Chamber's assistance, the cost for this program
would be minimal, limited perhaps to only $25,000 for outreach materials, awards or
plaques, and related expenses.
Alternative H - Government Sector Leading by Example
The City could set an example for local businesses and organizations, and become an
even greater force in the marketplace,by broadening and upgrading procurement
policies. The City could target products that:
• Allow for greater waste reduction, such as purchasing copy machines that make
double-sided copies more easily and setting duplex copying as default.
• Require replacement or repair less often, such as rechargeable batteries and durable
furniture.
• Are easily repaired, such as machinery with standardized, replaceable parts.
• Can be reused, such as washable plates and glasses.
• Are nontoxic or less toxic, such as many cleaning agents and solvents now available.
The City could also develop a more comprehensive in-house waste prevention
program. By monitoring and reporting on effectiveness, costs, avoided costs, and
program revenues for various waste reduction activities, the City could provide a
model for local businesses and schools. In-house waste prevention programs could
include:
• Double-sided copying.
• Routing slips instead of circulating multiple copies.
• Electronic mail for intra-office messages.
• Scrap pads from used paper.
• Reusing large envelopes.
• Use of very small cans for trash in individual offices, with larger containers
provided for recycling.
To ensure the program's continued success, employees need to receive regular updates
about new waste reduction techniques. This information could be provided by
informational notices or newsletters that are routed electronically on a regular basis.
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Alternative I - Monitoring Waste Prevention Results
It would be useful to have a mechanism for monitoring the results of waste prevention
programs in order to provide feedback to participants and to provide a basis for future
adjustments in the approaches being used. For many communities, this is typically
done by periodically calculating the waste generation rate on a per capita basis.
Unfortunately, changes in the generation rate due to waste prevention programs are
typically very small in a given time period and so are easily masked or overwhelmed by
other factors, such as economic problems or natural disasters. In the latter case,floods
and storms can create large amounts of waste and it can be difficult to fully identify and
separately account for these amounts.
One alternative to calculating per capita rates is to periodically conduct surveys of
residents or businesses about their activities to reduce waste, or to conduct waste
stream surveys for specific materials, products or packaging. Both of these activities
can be expensive and may still lead to ambiguous results, and so should be considered
carefully and designed properly to achieve the desired measurement goals.
Another approach is to gauge success using a"performance-based standard." This is
where waste prevention activities are presumed to be successful based on achieving a
specific level of effort or other criteria. An example of this approach is to use the
number of backyard composting bins that are distributed as a measure of the amount of
yard debris that may be kept out of the waste stream. Other criteria can be used and
these need to be tailored to each specific waste prevention activity. This method also
has its drawbacks but can still provide viable data in some cases.
Alternative J - Promote Reuse and Recycling through Round-Up Events
The City could conduct"round-up" events annually, or even two to three times per
year, to promote reuse, recycling, and proper disposal of special wastes such as MRW.
Reuse could be promoted through these events by collecting reusable items such as
clothing, books, and other materials (depending on the availability of vendors to take
these materials). Recycling could be promoted by providing opportunities for residents
to drop off scrap metals and other difficult-to-recycle items. In addition to MRW, or
perhaps a limited range of MRW (such as oil, antifreeze and/or paint), disposal options
could be provided for bulky objects (furniture, large pieces of wood, and other large
items that might otherwise tend to accumulate in yards). This type of event could be
held outside (weather permitting), use private vendors or charities to accept specific
types of materials, and thus could be conducted at a relatively low cost to the City.
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3 .4. EVALUATION OF WASTE REDUCTION ALTERNATIVES
Review of Rating Criteria
The above alternatives can be evaluated according to several key criteria, including
consistency with solid waste planning goals, technical and political feasibility, and the
relative cost-effectiveness of the alternative. Based on the ratings for these criteria, each
alternative can be given an overall rating and a decision can then be made as to whether
to pursue it or not.
Consistency with Solid Waste Planning Goals: All of these alternatives support the
goal of emphasizing waste reduction as a fundamental management strategy, and
support other planning goals as well.
Feasibility: In judging the alternatives for technical and political feasibility, most of the
alternatives can be adopted without controversy or legal issues. Two alternatives (B
and C) have potential issues with public acceptability and impacts to business practices
and so are rated low for this criterion as a result of those questions. Monitoring the
results of waste reduction programs could be technically challenging, and so this
alternative is also rated medium for feasibility. Round-up events may be complex to
arrange, and so this alternative is also rated medium for feasibility.
Cost Effectiveness: Several of the waste reduction alternatives can be implemented
without a significant investment in staff time or other resources, and so are rated high
for cost-effectiveness. Alternative B would require significant amounts of staff time and
other expenses such as outreach and enforcement, while possibly only affecting a small
portion of the waste stream, and so this alternative is rated low for cost-effectiveness. A
yard waste ban could require a significant amount of outreach to implement but also
affects a significant portion of the waste stream, leading to a medium rating for this
alternative. Monitoring the results of waste prevention programs has an uncertain
return for the investment that could be necessary for this activity but can yield
important data, so this alternative has a medium rating for cost-effectiveness. Round-
up events would require staff time and other City resources, but provides a high level
of service to City residents and possibly businesses, and so merits a high rating for cost-
effectiveness.
Rating of Alternatives
The evaluation of the alternatives is summarized in the following table.
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Table 3-1
Rating of the Waste Reduction Alternatives
Consistency Cost-
with Planning Feasibility Effectiveness Overall Rating
Alternative Goals
A, Support product H H H H
stewardship programs
B, Ban specific products H L L L
C, Ban yard waste H L M M
D, Promote smart shopping H H H H
E, Focus on food waste H H H H
F, Promote volume-based H H H H
fees
G, Business waste reduction H H H H
H, Government sector leading H H H H
by example
I, Monitoring waste H M M M
prevention
J, Round-up events H M H H
Rating Scores: H- High, M- Medium, L- Low
3 .5 WASTE REDUCTION RECOMMENDATIONS
The following recommendations are being made for waste reduction programs. For the
proposed measures to monitor waste prevention (and other programs), see
Recommendation Al (Chapter 8).
High-Priority Recommendations
WRI) The City of Spokane Valley will evaluate product stewardship programs as
these are proposed on a statewide or national level, and support those if
appropriate to the interests of their citizens and the business community.
WR2) The business community in Spokane Valley may be encouraged to reduce
waste through a recognition program that publicizes success stories.
WR3) The City of Spokane Valley will adopt policies and practices to encourage
City departments to reduce waste.
WR4) Round-up events should be conducted at least annually by the City of
Spokane Valley.
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Medium-Priority Recommendations
WR5) Public education materials distributed by the City of Spokane Valley will
include information on alternative handling methods for yard waste, the
value of "smart shopping" methods, how to avoid wasting food, and the
availability of volume-based garbage collection fees.
Low-Priority Recommendations
WR6) A ban on the disposal of yard waste within solid waste disposal containers
may be considered in the future if public education and outreach efforts are
not effective in diverting most of this material from the waste stream.
The lead agency responsible for implementing and funding these recommendations will
be the City. Funds are expected to come from a surcharge on tipping fees at the transfer
station, other available City funds, and the CPG grant program administered by
Ecology.
The costs for four of these recommendations (WR1, WR3, WR4, and WR6) consist
primarily of staff time (although if a yard waste ban were actually implemented, there
would be additional future expenses for informing the public of this and possibly also
costs for enforcement activities). Recommendation WR2 could cost about$25,000,
depending on how it is actually implemented. The cost for Recommendation WR5 is
not high if waste reduction tips and information is included in general public education
efforts. Since the City is pursuing its own management of its System, it will need a
broad public education effort to inform residents and businesses about waste collection
services, self-haul options, and recycling and yard waste programs as well as waste
reduction. Since WR5 is the only recommendation that addresses public education, the
full costs of those efforts is shown here and are estimated at $50,000 to $100,000 per
year. The funding for Recommendations WR2 and WR5 would initially come from the
disposal surcharge and other available City funds, and then be at least partially covered
by CPG funds when the City becomes eligible for that grant in mid-2015.
Recommendation WR1 should be implemented on an as-needed basis. The
implementation of recommendations WR2,WR3 WR4, and WR5 should begin next year
(2015), and WR6 should be evaluated in 2018.
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CHAPTER 4
RECYCLING AND ORGANICS COLLECTION
4. 1 . EXISTING RECYCLING AND ORGANICS PROGRAMS
"Recycling" refers to the act of collecting and processing materials to return them to a
similar use. Recycling does not include materials burned for energy recovery or
destroyed through pyrolysis and other high-temperature processes. The State's
definition of recycling is "recycling means transforming or remanufacturing waste
materials into usable or marketable materials for use other than landfill disposal or
incineration. Recycling does not include collection, compacting, repackaging, and
sorting for the purpose of transport" (Chapter 173-350 WAC). As indicated in the
definition, the common use of the term "recycling" to refer to the act of placing
materials in a special cart or other container to be collected separately from garbage is a
misnomer, and recycling does not actually occur until the materials are processed and
then used to create new products. On the other hand, keeping recyclable materials
separate from garbage at the point of generation is typically a critically-important first
step in ensuring that the materials are actually recycled.
Organics (Clean Green) are also addressed in this chapter of the Plan. In the past,
programs addressing organics have largely focused on yard debris (grass clippings,
leaves and brush), but now these programs often include food waste and food-soiled
paper. Previous processing methods for organics have consisted primarily of
composting, but the addition of food waste is increasingly leading to the use of
anaerobic digestion and other processing methods. The State's definition of composting
is "composting means 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"
(Chapter 173-350 WAC).
Existing recycling and organics programs in Spokane Valley are primarily directed at
the collection and transfer of these materials to facilities outside of the City. While the
curbside and commercial collection programs operated by local haulers are the most
visible examples of these programs, there is also a significant amount of other activities
being conducted in the City. These activities are described in more detail below.
Drop-Off and Buy-Back Programs
The "typical" recyclables can be dropped off at several locations in and near the City for
recycling, including the Sunshine Transfer Station and various other locations. Many of
the other private companies and non-profit groups collect only a limited number of
materials, but three such facilities in Spokane collect the full range of materials (Du-Mor
Recycling, Earthworks Recycling, and Pacific Recycling).
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Examples of other drop-off activities include:
• E-waste (electronics) can be dropped off at a Salvation Army and several Goodwill
locations in Spokane Valley.
• Ink cartridges can be returned for recycling at several local stores, or sent back to
manufacturers through the mail.
• Rechargeable batteries can be dropped off at certain hardware stores and other
locations (depending on the type of battery).
• Clothing can be dropped off at collection kiosks.
Options for dropping off yard debris and food scraps are less common and only two of
these are known to exist currently in Spokane Valley (the Sunshine Transfer Station and
the County-owned Valley Transfer Station). The Sunshine Transfer Station accepts
Clean Green (including mixed yard debris,food scraps and food-soiled paper) for a fee
($50 per ton as of November 2014, with a minimum charge of$10).
Curbside and Commercial Collection Programs
Residents in Spokane Valley are provided with recycling collection services by Waste
Management. The types of materials, collection frequency and other details for the
curbside recycling program in Spokane Valley (and other urban areas) have been
guided to date by a service level ordinance adopted by Spokane County. This
ordinance has been codified as Chapter 8.58 of the Spokane County Code. The County
Code requires that all subscribers to garbage collection services in Spokane Valley
receive (and pay for) curbside recycling services. This Code also requires that certified
haulers provide this service, and that the haulers must collect newspaper, cardboard,
aluminum and steel cans, and plastic bottles (types 1 and 2) at a minimum. At the
hauler's options, they may also collect a variety of other materials, including mixed
paper, glass bottles, and other types of plastics and metals. The actual types of
materials currently collected by Waste Management in Spokane Valley are listed in
Table 4-1.
The curbside recycling program is currently conducted on an every-other-week basis.
For the mixed organics collection program (yard debris and food waste), the collection
frequency is weekly from March through November and monthly from December
through February. For the curbside recycling program, there is no extra charge for
additional materials placed in paper bags or cardboard boxes next to the recycling cart.
For the mixed organics collection program, there are extra charges levied for additional
materials placed outside of the cart. Both the recycling and mixed organics carts are 96-
gallon carts provided by Waste Management.
Multi-family buildings (apartments) in Spokane Valley are also provided with recycling
and mixed organics collection services by Waste Management. These services are
provided on a subscription basis, meaning that the manager or owner of an apartment
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building may choose to subscribe to one or both of these services and thus make them
available to their tenants. Materials collected for multi-family buildings are the same as
for the residential curbside program (see Table 4-1). The size and number of containers,
collection frequency and other details depend on the subscription level for the multi-
family building.
Table 4-1
Materials Collected for Recycling by Waste Management
Program Acceptable Materials Unacceptable Materials
Residential Curbside, Clean paper and cardboard Laminated and food-soiled
Multi-Family and (including office paper, papers
Commercial Recycling magazines, paperback books, Light bulbs, window and mirror
Programs mail and food boxes) glass, and ceramics
Clean glass bottles and jars Sharp metals and batteries
Aluminum and tin/steel cans, Electronics
scrap metal, aluminum food Styrofoam
containers, and empty/non-
hazardous aerosol cans Plastic bags
Plastic bottles, jars and tubs Garbage (including diapers,
syringes and hazardous waste
containers)
Mixed Organics Yard debris (leaves, grass Diapers
clippings and small branches) Pet waste and litter
Food scraps (fruits, vegetables, Plastics
bread, grains, meat, dairy, and Foil
coffee grounds)
Food-soiled paper (paper Liquids
towels, food-soiled paper bags, Shredded paper
and greasy pizza boxes) Other types of non-
compostable materials
Source: Waste Management website, 2/24/14.
Note: See http://wmnorthwest.com/Spokane/index.html for complete list of acceptable and
unacceptable materials, and other important details.
Businesses in Spokane Valley are provided with recycling collection services by the two
certificated haulers, Sunshine Disposal and Waste Management, and several other
companies. Since recycling by and for commercial and industrial companies is defined
as a "free market" system by law, a variety of additional private companies can provide
collection services for these businesses. Companies such as Earthworks Recycling,
Diversified Wood Recycling, American Recycling Corporation, Baker Commodities,
Dickson Iron and Metal, Pacific Steel Hide and Recycling, Action Recycling, Du-Mor
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Recycling, Clark's Recycling and others provide pickup and drop-off services for
materials such as metals, paper, and grease in commercial quantities. It is difficult to
adequately describe all of these activities here, and such a description would also
quickly become outdated and hence would not be useful in a long-term document such
as this Plan. Current information on these activities can be obtained from other sources,
such as Ecology's 1-800-recycle website.
Recycled Tonnages
It is currently not feasible to precisely quantify the tonnages collected by the many
companies involved in recycling and organics collection in the City. Although Ecology
collects data on current recycling amounts on an annual basis, that data is only available
on a county level. Pro-rating the amount of recycling occurring in Spokane County,
however, provides an estimate of 67,053 tons recycled and composted in 2012 in
Spokane Valley (see Table 2-5). This is equivalent to a recycling rate of 54.7%. If
"diverted materials"4 are also included in this analysis, the amount of recycled and
diverted materials increases to 111,107 tons per year (in 2012). Including diverted
materials means that additional types of wastes must also be included, and so the
diversion rate only increases slightly to 57.1%.
Recycling Markets
State regulations (RCW 70.95.090(7)(c)) require "a description of markets for
recyclables," hence a description of the markets for recyclable materials collected in
Spokane Valley is provided below. This is intended to be only a brief report of current
conditions, and it should be noted that market conditions for recyclables can undergo
substantial changes in a short amount of time.
Market demand and prices for recyclables have fluctuated significantly over the past
several years,just as prices for all commodities fluctuate with demand and other
factors. Some recyclable materials have seasonal cycles in supply and demand, but all
materials exhibit long-term trends with the possibility of sudden price spikes or dips.
In some cases, long-term contracts with price floors can help moderate the swings in
market revenues, but this isn't possible for all materials. Figures 4-1 and 4-2 show how
the prices for aluminum cans and a few other materials collected from residential
sources in the Pacific Northwest have fluctuated over the past 20 years. As can be seen
in Figures 4-1 and 4-2, market prices dipped for most materials from 2008 to 2009 due to
the slump in demand caused by the recession.
4 Diverted materials are materials that are handled separately from solid waste and instead directed to a
beneficial use, but that do not meet the definition of recycling. Examples include construction wastes that
are recycled and wood wastes that are burned for energy recovery. See Section 2.5 for more details.
Spokane Valley Solid Waste Management Plan 4-4 Chapter 4:Recycling and Organics Collection
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Figure 4-1
Price Paid for Baled Aluminum Cans (Annual Averages)
$2,000.00
$1,800.00
$1,600.00
a $1,400.00
F°— $1,200.00
Q, $1,000.00
$800.00
$600.00
$400.00
$200.00
$0.00 I I I I I I
M t In CD N CO 01 0 ‘-1 N m d- Lf5 Ol 0 c-I N m
01 01 01 Cr) 01 01 01 0 0 0 0 0 O 0 0 0 0 r1 ri rI c-1
O O rn rn rn rn m 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
c-1 c-1 c-I c-1 a-1 c-I H N N N N N N N N N N N N N N
Source: Seattle Public Utilities website (original data source: American Metal Markets).
Figure 4-2
Prices Paid for Select Recyclable Materials (Annual Averages)
$600.00
$500.00
o $400.00
Q. $300.00 -R- a- Plastic
ar
Mixed Paper
$200.00
if\)/\\J\ Baled News
$100.00
$0.00 it I I I I I ! I I I I I I I I I I I
m N N cn m In N Ol r1 m
01 CO COO1 0 0 0 0 0 r-I c I
Cr) Ch O 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
c-I c-9 c 1 r1 N N N N N N N
I i
Source: Seattle Public Utilities website (original data sources are Mill Trade Journal's Recycling
Markets, Pulp and Paper Week, Recycling Times, and Waste News).
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Another important factor for marketing of recyclable materials collected in Spokane
Valley is the cost of transporting the materials to end-markets, many of which are
outside of Washington State. Recyclers in eastern Washington are farther from most
markets and so have less access to these markets because the transportation cost is a
barrier. The low market value of many recyclable materials limits the number of
materials that can be cost-effectively moved to markets.
4.2 . DESIGNATION OF RECYCLABLE MATERIALS
The designation of recyclable materials has taken on more importance with the
adoption of Chapter 173-350 WAC, which defines recyclable materials as being those
materials "that are identified as recyclable materials pursuant to a local comprehensive
solid waste plan." Since market conditions for recyclables can change drastically in a
short amount of time, the list of designated materials is also accompanied by a
description of the process for revising that list.
Table 4-2 shows the list of designated recyclable materials. This list is not intended to
create a requirement that every recycling program in the City collect every designated
material. Instead, the intent is that through a combination of programs, residents and
businesses should have an opportunity to recycle all of the designated materials
through at least one program. In other words, if plastics are on the designated materials
list, then at least one program in the city must collect plastics. The list has been
prioritized to indicate the degree of access that residents and businesses should have for
these materials (in other words, greater access should be available for the higher-
priority materials).
The list of "designated recyclable materials" shown in Table 4-2 should be used for
guidance as to the materials to be recycled in the future. This list is based on existing
conditions (collection programs and markets), and future markets and technologies
may warrant changes in this list. The following conditions are grounds for additions or
deletions to the list of designated materials:
• The market price for an existing material becomes so low that it is no longer feasible
to collect, process and/or ship it to markets.
• Local markets and/or brokers expand their list of acceptable items based on new
uses for materials or technologies that increase demand.
• New local or regional processing or demand for a particular material develops.
• No 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 or decreased amounts of diversion.
• Legislative mandate.
• Other conditions not anticipated at this time.
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Table 4-2
List of Designated Recyclable Materials
Priority Level Material
High Priority Recyclables
Materials: Clean paper and cardboard
Materials that should Clean glass bottles and jars
be collected by the Aluminum and tin cans, scrap metal,
curbside, multi-family aluminum food containers, and empty/non-
and commercial hazardous aerosol cans
recycling programs, or Plastic bottles, jars and tubs
by the mixed organics
collection programs, in Mixed Organics
the city. Yard debris
Food scraps
Food-soiled paper
Medium Priority Edible food (donated)
Materials: Cell phones
Materials that should Electronics (e-waste)
be collected at drop-off Clothing, textiles
and buy-back locations Oil and oil filters
(in the city or nearby), Antifreeze
or through other
collection services. Asphalt and concrete
Batteries (all types)
All metals, inc. appliances
Plastic bags
Reusable building materials
Low Priority Wood
Materials: Carpet
Hard to recycle Drywall
materials that should Roofing materials
be recycled if markets Mixed construction and demolition
are available. Shrink wrap, building wrap, and other film
plastics
Tires
Any proposed changes in the list of designated materials should be reviewed and
approved by the Public Works Director, and minor changes in this list may be adopted
without formally amending this Plan.
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4.3 . PLANNING ISSUES FOR RECYCLING AND ORGANICS
The City of Spokane Valley is currently well-served by a variety of recycling and
composting programs, but several improvements and issues could be addressed by this
Plan. The most significant of these are noted below.
The collection frequency for the residential curbside recycling program is currently
every-other-week. Other studies have repeatedly shown that more frequent collections
will lead to more diversion. Some communities have gone so far as to make garbage
collection every-other-week and recycling weekly to encourage more recycling.
Glass is currently included in the curbside recycling program and is mixed with other
materials. When mixed with other materials, glass both contaminates the other
materials and the glass itself is difficult to recycle.
Recycling services in the City of Spokane Valley have been guided to date by a service
level ordinance adopted by Spokane County. Since the City has assumed management
of its System (see Chapter 6), it may be necessary or desirable for the City to adopt its
own service level ordinance or otherwise ensure that garbage customers must also be
provided with curbside recycling services.
4.4. ALTERNATIVE RECYCLING AND ORGANICS STRATEGIES
The following alternatives were considered for new or expanded recycling and organics
activities. The listing of an alternative in this section does not mean that it is considered
feasible or desirable, nor that is recommended (see Section 4.6 for recycling and
organics recommendations).
Alternative A - Increase Curbside Recycling to Weekly Collection
Studies have repeatedly shown that more frequent collection of recyclables leads to
increased tonnages collected. Several cities have recently gone so far as to make
recycling collections weekly and changed garbage collection to every-other-week
(although a recent proposal by Seattle to do this failed due to questions about costs
versus service levels). In general,weekly recycling collections are not double the cost of
every-other-week collections, but the additional cost is in the range of 30 to 50% more
than every-other-week collections. Weekly collection programs can be expected to
collect about 30 to 40% additional tonnages over every-other-week collections. It
should be noted that the additional tonnages more than make up for the greenhouse gas
emissions related to the additional fuel consumed to run the route twice as much, since
every additional ton of recyclables carries with it a huge benefit in greenhouse gas
reductions.
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Alternative B - Switch to Dual Stream Collection to Collect Glass Separately
Glass is a serious problem when mixed with other materials for recycling. Broken glass
contaminates the other materials, especially paper and plastic, and makes it more
difficult to recycle those materials. The glass that is carried along with the other
materials causes problems with the processing equipment for paper and plastic and
does not get recycled but ends up in landfills near the processing plants for the other
materials. The glass that is recovered from a curbside mixture is also difficult to recycle
because it consists of mixed colors and is also highly contaminated by other materials.
Even if collected separately, however, markets for glass in Eastern Washington are
nearly non-existent (although conversion to fiberglass and other alternative uses may be
options), and the value of glass does not pay for the costs of shipping it to markets in
Seattle and Portland.
Alternative C - Minimum Service Level to Include Curbside Recycling
When Spokane Valley creates its System, the City could continue to require curbside
recycling services for residential garbage customers through a variety of means, such as
by contract with the garbage haulers or through a service level ordinance.
Alternative D - Drop-Off Site for Mixed Organics
When the City of Spokane Valley leaves the Regional System, there is a question about
the level of access that residents and local businesses will continue to have to the
services provided by that system, including the Clean Green drop-off program at the
Valley Transfer Station. This service will instead be provided by a drop-off site at the
Sunshine Transfer Station. The contract signed with Sunshine in June 2014 provides for
this and other services. Spokane Valley residents and businesses should be encouraged
to use the Clean Green drop-off site at the Sunshine Transfer Station.
4.5. EVALUATION OF RECYCLING AND ORGANICS
ALTERNATIVES
Review of Rating Criteria
The above alternatives can be evaluated according to several key criteria, including
consistency with solid waste planning goals, technical and political feasibility, and the
relative cost-effectiveness of the alternative. Based on the ratings for these criteria, each
alternative can be given an overall rating and a decision can then be made as to whether
to pursue it or not.
Consistency with Solid Waste Planning Goals: All of these alternatives support the
goal of increasing the recovery of marketable materials and providing convenient
services for solid waste management.
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Feasibility: Alternatives C and D appear relatively easy for the City to implement,
while Alternative A could be difficult due to the increased costs. Alternative B would
also be difficult to implement, since it too would be more expensive but more
importantly it would be very difficult for residents and businesses to switch to a dual-
stream system after they have enjoyed the convenience of a single-stream system.
Cost Effectiveness: Alternative A would cost more but would also lead to more tons
collected for recycling, resulting in a cost per ton for recycling similar to the current
system. Alternative B would be relatively expensive to implement, since additional
bins or carts would be needed for curbside recycling program participants, although it
could potentially result in more tons of material being actually recycled in the end.
Alternative C would not cost much to implement but could provide significant
advantages. Alternative D will require significant capital investment but will be self-
funding (from tipping fees) and is very cost-effective compared to the alternative
(disposal of yard and food waste as garbage).
Rating of Alternatives
The evaluation of the alternatives is summarized in the following table.
Table 4-3
Rating of the Recycling and Organics Alternatives
Consistency Cost-
with Planning Feasibility Effectiveness Overall Rating
Alternative Goals
A, Weekly curbside recycling H L M M
B, Dual-stream approach H L L L
C, Continue to include
curbside recycling with H H H H
garbage service
0, Encourage City residents
and businesses to use H H H H
Sunshine Transfer
Station clean •reen site
Rating Scores: H — High, M —Medium, L— Low
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4.6 RECYCLING AND ORGANICS RECOMMENDATIONS
The following recommendations are being made for recycling and organics programs:
High-Priority Recommendations
R1) Curbside recycling will continue to be included with garbage collection services
for residential customers in Spokane Valley.
R2) City residents and businesses will be encouraged to use the Sunshine Transfer
Station for Clean Green drop-off services.
Medium-Priority Recommendations
R3) Weekly curbside recycling will be evaluated as part of the waste collection
system changes expected to be implemented by Spokane Valley in 2018.
The City has determined that it will implement its own System and so will implement
R1 and has entered into a contract with Sunshine to implement R2. The City will be
responsible for implementing Recommendation R3 as part of the changes anticipated in
the future for the waste collection system (see next chapter).
None of these recommendations will result in direct costs to the City, although two of
the recommendations (R2 and R3) will result in additional costs to others, and those
costs will be funded by user fees.
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CHAPTER 5
SOLID WASTE COLLECTION
5. 1 . EXISTING WASTE COLLECTION ACTIVITIES
Existing Waste Haulers
There are two solid waste collection service providers in Spokane Valley. As further
described below, the City currently has franchises with both haulers, Sunshine Disposal
and Waste Management. Under the current franchises, Sunshine Disposal collects
waste from large containers (i.e., roll-offs and stationary compactors) for non-
subscription customers, and Waste Management collects waste from containers (i.e..
compactors, roll off containers smaller dumpsters, and residential garbage carts) from
residential and commercial customers. Sunshine Disposal provides recycling services to
commercial customers, and Waste Management provides collection and recycling
services for both residential and commercial customers, and Clean Green for residential
customers. The City is in the process of negotiating contracts with both haulers. While
negotiations are still ongoing, the City anticipates that the contracts will be for a term
ending in 2018 and that both haulers will continue to provide the same services as they
are currently providing. The mailing addresses and current population density for the
service areas of the two collection service providers are shown in Table 5-1.
Table 5-1
Waste Collection Service Providers in Spokane Valley
Population Land Area, Density
Address Served square miles (people per
Service Provider square mile)
Sunshine Disposal 11320 W. McFarland Road, NA 38.22 NA
Airway Heights, WA 99001
Waste Management 11321 E. Indiana Avenue, 91,490 38.22 2,394.0
Spokane Valley, WA 99206
Totals 91,490 38.22 2,394.0
Source: Population and land area figures are from the Washington Office of Financial Management(OFM)for
2013.
There are also other collection services active in the City for special types of waste. Two
companies have been issued statewide authority by the UTC to collect biomedical
waste, for instance. These companies are Stericycle of Washington and Waste
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Management Healthcare Solutions of Washington. Other companies collect hazardous
wastes. "Self-haul" by the waste generator (transportation of a person's or company's
own waste) is also allowed, as long as the waste is brought to a properly-permitted
facility.
Regulations Concerning Waste Collection
The Washington State authorities that govern collection activities are Ecology and the
Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission ("UTC"). RCW 70.95.020 also
assigns responsibilities to local government for the management of solid waste
handling while encouraging the use of private industry.
The various laws that may apply to solid waste collection companies include:
• Chapter 81.77 RCW, Solid Waste Collection Companies: This law establishes the
state regulatory authority for solid waste collection companies and the procedures
and standards with which they must comply.
• Chapter 35.21 RCW, Cities and Towns: This law establishes authority of towns and
cities in regard to solid waste and the procedures and standards with which they
must comply.
• Chapter 480-70 WAC, Rules for Solid Waste and/or Refuse Collection Companies:
This chapter establishes standards for public safety, fair practices, reasonable
charges, nondiscriminatory application of rates, adequate and dependable service,
consumer protection, and compliance for solid waste collection companies.
• Chapter 480-07 WAC, UTC Procedural Rules: This chapter addresses how to
conduct business with the UTC.
Three forms of collection services are allowed by State law in the City:
• Certificated: With this collection method, cities are not actively involved in the
management of garbage collection. Instead, it allows the UTC-certificated hauler to
provide service under UTC regulation.
• Municipal: Municipal collection utilizes municipal employees to collect waste (such
as is done in the City of Spokane).
• Licensed collection: This method applies to municipalities that require private
collectors to have both a city-issued license as well as a UTC certificate. This
approach gives the municipality limited control over collection services.
Pursuant to state law, the City has assumed control and management of solid waste
collection within its boundaries by entering into seven-year franchises with Waste
Management and Sunshine Disposal for solid waste, recycling, and organic collection in
2008. Pursuant to state law, the City is currently negotiating contracts for the
extinguishment of the haulers' statutory rights for measurable damages. Under such
contracts, the City anticipates the haulers will continue to provide the same services as
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they have provided under the existing franchises. The City anticipates that it will enter
into the contracts with Waste Management and Sunshine Disposal in 2014 to provide
for full extinguishment of haulers' statutory rights by March, 2018. After completion of
the contracts with Waste Management and Sunshine, the City anticipates submitting a
request for proposals for a long-term contract for solid waste, recycling, and organic
collection in 2018.
5.2 . WASTE COLLECTION FUTURE PLANNING
When the City seeks a new contract for waste collection in 2018, the City will have the
opportunity to develop a collection system from the ground up. The City could
maintain the existing system or make changes to improve recycling and waste
reduction options. The following are possible changes the City may consider:
• Encourage more favorable recycling rates as a waste reduction initiative.
• Encourage homeowners to participate in subscription waste collection and recycling
services.
• Explore innovative ways to increase recycling activities.
• Explore citywide cleanup events and seasonal moderate-risk waste roundups.
The City anticipates conducting a public participation program prior to going out for a
new contract in 2018 to determine desired services and the acceptability of some of
these options.
5.3 . ALTERNATIVE WASTE COLLECTION STRATEGIES
The following alternatives were considered for new or expanded waste collection
activities. The listing of an alternative in this section does not mean that it is considered
feasible or desirable, nor that is recommended (see Section 5.5 for waste collection
recommendations).
Alternative A - Contracted Collection Services
The City is currently negotiating contracts with existing waste collection companies
(Waste Management and Sunshine Disposal) that are anticipated to be executed in 2014
with terms lasting until 2018. As the 2018 expiration date draws near with Waste
Management and Sunshine Disposal, the City will utilize a process to receive public
input on various options for service levels for the subsequent collection contract. Such
options will include: collection frequencies, recycling options, citywide cleanup
programs, moderate-risk waste roundup, and other aspects of solid waste collection.
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Alternative B - Increase Curbside Collection Subscriptions
The City would encourage increasing subscriptions for curbside collection through
educating customers of the benefits of collection services. This approach reduces the
amount of illegal dumping and "junk" properties, and leads to lower per-unit collection
fees. Collection fees are lower on the average because collection services can operate
more efficiently when more households and businesses participate. This approach is
also more efficient because it reduces individual trips that people make to a transfer
station to drop off their garbage,with the resulting congestion there and the increased
impact to the environment due to fuel consumption. Finally, there is anecdotal
evidence to suggest that people who self-haul their garbage do not recycle as much as
those who subscribe to garbage collection and curbside recycling services.
5.4. EVALUATION OF WASTE COLLECTION ALTERNATIVES
Review of Rating Criteria
The above alternatives can be evaluated according to several key criteria, including
consistency with solid waste planning goals, technical and political feasibility, and the
relative cost-effectiveness of the alternative. Based on the ratings for these criteria, each
alternative can be given an overall rating and a decision can then be made as to whether
to pursue it or not.
Consistency with Solid Waste Planning Goals: Both of these alternatives support the
goal of providing convenient and reliable services, although some people may take
issue with the idea that curbside garbage collection is better than self-haul to the
transfer station.
Feasibility: In judging the alternatives for technical and political feasibility, Alternative
A can actually be considered more feasible than maintaining the status quo, whereas
Alternative B is rated medium because customers may not want to subscribe to curbside
collection.
Cost Effectiveness: Both Alternatives A and B should be cost-effective.
Rating of Alternatives
The evaluation of the alternatives is summarized in the following table.
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Table 5-2
Rating of the Waste Collection Alternatives
Consistency Cost-
with Planning Feasibility Effectiveness Overall Rating
Alternative Goals
A, Contracted collection H H
service
B, Increase curbside M M
subscri.tions
Rating Scores: H— High, M—Medium, L— Low
5.5 WASTE COLLECTION RECOMMENDATIONS
The following recommendations are being made for waste collection programs:
High-Priority Recommendations
C1) When the City fully assumes control of collection services, anticipated to be in
2018, various options will be considered for providers and service levels,
including negotiating versus bidding for haulers and collection frequency for
recycling.
Medium-Priority Recommendations
C2) Educate the public on the benefits of curbside collection services and the
comprehensive costs related to self-haul to transfer station.
The City is the lead agency for both of these recommendations. Recommendation Cl
should be implemented by 2018 through a competitive or negotiated process.
Recommendation C2 could be evaluated at the time that the collection contract changes.
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Spokane Valley Solid Waste Management Plan 5-6 Chapter 5: Solid Waste Collection
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CHAPTER 6
TRANSFER AND DISPOSAL
6. 1 . EXISTING TRANSFER AND DISPOSAL ACTIVITIES
Overview
There are currently two transfer stations operating in Spokane Valley: a private station
owned and operated by Sunshine and a public facility, the Valley Transfer Station (see
Figure 6-1). There are three additional transfer stations operating in Spokane County
(but outside of the City limits for Spokane Valley): the North County Transfer Station
(also known as Colbert Transfer Station), the City of Spokane Waste-to-Energy (WTE)
Facility (which also acts as a transfer station), and a transfer facility operated by
Stericycle (for biomedical wastes).
There are no disposal facilities in Spokane Valley. In other areas of Spokane County,
there is the City of Spokane WTE Facility, one active municipal solid waste ("MSW")
landfill (Northside Landfill), one limited purpose landfill (Graham Road Recycling and
Disposal), and six permitted inert waste landfills. The Northside Landfill is not open to
the public, but is used by the City of Spokane for emergency disposal purposes (in case
the WTE Facility is temporarily shut down) and for disposal of materials that cannot be
processed at the WTE Facility. The Graham Road Landfill is open to the public and
handles primarily construction and demolition waste, petroleum-contaminated soils,
inert wastes, asbestos and other wastes. All of the six inert waste landfills are privately
owned and operated. Three of these are not open to the public, and one of the inert
landfills is permitted but not currently operating. The two inert waste landfills that are
open to the public (Busy Bee Landfill and Spokane Rock Products) handle primarily
concrete and asphalt. There are also a number of closed landfills in Spokane County
(most notably Colbert Landfill, Greenacres Landfill and Mica Landfill), some of which
are still undergoing monitoring and remedial actions.
Sunshine Disposal &Recycling Transfer Station
The Sunshine Transfer Station is a privately owned and operated transfer station
located at 2405 University Road in Spokane Valley. This transfer station has been in
operation at that location since 1983. The transfer station is currently open to
contractors and commercial haulers for waste disposal. Residential and commercial
waste collected by Sunshine Disposal is delivered here. Depending on the type of
waste, these wastes are consolidated into transfer trailers or intermodal containers,
which are used to transport waste to its final disposal site. Waste from contractors is
generally transferred to the Graham Road limited purpose landfill. Cardboard and
other recyclables collected from local businesses are delivered to the station and
prepared for transport to markets by sorting and baling. Workers also separate some
recyclables (primarily metals and wood) from mixed loads on the station's tipping floor.
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Figure 6-1
Solid Waste Facilities in Spokane Valley
Vri. Or
..ca
. ,
WASHINGTON C;
1C 7
SPOKANE COUNTY
1
L_ ---9- -LJ-1
■
Iwiii • Valley Transfer Station
------..\......____
Sunshine Disposal Transfer Station
City of Spokane Valley `
, )
L 4W Cl
Note: Although the Valley Transfer Station is located in Spokane Valley, it is part of the Spokane
County system and is not part of the City's System.
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Plans for the Sunshine Transfer Station were recently modified to include an MRW
drop-off site, the capability to serve residential self-haul customers, a drop-off area for
Clean Green, recycling drop-off containers, and other changes.
Valley Transfer Station
The Valley Transfer Station has been in operation since 1991. Previously, this station
was owned and operated by the Regional System, but a recent agreement between the
City of Spokane and Spokane County has transferred the ownership of this and the
North Side Transfer Station to Spokane County. This transfer of ownership will become
effective in November 2014. This agreement also includes provisions for the County to
direct waste from the transfer stations to the City's WTE Facility. At the time that this
Plan was being developed, the County was going through the process of hiring a
private company to operate the transfer stations.
The Valley Transfer Station is open to residential and commercial customers, and
accepts solid waste for disposal at the WTE Facility. The Valley Transfer Station also
accepts recyclable materials, Clean Green and moderate-risk waste ("MRW"), and has a
separate area for collecting white goods (large appliances such as refrigerators and
washing machines).
6 .2. TRANSFER AND DISPOSAL PLANNING ISSUES
The interlocal agreement for the Regional System expires on November 16, 2014. The
City of Spokane Valley has entered into a contract with Sunshine to provide transfer,
transport, and disposal services through its transfer station. The contract has a term of
10 years, with the option for two three-year extensions.
Certain disposal options, including but not limited to incineration facilities and landfills
located within the City of Spokane Valley, are not considered feasible options and so
are not discussed in this Plan.
6.3 . ALTERNATIVE TRANSFER AND DISPOSAL STRATEGIES
The City recently went through an evaluation process to evaluate using the new County
system and Valley Transfer Station versus use of the Sunshine Transfer Station. The
City Council selected Sunshine and recently entered into a new contract with Sunshine
to provide transfer and disposal services, so no additional options for these services
need to be evaluated at this time. This contract is anticipated to save a substantial
amount of money for City residents and businesses.
The contract that the City of Spokane Valley has signed with Sunshine provides for a
tipping fee (disposal charge) of$98.15 per ton for solid waste,with a minimum fee of
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$15.20 per load. Clean Green will be accepted at the Sunshine Transfer Station for
$50.00 per ton with a minimum fee of$10.00 per load. Separated recyclables and MRW
will be received at the Sunshine Transfer Station at no charge. All rates will be paid by
customers directly to Sunshine. The City will receive an administrative fee of$125,000
per year from Sunshine, a portion of which will be used to pay for staff administration
of the City's contract with Sunshine. A copy of this agreement can be viewed by
interested parties upon request to the Public Works Director.
The City and Sunshine, with the assistance of a media campaign firm, designed a public
outreach plan to inform the citizens and businesses of Spokane Valley about the
availability and desirability of using Sunshine's transfer station. This plan addresses
both short-term and long-term strategies, including booths at a local fair, newspaper
ads, information on websites, brochures, a call center, and other activities.
6 .4 TRANSFER AND DISPOSAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The following recommendation is being made for transfer and disposal programs:
High-Priority Recommendations
D1) The Sunshine Transfer Station is designated as the disposal system for all solid
waste from Spokane Valley, effective November 17, 2014.
The City is the lead agency for this and related activities. Funding for transfer and
disposal costs will be derived from surcharges on tipping fees.
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CHAPTER 7
SPECIAL WASTES
7 . 1 . INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this chapter is to review the generation, handling and disposal methods
for special wastes in Spokane Valley. These wastes generally require special handling
and disposal due to regulatory requirements or for one or more other reasons. Hence,
these wastes are currently managed and disposed of separately from the solid waste
disposal system, and may not actually be defined as solid waste.
The following special wastes are discussed in this chapter:
7.2 Asbestos
7.3 Biomedical Wastes
7.4 Construction and Demolition ("C&D") Wastes
7.5 Moderate-Risk Waste
7.6 Street Sweepings and Vactor Waste
The source(s) and current handling practices for each special waste are described in this
chapter. All of the wastes are also examined for needs and issues,but only those that
pose disposal problems were further examined for alternatives and recommendations.
7 .2. ASBESTOS
Existing Management Practices for Asbestos
The harmful effects of microscopic airborne asbestos fibers have been recognized for
many years. When inhaled, these fibers lodge in the lungs and can cause asbestosis,
mesothelioma, and lung cancer up to 30 years later. These problems caused many uses
of asbestos to be banned in the 1970's and 1990's, but some uses of asbestos are still
allowed, particularly in construction materials. Hence, a building of any age could have
asbestos-containing materials in it. Some of these materials are well-known (such as
pipe insulation and "popcorn" ceiling material), but asbestos has been used in over
3,000 different construction materials and other products over the years and many of
these products are not easily identified. The ongoing use of asbestos led to a new state
law, effective January 1, 2014, that requires labeling of asbestos-containing products.
The primary agency that regulates asbestos in the Spokane area is the Spokane Regional
Clean Air Agency (SRCAA). The regulations adopted by SRCAA primarily focus on
renovation and demolition projects. Two categories are recognized for these types of
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projects: 1) a single-family home with the owner or occupant conducting the renovation
or demolition work, and 2) all other projects (including work being done by landlords
and contractors). In the first case, the owner or occupant of a single-family home is
exempted from survey, notification and fee requirements, but must still dispose of any
asbestos-containing materials properly. All other renovation or demolition projects
must first have a survey conducted for asbestos by an AHERA-certified building
inspector, must notify SRCAA of any asbestos found and file for a removal permit (a
Notice of Intent permit), and properly remove and dispose of the asbestos-containing
materials. In the past five years (December 29, 2009 to September 19, 2014), there have
been 88 penalties assessed by SRCAA for asbestos survey, notification, removal and
disposal violations. These penalties have ranged from$250 to $27,241.
Most of the asbestos waste from Spokane County is disposed at the Graham Road
Recycling and Disposal facility located west of the City of Spokane. This landfill also
accepts construction and demolition wastes, tires, and other special wastes. According
the facility's owner, Waste Management, this site has sufficient additional capacity to
continue to operate for another 103 years. According to Ecology's records, this facility
received 1,664 tons of asbestos wastes in 2012. In the same year, an additional 30 tons of
asbestos-containing wastes from Spokane County were disposed at the Roosevelt
Regional Landfill in Klickitat County.
The City of Spokane Valley has helped address proper asbestos disposal by including a
statement on renovation permits to the effect that people should contact the SRCAA for
information about asbestos, and by requiring evidence of contact with the SRCAA on
demolition permits.
Planning Issues for Asbestos
There appear to be no significant known disposal problems with asbestos-containing
wastes, although education is needed on an ongoing basis. The City of Spokane Valley
will continue to inform the public where possible about the need to conduct an asbestos
survey prior to renovation activities, and will continue to require evidence of this for
demolition permits.
7 .3 . BIOMEDICAL WASTES
Existing Management Practices for Biomedical Wastes
State law (Chapter 70.95K RCW) defines biomedical wastes to include:
Animal waste: animal carcasses, body parts and bedding of animals that are known
to be infected with, or have been inoculated with, pathogenic microorganisms
infectious to humans.
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Biosafety level 4 disease waste: biosafety level 4 disease waste is waste
contaminated with blood, excretions, exudates, or secretions from humans or
animals who are isolated to protect others from highly communicable infectious
diseases that are identified as pathogenic organisms assigned to biosafety level 4 by
the centers for disease control, National Institute of Health, biosafety in
microbiological and biomedical laboratories, current edition.
Cultures and stocks: wastes infectious to humans and includes specimen cultures,
cultures and stocks of etiologic agents, wastes from production of biologicals and
serums, discarded live and attenuated vaccines, and laboratory waste that has come
into contact with cultures and stocks of etiologic agents or blood specimens. Such
waste includes but is not limited to culture dishes, blood specimen tubes, and
devices used to transfer, inoculate, and mix cultures.
Human blood and blood products: discarded waste human blood and blood
components, and materials containing free flowing blood and blood products.
Pathological waste: human source biopsy materials, tissues, and anatomical parts
that emanate from surgery, obstetrical procedures and autopsy. Does not include
teeth, human corpses, remains and anatomical parts that are intended for interment
or cremation.
Sharps: all hypodermic needles, syringes and IV tubing with needles attached,
scalpel blades, and lancets that have been removed from the original sterile package.
The UTC regulates transporters of biomedical wastes. The UTC has issued statewide
franchises to Waste Management and Stericycle to transport biomedical wastes. Their
regulations also allow regular solid waste haulers to refuse to haul wastes that they
observe to contain infectious wastes as defined by the UTC.
Individual residents who generate hypodermic needles are not regulated as are clinics
and agencies. Residents may collect used hypodermic needles in either labeled sharps
containers made for that purpose or in empty rigid plastic bottles such as detergent
bottles (preferably labeled). Full containers can be dropped off at MRW collection sites,
including the new MRW collection facility at the Sunshine Transfer Station.
Planning Issues for Biomedical Wastes
Most biomedical wastes generated in Washington State are currently being handled
properly. There are occasionally problems with small amounts of biomedical wastes
being improperly disposed from small generators such as veterinarians and dental
offices, but in general these can be addressed on an as-needed basis. Residential
"sharps" (syringes), however, can be a problem. Sharps and other biomedical wastes
are generated at residential locations from home health care, especially for diabetes and
other health problems, and from illegal drug use. Residential sources often lack access
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to proper disposal methods, and residential sharps thrown in the garbage can pose a
hazard to waste collectors and others.
Alternative Strategies for Biomedical Wastes
The following alternative was considered for biomedical wastes.
Special Waste Alternative A- Publicize Proper Disposal Options for Residential
Sharps: An ongoing campaign could be conducted to publicize and promote the
proper disposal options for residential sharps. This could be accomplished through a
multi-prong effort involving the City, the Health District and local pharmacies that sell
syringes. The Health District and local pharmacies could take the lead on establishing
programs to handle the syringes and publicizing the availability of these programs. For
the City, a brief explanation of the problems and proper disposal opportunities could be
included on general information that is distributed about the waste collection system.
This alternative is evaluated further at the end of this chapter (see Section 7.7).
7 .4. CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION WASTES
Existing Management Practices for C&D Wastes
This section of the Plan also addresses "green building," which is a topic closely related
to construction and demolition wastes.
C&D wastes are defined simply as the wastes that are generated from construction and
demolition activities. These wastes consist primarily of new and used building
materials (wood, sheetrock, pipe and other metals, shingles, etc.), concrete and asphalt.
Land clearing wastes, including soil, stumps and brush, are also sometimes included in
this category,but these materials are rarely treated as a waste. To the extent these
materials are taken off-site, the materials can be handled as a valuable product, clean fill
or inert wastes (in the case of clean soils), or as a wood waste.
A category related to C&D wastes is "inert wastes." State rules adopted in February
2003, Chapter 173-350 WAC, created this category of waste. Inert wastes are defined to
include some types of construction wastes, such as concrete, asphalt, brick, and ceramic
tile, but specifically excludes sheetrock. Inert wastes also include glass, stainless steel,
aluminum, and other wastes that can meet the criteria for inert wastes (will not burn,
creates no harmful leachate or gases, etc.). The regulatory status of inert wastes differs
from mixed C&D wastes, with disposal requirements that are less strict.
The total amount of C&D wastes generated in Spokane Valley is unknown, but for most
communities, C&D wastes are generated in quantities equal to half or more of the
regular solid waste stream. C&D wastes are generated at a rate that is proportional to
construction activity, and so annual amounts will vary depending on population
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growth, the economic climate and other factors. Large commercial developments and
other one-time projects can have a significant impact on annual amounts, as can natural
disasters.
C&D wastes can be handled in a variety of ways. Some of this waste can be reused or
recycled at facilities in the area (such as Habitat for Humanity, Brown Building
Materials and Greenacres Gypsum), and much of it is brought to one of the landfills in
the area (Graham Road Recycling and Disposal or one of the inert waste landfills). A
significant amount of C&D wastes are disposed with solid wastes. According to the
estimated waste composition figures (see Table 2-4), there are 5,000 tons of wood and
6,280 tons of construction waste in the solid waste stream from Spokane Valley.
Beyond Waste Plan: Increasing the amount of green building practices is one of the
five key initiatives identified in the State's Beyond Waste Plan. Green building is defined
by the Beyond Waste Plan as "design and construction practices that significantly reduce
or eliminate the negative impact of buildings on the environment and occupants in five
broad areas: sustainable site planning; conservation of materials and resources; energy
efficiency and renewable energy; safeguarding water and water efficiency; and indoor
air quality." The Beyond Waste Plan adopted a short-term goal of "dramatically
increasing adoption of environmentally preferable building construction, operation and
deconstruction practices throughout the state and the region." A separate long-term
goal was also adopted, which is for "green building to be a mainstream and usual
practice throughout the state."
Planning Issues for C&D Wastes
There appears to be no significant problems currently with the management of C&D
wastes in Spokane Valley, although reuse and recycling opportunities for these
materials could likely be used more.
Alternative Strategies for C&D Wastes
Possible alternatives for C&D wastes are described below.
Special Waste Alternative B - Install Collection Areas at the Transfer Stations: An
area at the two local transfer stations could be set up as a collection and temporary
storage point for reusable building materials. Materials could be placed in this area by
either the customers or by transfer station staff (time permitting). The area should be
close to the tipping floor but also distinctly separated from it, to avoid confusion about
what materials are permissible to take (scavenging directly from the tipping floor
should not be allowed due to safety and regulatory concerns). Rules would need to be
established as to whom may take materials from this area, and in any case solid waste
customers should be required to weigh and complete their garbage transaction before
taking materials from this area.
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Special Waste Alternative C - Promote Green Building: As mentioned earlier in this
section, Ecology has adopted green building as one of the five primary initiatives in the
Beyond Waste Plan. The scope of green building is very broad, however, and there are
only a few of these topics that fit within the context of this Plan. For instance, issues
dealing with energy efficiency, water conservation and indoor air quality have little to
do with topics such as C&D recycling or even the use of recycled products. The green
building activities that are relevant to this Plan are limited to:
• Promoting de-construction activities that allow reuse and recycling.
• Encouraging builders and others to recycle C&D materials.
These activities could be promoted using a variety of tactics, ranging from providing
links to other sources of information, to recycling requirements attached to new
building permits. For the City of Spokane Valley, an appropriate level of involvement
might be to provide brochures and other information developed by others, as these are
available.
Alternatives B and C are evaluated further at the end of this chapter (see Section 7.7).
7 .5 . MODERATE-RISK WASTES
Introduction
Residents and businesses in Spokane Valley produce small amounts of hazardous
wastes, such as used solvents or other chemicals and leftover amounts of products such
as garden chemicals and paints. For most businesses and virtually all residents, the
amount of hazardous waste produced falls below the amount that is regulated and so is
classified by Washington State law as a "moderate-risk waste." Businesses that create
larger amounts of these wastes are regulated as hazardous waste generators and are
subject to stricter requirements.
Hazardous wastes as defined by State law (RCW 70.105.010) are excluded from the
definition of solid waste, and so are not required to be addressed in a plan such as this.
MRW generators are not required to retain the services of a hazardous waste disposal
company (as larger generators must do), however, MRW will be disposed with solid
waste if a convenient alternative is not provided. In other words, solid waste systems
must provide an alternative disposal method for MRW or by default these materials
will end up in the wastes that are sent to landfills or incinerators. In recognition of this
need, a State law (RCW 70.105.220) required local governments to produce a "local
hazardous waste plan" that was to be implemented by December 31, 1991.
This section of the Plan addresses MRW in recognition of the need for a solid waste
system to provide a viable alternative for the proper disposal of these wastes. This
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section is not intended to satisfy the requirements for a local hazardous waste plan,
which would require more extensive analysis and program development.
Regulations for Moderate-Risk Wastes
MRW includes waste materials that have the characteristics of and pose the same risks
as hazardous wastes, but are generated in relatively small quantities by individual
households and in small quantities by businesses. In other words, these wastes are
flammable, corrosive, toxic, and/or reactive. Federal law does not currently regulate
these wastes as hazardous, but each state can adopt stricter regulations for hazardous
waste from households and small quantity generators. Washington State has chosen to
regulate these materials as solid waste, so long as they are managed properly. Ecology
has created a waste classification called MRW that includes household hazardous waste
(or HHW, which is generated by residential sources) and small quantity generator
waste (which is generated by businesses, but in quantities below the current threshold
for hazardous waste regulations). A State law adopted in 1991 also added used oil to
the list of materials to be addressed by MRW programs.
Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generator Waste: Many businesses and
institutions produce small quantities of hazardous wastes. Conditionally exempt small
quantity generators ("CESQGs") may produce hazardous waste at rates less than 220
pounds per month or per batch (or 2.2 pounds per month or per batch of extremely
hazardous waste) and accumulate less than 2,200 pounds of hazardous waste on-site (or
22 pounds of extremely hazardous waste). Extremely hazardous wastes include specific
pesticides and other poisons that are more toxic than other hazardous wastes. At
amounts above these limits, the businesses become medium or large-quantity
generators and must comply with the reporting and other requirements for hazardous
waste management and disposal. CESQGs are conditionally exempt from State and
Federal regulation, meaning that they are exempt only as long as they generate less
waste than the threshold amounts, and properly manage and dispose of their wastes.
Used Oil: Washington State law (Chapter 70.95I RCW) requires that local governments
manage used oil in conjunction with their MRW programs and submit annual reports to
Ecology.
The Beyond Waste Plan
Ecology is required by law (Chapters 70.105 and 70.95 RCW) to develop and update the
statewide hazardous waste and solid waste plans. In 2004, Ecology simultaneously
updated the 1991 State Solid Waste Management Plan and the 1994 State Hazardous Waste
Management Plan. In 2004, the updated plans were published together as the Beyond
Waste Plan. An updated version of the Beyond Waste Plan became available at the end of
2009.
The Beyond Waste Plan's 30-year vision states: "We can transition to a society where
waste is viewed as inefficient, and where most wastes and toxic substances have been
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eliminated. This will contribute to economic, social and environmental vitality." The
Beyond Waste Plan recognizes that "waste generation in Washington continues to
increase, and that toxic substances are more prevalent in our everyday lives now than
they were just few years ago." It explains why it is important to move beyond waste
and concludes "to lower the risks to people and the environment, Washington needs to
shift to an approach that will significantly reduce wastes and toxic substances over
time."
The Beyond Waste Plan adopted five initiatives as starting points for reducing solid and
toxic wastes in Washington. One of these initiatives is "reducing small-volume
hazardous materials and wastes." This initiative addresses products and substances
commonly used in households and in relatively small quantities by businesses. Ecology
included this initiative in the Beyond Waste Plan for three reasons:
1. The Beyond Waste PIan assumes that MRW affects everyone. A major premise of the
Beyond Waste Plan is that small-volume hazardous materials and wastes are
everywhere and that people come into contact with them daily. As a result, chronic
and acute exposure to hazardous chemicals in homes and businesses can be a
significant health risk, which can be very costly to businesses and society due to
health care costs, environmental degradation, insurance and liability.
2. The Beyond Waste PIan also assumes that the current management system is not
sustainable over the long term. Government funds pay for special collections, fixed
facilities, and treatment and disposal programs to keep MRW out of municipal solid
waste landfills and away from illegal disposal, but currently only a portion of all
MRW is actually captured. Achieving future goals will require a better approach,
including safer alternatives, product stewardship, waste reduction, recycling and
convenient collection opportunities that do not rely primarily on public systems and
finances.
3. Finally, the Beyond Waste Plan assumes that great strides are possible, and that many
opportunities exist to reduce and eliminate risks associated with MRW. This is
based in part on the idea that consumer demand is building for less harmful
products, as well as for more reuse and recycling. Several regional and national
initiatives are already underway, such as E-Cycle, the Take-it-Back Network and
fluorescent lamp recycling, which lend credence to these ideas.
The Beyond Waste Plan identifies the following recommendations for the small-volume
hazardous materials initiative to succeed:
1. Eliminate or minimize groups of the most toxic chemicals as part of the Ecology's
Reducing Toxic Threats work.
2. Reduce threats from mercury.
3. Reduce threats from Persistent Bioaccumulative Toxins.
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4. Develop a more comprehensive list of covered electronics through a product
stewardship infrastructure.
5. Reduce the use of high-risk pesticides, emphasize proper use, and encourage
effective alternatives.
6. Reduce and manage all architectural paint wastes.
7. Implement and promote Environmentally Preferable Purchasing at state and local
governments and in institutional settings, with Ecology leading by example.
Support the Climate Action Team proposals and other initiatives.
8. Ensure MRW and hazardous substances are regulated and managed according to
hazards, toxicity and risk.
9. Support full implementation of local hazardous waste plans.
10. Ensure businesses and facilities handling MRW comply with environmental laws
and regulations. Encourage as much reuse and recycling of MRW as possible.
11. Educate the public and businesses on prevention, proper use, storage, and disposal
of hazardous products and wastes. Encourage safer alternatives to minimize toxic
threats, especially to vulnerable populations.
12. Develop and implement a strategy for a more regionally focused MRW program
by evaluating the most significant threats and effective approaches, including safer
alternatives, to reducing those threats.
The Beyond Waste Plan adopted "five-year milestones" for these recommendations.
Existing Management Practices for Moderate-Risk Wastes
To date, moderate-risk wastes generated in Spokane Valley have been handled through
drop-off collection sites at the Valley Transfer Station and two other locations operated
by the Regional System. The drop-off site at the Valley Transfer Station is open from
7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. seven days per week (except major holidays).
Only household hazardous wastes are accepted for free at this site. CESQG's are
referred to a private contractor for disposal of their wastes, and the private contractor
periodically conducts collection events for CESQGs at the transfer station.
Ongoing funding for the MRW program is provided through a portion of the tipping
fee and Ecology's CPG grant program.
Public education and information about the MRW program, including technical
assistance to commercial generators, has been provided to date by Regional System
staff. Others in the area, including garbage haulers and recycling companies, also
provide information on proper handling and disposal of MRW.
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Planning Issues for MRW Wastes
Because the City of Spokane Valley has chosen to leave the Regional System, an
alternative program will be needed for MRW. Access to the MRW services at the Valley
Transfer Station and other County-owned facilities may not be available. Sunshine has
agreed to provide this service at its transfer station, and it is anticipated that they will
collect a similar range of materials.
Alternative Strategies for MRW Wastes
Special Waste Alternative D - Encourage City Residents to Use the New Program for
HHW: When the City leaves the Regional System in November 2014, city residents
could be encouraged to use the MRW collection site at the Sunshine Transfer Station
because access to existing County-owned sites may no longer be available.
Special Waste Alternative E - Encourage Sunshine to serve CESQGs at their MRW
Facility: When the City leaves the Regional System in November 2014, conditionally
exempt small quantity generators (CESQGs) could be initially served by a referral
service and periodic collection events. If these generators could, however, have access
to the MRW facility at Sunshine's transfer station, they would have a much better level
of service and convenience, and overall administrative demands and costs would be
lower. This type of customer could be asked to pay a disposal fee for the wastes that
they are dropping off at this site. Sunshine could consider adding services to CESQGs
after they have operated the MRW site for a sufficient time to adequately accommodate
this type of customer.
These alternatives are evaluated further at the end of this chapter (see Section 7.7).
7 .6. STREET SWEEPINGS AND VACTOR WASTES
Existing Management Practices for Street Sweepings and Vactor Wastes
Street sweepings and vactor wastes are two different wastes that are often managed
together and are sometimes collectively called "street wastes." Street sweepings are the
result of sweeping streets and parking lots to remove litter, sand and other materials.
Vactor waste, which gets its name from the brand name of a vacuum truck that is often
used to collect this material, is the result of pumping out stormwater catch basins,
ditches, detention and retention ponds and similar structures. Both of these materials
are potentially contaminated with heavy metals, petroleum products, and other
chemicals, as well as being contaminated with litter (paper, plastic and metals). Only in
extreme cases would the street sweepings or vactor waste be so contaminated that it
would be necessary to handle these wastes as a dangerous waste, but the physical and
chemical contaminants do limit the options for using these materials as clean fill or in
other reuse applications.
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In Spokane Valley, street sweeping and the collection of vactor wastes are done by
private companies under contract with the City. In the past, the City has provided a
temporary storage site where wood pellets were added to the wastes to soak up excess
water, and then the mixture was hauled to a landfill for disposal. At the time this Plan
was being developed, however, the City was constructing a "decant facility," which will
allow excess liquids to drain out of these wastes. This approach will avoid the need for
adding wood pellets and also reduce the number of trips needed to the landfill.
Planning Issues for Street Sweepings and Vactor Wastes
With the construction of the decant facility, there are no additional known issues for
street sweepings and vactor wastes, and so there is no need to examine additional
alternatives for these materials.
7. 7 . EVALUATION OF SPECIAL WASTE ALTERNATIVES
Review of Rating Criteria
The special waste alternatives can be evaluated according to several key criteria,
including consistency with solid waste planning goals, technical and political feasibility,
and the relative cost-effectiveness of the alternative. Based on the ratings for these
criteria, each alternative can be given an overall rating and a decision can then be made
as to whether to pursue it or not.
Consistency with Solid Waste Planning Goals: All of the special waste alternatives
support the goals of providing reliable solid waste services and encouraging recycling
and/or proper disposal as appropriate to the type of waste.
Feasibility: Alternatives A (publicizing proper disposal methods for residential sharps)
and C (promoting green building) are feasible although may lead to a minor amount of
additional expenses not currently being incurred by the City. Alternative B (installing
set-aside areas at the two transfer stations in the City) is not likely to be technically or
politically feasible (due to cost and space constraints). Alternative D (using the
Sunshine Transfer Station for HHW) is feasible and has been contractually arranged.
The ability for Sunshine to serve CESQGs at their MRW facility appears feasible but
time should be allowed for Sunshine to address this issue properly.
Cost Effectiveness: Alternative A (publicizing proper disposal methods for residential
sharps) is cost-effective in the sense that this may avoid a significant personal injury
(should a waste collector or other person be stuck by an improperly-disposed syringe).
Alternative B (installing set-aside areas at the two transfer stations in the City) may not
be cost-effective in the sense that it would be hard to recover the capital costs of
constructing the area for this activity. Alternative C (promoting green building) could
be considered cost-effective in the sense that an investment in education and outreach
would lead to future cost savings (from energy and water savings) in the ownership of
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homes and commercial buildings. Alternative D (using the Sunshine Transfer Station
for HHW) should be cost-effective in the sense that a proper disposal system for HHW
could avoid injuries or environmental damages. Alternative E is cost-effective in that
the CESQGs using Sunshine's facility would be asked to pay a fee to cover the disposal
costs of their wastes.
Rating of Alternatives
The evaluation of the alternatives is summarized in the following table.
Table 7-1
Rating of the Special Waste Alternatives
Consistency Cost-
with Planning Feasibility Effectiveness Overall Rating
Alternative Goals
Biomedical Wastes
A, Publicize proper disposal
options for residential H M H H
sharps
C&D Wastes
B, Collection areas at transfer H L L L
stations
C, Promote green building H M H H
Moderate-Risk Wastes
D, Use Sunshine Transfer H H H H
Station for HHW
E, Sunshine to consider H M H H
servin• CESQGs
Rating Scores: H— High, M— Medium, L— Low
7 . 8 SPECIAL WASTE RECOMMENDATIONS
The following recommendations are being made for special waste programs:
High-Priority Recommendations
SW1) Proper disposal options for residential sharps (syringes) will be promoted
through a cooperative effort between the City of Spokane Valley, the Health
District, and the waste collectors.
SW2) Green building practices will be promoted by distributing brochures and
publicizing other sources of information.
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SW3) City residents will be encouraged to use the Sunshine Transfer Station for
household hazardous wastes.
SW4) Sunshine Recyclers should consider providing MRW disposal services to
businesses (CESQGs) in the future.
For Recommendation SW1, implementation responsibility should be shared by the City
and the Health District, with assistance and cooperation from the two waste collection
companies. The City will be the lead agency for Recommendations SW2 and SW3. The
decision on whether and how to serve CESQGs at their MRW facility should be made
by Sunshine.
The cost for Recommendation SW1 could be in the range of$25,000 to $50,000,
depending on the extent of the public information and outreach campaign, and the
potential to "piggy-back" on related public information efforts. The cost for
Recommendation SW2 would be minimal, assuming the City would at most need to
pay for minor modifications to the City's website and for printing of brochures
developed by others. The cost for Recommendation SW3 will be significant, but this
cost will be embedded in the disposal costs at the Sunshine Transfer Station and will be
funded by Sunshine through tipping fees. The cost for Recommendation SW4 is
expected to be covered by user fees.
Recommendation SW3 will be implemented after November 2014, although publicity
activities may begin before that date. Recommendation SW4 would likely not be
implemented until 2015 or later.
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CHAPTER 8
ADMINISTRATION
8 . 1 . EXISTING ADMINISTRATION ACTIVITIES
City of Spokane Valley
The City of Spokane Valley, which incorporated March 31, 2003, is a non-charter code
city that operates under a Council-City Manager system of government. This form of
government provides a separation of politics from day-to-day administration of the
City's activities, and also allows for professional management of the City's activities.
The Council consists of seven elected officials serving staggered four-year terms. All of
the seven positions are "at large." Every two years, the City Council members choose
one member to serve as the Mayor of the City Council, and a second person to serve as
Deputy Mayor. The City Council is generally responsible for adopting legislation and
policies, adopting the City's budget, approving contracts, and hiring the City Manager.
The City Manager is responsible for implementing City ordinances, preparing the City
budget, negotiating and overseeing contracts, managing City operations and staff, and
managing other aspects of the City's operations.
Prior to this Plan, the City of Spokane Valley participated in local solid waste programs
largely though the Regional System, which included the City of Spokane, Spokane
County, and other regional cities. This involvement guided policies and programs in
the City and throughout the region. Solid waste services are performed by private
companies, although the City and others have been involved in public education and
other support activities. The City is also involved in solid waste though the City Code,
which has provisions that address problems with properties that accumulate junk, such
as inoperable cars and badly-managed piles of organic materials that are attracting
pests.
The City of Spokane Valley recently entered into a contract with Sunshine that
stipulates that Sunshine will provide solid waste transfer, transport and disposal
services for City residents and businesses. A clause of that contract provides that an
administrative fee be paid to the City. This fee is to be paid in quarterly installments for
a total annual amount of$125,000. There is also a provision of that contract that
provides for a "Right-of-Way Maintenance Fee" to be paid by Sunshine, in the amount
of $1.00 per ton for each ton of solid waste over 45,500 tons per year. Together, these
funds are referred to as a "disposal surcharge" in other parts of this Plan, and these
funds are expected to cover the City's expenses for operating the City's System.
Spokane County and the Spokane Regional Solid Waste System
Until recently, solid waste programs in Spokane County were largely managed through
the Regional System. Spokane Valley and the other cities in Spokane County have
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participated in this Regional System while maintaining some autonomy in solid waste
collections and other programs (the City of Spokane,for instance, operates its own
collection system for recycling and solid waste). The Regional System will cease to exist
in November 2014, however, and Spokane County will become the lead agency for
many of the programs that had been handled by the Regional System.
Spokane Regional Health District
The Health District is responsible for health programs throughout Spokane County,
including Spokane Valley. In addition to programs addressing personal health
problems and food safety, the Health District has an Environmental Public Health
Division that conducts inspections of solid waste facilities and handles complaints
related to solid waste.
Washington State Agencies and Regulations
The two State agencies that are primarily involved in solid waste management are
Ecology and the UTC.
Washington Department of Ecology: The Solid Waste Handling Standards (Chapter
173-350 WAC) were promulgated by Ecology under the authority granted by Chapter
70.95 RCW. In addition, Chapter 173-351 WAC, Criteria for Municipal Solid Waste
Landfills, contains the current standards for municipal solid waste landfills. The Model
Litter Control and Recycling Act (RCW 70.93.060) prohibits depositing garbage on any
property not properly designated as a disposal site. There is also a "litter fund" that has
been created through a tax levied on wholesale and retail businesses, and the monies
from this fund have been used for education, increased litter clean-up efforts, and
contracts to eligible county entities for illegal dump clean-up activities.
Under the Model Toxics Control Act (Chapter 70.105D RCW), grants are available to
local governments for solid waste management plans and programs, hazardous waste
management plans and programs, and remedial actions to clean up existing hazardous
waste sites. Solid and hazardous waste planning and programs are funded through the
CPG program administered by Ecology's Solid Waste and Financial Assurance
Program.
Ecology also responds to complaints regarding hazardous material spills or releases.
Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission: The UTC regulates privately-
owned utilities and companies that provide public services such as electric power,
telephone, natural gas, private water systems, transportation, and waste collection. The
UTC's authority over solid waste collection is established in Chapter 81.77 RCW and
Chapter 480-70 WAC.
The UTC regulates residential and non-residential garbage collection services, primarily
in unincorporated areas and also for incorporated areas that have not taken control of
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the collection system. Cities are permitted by State law to choose their form of waste
collection regulation. Many cities in Washington contract with a private hauler for
garbage collection services (or collect it with city crews as in the case of Spokane), and
only a few rely on the UTC to regulate a private garbage hauler as if they were an
unincorporated area. UTC authority does not extend to companies operating under
contract with any city or town, or to any city or town that undertakes solid waste
collection. This regulatory system was set up by the State Legislature in the 1960's to
ensure that every citizen and business, no matter how remotely located, can get garbage
collection service.
The UTC regulates solid waste collection companies by granting"certificates of
convenience and necessity" that allow companies to operate in specified service areas.
It also regulates solid waste collection, under authority of RCW 81.77.030,by:
• Fixing collection rates, charges, classifications, rules, and regulations.
• Regulating accounts, service, and safety of operations.
• Requiring annual reports and other reports and data.
• Supervising collection companies in all matters affecting their relationship to their
customers.
• Requiring collection companies to use rate structures consistent with state waste
management priorities.
The UTC requires certificate holders to provide the minimum levels of solid waste
collection and recycling services established by a local solid waste management plan
and enacted through a service level ordinance.
Federal Agencies and Regulations
At the federal level, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA), as
amended by the Solid Waste Disposal Act Amendments of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 6901-6987), is
the primary body of legislation dealing with solid waste. Subtitle D of RCRA deals
with non-hazardous solid waste disposal and requires the development of a state
comprehensive solid waste management program that outlines the authorities of local,
state and regional agencies. Subtitle D requires that the state program must prohibit
"open dumps" and must provide that all solid waste is disposed in an environmentally-
sound manner.
8 .2 . ADMINISTRATION PLANNING ISSUES
No City personnel are currently assigned responsibility for solid waste management
and recycling issues.
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When the City leaves the Regional System, the City will begin to incur costs for
activities that are currently handled by the Regional System. These costs are not well-
defined at this time, but are anticipated to be in the neighborhood of$50,000 to
$100,000, primarily for various education and outreach activities. The City will also
become eligible for CPG funds from Ecology beginning July 1, 2015, and these funds
could be used to cover these costs and/or help defray the expense of the MRW program
or other programs. As of July 1, 2015, Spokane Valley will be eligible for approximately
$250,000 in CPG funds (for a two-year period), although the City will need to provide a
25% match ($83,300, or$41,650 annually) for those funds.
8 .3 . ALTERNATIVE ADMINISTRATION STRATEGIES
The following alternatives were considered for new or expanded administration
programs. The listing of an alternative in this section does not mean that it is
considered feasible or desirable, nor that is recommended (see Section 8.5 for
administration recommendations).
Alternative A- Hire Staff to Manage the Solid Waste System
None of the existing City employees are specifically assigned to solid waste activities,
and so these duties currently fall on the Public Works Director and others. With its new
System, additional work will be required for managing contracts, conducting public
education activities, and also possibly grant management and reporting. One full-time
employee may be needed to manage the System. If the collection system is changed to
one where the City handles the billing, then additional personnel would be needed for
that as well.
Alternative B - Use Private Contractors and Existing Staff to Manage the Solid Waste
System
It should be noted that the idea of hiring additional staff is contrary to the typical
approach for Spokane Valley, and it is more likely that the City will wish to contract for
as many of the activities as possible and then have existing contracts management staff
monitor the progress of those activities. Existing staff can use a variety of techniques to
monitor contracts and programs, including retaining the services of private vendors
(such as survey firms) as appropriate and necessary (see also Alternative I in the Waste
Reduction chapter for more on monitoring methods).
8.4. EVALUATION OF ADMINISTRATION ALTERNATIVES
Review of Rating Criteria
The above alternatives can be evaluated according to several key criteria, including
consistency with solid waste planning goals, technical and political feasibility, and the
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relative cost-effectiveness of the alternative. Based on the ratings for these criteria, each
alternative can be given an overall rating and a decision can then be made as to whether
to pursue it or not.
Consistency with Solid Waste Planning Goals: Both of these alternatives support the
goals for this Plan.
Feasibility: Between Alternatives A (hiring new staff) and B (the use of existing staff),
Alternative B is more technically and politically feasible.
Cost Effectiveness: Alternative B (using existing staff) is more cost-effective than
Alternative A (hiring new staff).
Rating of Alternatives
The evaluation of the alternatives is summarized in the following table.
Table 8-1
Rating of the Administration Alternatives
Consistency Cost-
with Planning Feasibility Effectiveness Overall Rating
Alternative Goals
A, Hire new staff H L L L
B, Use existing staff H H H H
Rating Scores: H— High, M —Medium, L— Low
8.5 ADMINISTRATION RECOMMENDATIONS
The following recommendations are being made for administration programs:
High-Priority Recommendations
Al) The additional services and programs needed by the City to support the City's
solid waste system will be performed by contracted services to the extent feasible
and appropriate. Existing City staff will be used to monitor the contracts and
programs for solid waste in the City of Spokane Valley.
Medium-Priority Recommendations
A2) The additional funds needed to implement the City's solid waste system will be
collected through surcharges on tipping fees collected at the Sunshine Transfer
Station.
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The City of Spokane Valley is the lead agency for both of these recommendations,
which will be implemented in November 2014. The funding source is defined above,
plus CPG funds can be used when the City becomes eligible for those.
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CHAPTER 9
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
9. 1 . INTRODUCTION
This chapter lists all of the recommendations from previous chapters and presents a
plan to implement the recommendations. These recommendations are intended to
guide decision-making activities for Spokane Valley for the next six years,while also
providing direction for the next 20 years. Implementation of individual program
elements will be accomplished through annual budgets and contracts.
9.2 . WASTE REDUCTION RECOMMENDATIONS
The following recommendations are being made for waste reduction programs (see
Chapter 3 for more details):
High-Priority Recommendations
WR1) The City of Spokane Valley will evaluate product stewardship programs as
these are proposed on a statewide or national level, and support those if
appropriate to the interests of their citizens and the business community.
WR2) The business community in Spokane Valley may be encouraged to reduce
waste through a recognition program that publicizes success stories.
WR3) The City of Spokane Valley will adopt policies and practices to encourage
City departments to reduce waste.
WR4) Round-up events should be conducted at least annually by the City of
Spokane Valley.
Medium-Priority Recommendations
WR5) Public education materials distributed by the City of Spokane Valley will
include information on alternative handling methods for yard waste, the
value of "smart shopping" methods, how to avoid wasting food, and the
availability of volume-based garbage collection fees.
Low-Priority Recommendations
WR6) A ban on the disposal of yard waste within solid waste disposal containers
may be considered in the future if public education and outreach efforts are
not effective in diverting most of this material from the waste stream.
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9.3 . RECYCLING AND ORGANICS RECOMMENDATIONS
The following recommendations are being made for recycling and organics collection
programs (see Chapter 4 for more details):
High-Priority Recommendations
R1) Curbside recycling will continue to be included with garbage collection services
for residential customers in Spokane Valley.
R2) City residents and businesses will be encouraged to use Sunshine Transfer
Station for Clean Green drop-off services.
Medium-Priority Recommendations
R3) Weekly curbside recycling will be evaluated as part of the waste collection
system changes expected to be implemented by Spokane Valley in 2018.
9.4. SOLID WASTE COLLECTION RECOMMENDATIONS
The following recommendations are being made for waste collection programs (see
Chapter 5 for more details):
High-Priority Recommendations
C1) When the City fully assumes control of collection services, anticipated to be in
2018,various options will be considered for providers and service levels,
including negotiating versus bidding for haulers, and collection frequency for
recycling.
Medium-Priority Recommendations
C2) Educate the public on the benefits of curbside collection services and the
comprehensive costs related to self-haul to transfer station.
9.5 . TRANSFER AND DISPOSAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The following recommendation is being made for transfer and disposal programs (see
Chapter 6 for more details):
High-Priority Recommendations
D1) The Sunshine Transfer Station is designated as the disposal system for all solid
waste from Spokane Valley, effective November 17, 2014.
Spokane Valley Solid Waste Management Plan 9-2 Chapter 9:Implementation Plan
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9.6. SPECIAL WASTE RECOMMENDATIONS
The following recommendations are being made for special waste programs (see
Chapter 7 for more details):
High-Priority Recommendations
SW1) Proper disposal options for residential sharps (syringes) will be promoted
through a cooperative effort between the City of Spokane Valley, the Health
District, and the waste collectors.
SW2) Green building practices will be promoted by distributing brochures and
publicizing other sources of information.
SW3) City residents will be encouraged to use the Sunshine Transfer Station for
household hazardous wastes.
SW4) Sunshine Recyclers should consider providing MRW disposal services to
businesses (CESQGs) in the future.
9.7. ADMINISTRATION RECOMMENDATIONS
The following recommendations are being made for administration programs (see
Chapter 8 for more details):
High-Priority Recommendations
Al) The additional services and programs needed by the City to support the City's
solid waste system will be performed by contracted services to the extent feasible
and appropriate. Existing City staff will be used to monitor the contracts and
programs for solid waste in the City of Spokane Valley.
Medium-Priority Recommendations
A2) The additional funds needed to implement the City's solid waste system will be
collected through surcharges on tipping fees collected at the Sunshine Transfer
Station.
9 .8 . SIX-YEAR IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE
The proposed implementation schedule is shown in Table 9-1.
Spokane Valley Solid Waste Management Plan 9-3 Chapter 9: Implementation Plan
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Table 9-1
Implementation Schedule for Recommendations
Recommendation 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
Waste Reduction
WR1) Support product stewardship
programs as appropriate
WR2) Business waste reduction recognition
program
WR3) Adopt city waste reduction policies X
WR4) Conduct round-up events
WR5) Promote waste reduction
WR6) Consider yard waste disposal ban X X
Recycling and Organics
R1) Continue to include curbside recycling
with garbage services
R2) Encourage use of Sunshine Transfer
Station for Clean Green
R3) Evaluate weekly curbside recycling X
Solid Waste Collection
C1) Contract for collection service X
C2) Increase curbside subscriptions X
Transfer and Disposal
D1) Designate Sunshine Transfer Station as X
disposal site (2014)
Special Wastes
SW1) Promote proper disposal of residential
sharps
SW2) Promote green building
SW3) Encourage use of Sunshine Transfer
Station for HHW
SW4) Sunshine to consider serving X X
CESQGs
Administration
Al) Use existing staff
A2) Disposal surcharge as funding source
X—indicates a singular or short-term event. Shading indicates ongoing activities.
Spokane Valley Solid Waste Management Plan 9-4 Chapter 9:implementation Plan
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9 .9. IMPLEMENTATION RESPONSIBILITIES
The City of Spokane Valley is primarily responsible for most of the recommendations
made in this Plan, but that responsibility is shared with others as appropriate to the
nature of the recommended activity. Implementation responsibilities for the
recommended activities are summarized in Table 9-2.
Table 9-2
Implementation Responsibilities for Recommendations
Recommendation CityCountyHealth Waste Others
District Haulers
Waste Reduction
WR1) Support product stewardship programs X
as appropriate
WR2) Business waste reduction recognition X O
program
WR3) Adopt city waste reduction policies X
WR4) Conduct round-up events X
WR5) Promote waste reduction X
WR6) Consider yard waste disposal ban X
Recycling and Organics
R1) Continue to include curbside recycling X O
with garbage services
R2) Encourage use of Sunshine Transfer X O
Station for Clean Green
R3) Evaluate weekly curbside recycling X 0
Solid Waste Collection
C1) Contract for collection service X 0
C2) Increase curbside subscriptions X
Transfer and Disposal
D1) Designate Sunshine Transfer Station as X
disposal site
Special Wastes
SW1) Promote proper disposal of residential O O X O
sharps
SW2) Promote green building X
SW3) Encourage use of Sunshine Transfer X X O
Station for HHW
SW4) Sunshine to consider serving CESQGs Sunshine
Administration
A1) Use existing staff X
A2) Disposal surcharge as funding source X
X—indicates primary responsibility. 0—indicates secondary responsibility.
Spokane Valley Solid Waste Management Plan 9-5 Chapter 9: Implementation Plan
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9. 10. FUNDING STRATEGY
The recommended programs will be funded through garbage rates, tipping fees, a
disposal surcharge, other user fees, and State grants (CPG funds). It should be noted
here that none of the recommendations in this Plan require additional construction or
other capital acquisition activities (beyond the recent modifications that Sunshine has
opted to make at the Sunshine Transfer Station), and so the costs addressed in this Plan
are solely for operating expenses for a variety of programs. A summary of the funding
sources for the recommended programs is shown in Table 9-3.
Garbage rates will be used to fund waste collection, curbside recycling and commercial
recycling programs. Tipping fees will be used for the recommended waste reduction,
transfer, transport and disposal, household hazardous waste, and administration.
Special user fees will fund small quantity generator and other special waste programs.
Table 9-3
Funding Strategies for Recommendations
a) us
o) a) L co v
co a>
Project or Activity a°}i a a -F
Cco � � cn
O CO "' 0 O cQ
cf) li
Waste Reduction X X X
Recycling and Organics X X X
Solid Waste Collection X
Transfer and Disposal X
Special Wastes X X X
Administration X X
9. 11 . TWENTY—YEAR IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE
It is anticipated that programs and facilities in Spokane Valley will generally be able to
stay on the course established by this Plan for the next twenty years. The waste stream
for the City is not expected to increase so much (see Table 2-6) as to create capacity
issues for the collection and disposal system that the City is proposing to use. The
recently-executed contract with Sunshine will provide disposal services for at least the
next ten years (with two three-year extensions possible). The contracts for waste
collection services will provide for those services through 2018, at which time the City
anticipates it will enter into a long term contract for solid waste collection services (as
Spokane Valley Solid Waste Management Plan 9-6 Chapter 9: Implementation Plan
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described in Chapter 5). Recycling and organics collection services will continue to be
provided through the collection and disposal contracts. Hence, the twenty-year
implementation strategy is much the same as the implementation details shown in the
previous tables in this chapter. Changes will likely continue to occur, however, in the
local, statewide and national solid waste arena, and should any of these changes require
an amendment or revision to this Plan, then the steps described in the next section can
be taken to address those.
9 . 12. PROCEDURES FOR AMENDING THE PLAN
The Solid Waste Management-Reduction and Recycling Act (Chapter 70.95 RCW)
requires local governments to maintain their solid waste plans in current condition.
Plans must be reviewed and revised, if necessary, every five years. Assuming a timely
adoption process for this Plan, with the process completed in late 2014, this Plan should
be reviewed and, if necessary, revised or amended in 2019 or 2020. According to
Ecology's guidelines5, "amendments" are more minor changes that generally occur
within the five-year time period after a solid waste plan is approved, whereas
"revisions" are more significant changes that could require more opportunities for
public review and comment.
Individuals or organizations wishing to propose Plan amendments before the
scheduled review process must petition the City of Spokane Valley in writing. The
petition should describe the proposed amendment, its specific objectives, and explain
why immediate action is needed prior to the next scheduled review. The Public Works
Director will investigate the basis for the petition and prepare a recommendation for the
City Manager.
If the City Manager decides that the petition warrants further consideration, the Public
Works Director will draft a proposed amendment. This process will also be used if City
staff initiate amendments to the Plan. The proposed amendment must be submitted to
the City Council and undergo the normal review and approval process for this type of
Plan amendment. As an amendment, a SEPA Checklist will likely not be necessary, but
the proposed amendment should be reviewed by Ecology (the extent and timing for
their review should be determined at a later date on a case-by-case basis). Once
adopted, the amendment should be submitted to Ecology for review and approval.
The Public Works Director may develop reasonable rules for submitting and processing
proposed Plan amendments, and may establish reasonable fees to investigate and
process petitions. All administrative rulings of the Public Works Director and City
Manager may be appealed to the City Council.
5 Guidelines for Development of Local Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plans and Plan
Revisions,by the Washington Department of Ecology,February 2010,Publication#10-07-005.
Spokane Valley Solid Waste Management Plan 9-7 Chapter 9: Implementation Plan
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Minor changes that may occur in the System, whether due to internal decisions or
external factors, can be adopted without the need to go through a formal amendment
process.
Implicit in the development and adoption of this Plan is the understanding that
emergency actions may need to be taken by the City in the future for various reasons,
and that these actions can be undertaken without needing to amend this Plan
beforehand. For instance, an accident,fire or other mishap could interrupt transfer or
disposal services and create a temporary or longer term need for alternative disposal
arrangements. In the case of an emergency situation, City staff will endeavor to inform
Ecology and other key stakeholders as soon as feasibly possible, but not necessarily
before new actions are implemented. If the emergency results in permanent and
significant changes to the System, an amendment to this Plan will be prepared. If,
however, the emergency actions are only undertaken on a temporary or short-term
basis, an amendment will not be considered necessary.
Spokane Valley Solid Waste Management Plan 9-8 Chapter 9: Implementation Plan
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GLOSSARY
The following definitions are provided for various terms used in the Spokane Valley Solid
Waste Management Plan:
Biomedical waste: infectious and injurious waste originating from a medical,
veterinary, or intermediate care facility, or from home use.
Buy-back recycling center: a facility that pays people for recyclable materials.
Commercial solid waste: solid waste generated by non-industrial businesses. This
includes waste from business activities such as construction; transportation,
communications and utilities; wholesale trades; retail trades;finance, insurance and real
estate; other services; and government. This term is also used to refer to all waste
except residential, or is used by waste collectors to refer to all waste that is collected
using dumpsters.
Commingled: recyclable materials that have been collected separately from garbage by
the generator, but the recyclable materials have been mixed together in the same
container (see also single stream).
Composting: the controlled biological decomposition of organic wastes to produce a
humus-like final product that can be used as a soil amendment. In this Plan, backyard
composting means a small-scale activity performed by homeowners on their own
property, using yard debris that they generate.
CPG: Coordinated Prevention Grants, a grant program administered by the
Washington State Department of Ecology.
Curbside recycling: the act of collecting recyclable materials directly from residential
generators, usually after the recyclable materials have been placed at the curb (or at the
side of the street if no curb exists in the area) by the residents.
EPA: the United States Environmental Protection Agency; the federal agency
responsible for promulgation and enforcement of federal environmental regulations.
Ferrous metals: materials that are predominantly (over 75% by weight) made of iron.
Includes cans and various iron and steel alloys that contain enough iron such that
magnets adhere to them, but for recycling this generally does not include paint cans or
other containers that may contain hazardous residues.
Groundwater: water present in subsurface geological deposits (aquifers).
Spokane Valley Solid Waste Management Plan G-1 Glossary
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HDPE: high-density polyethylene, a type of plastic commonly used in milk, detergent,
bleach bottles and other containers. Also used for products that line and cap landfills.
Household hazardous waste (HHW): wastes that would be classified as hazardous due
to their nature or characteristics, except that the amount is too small to be regulated and
the wastes are generated by households (which are exempt). Includes aerosol cans,
solvents, some paints, cleaners, pesticides, herbicides, compressed gases, oil, other
petroleum products, car batteries and other materials.
Industrial waste: solid waste generated by various manufacturing companies. Includes
waste generated by businesses that manufacture the following products: food, textile
mill products, apparel, lumber, paper, printing, chemicals, stone, clay, glass, fabricated
metals, equipment, and miscellaneous other products. Does not include hazardous
wastes generated by these industries.
Inert wastes: includes wastes that are inert in nature, such as glass, concrete, rocks,
gravel, and bricks.
Mixed paper: all other types of recyclable paper not included in newspaper, cardboard
or high-grade papers. Includes materials such as "junk mail," magazines,books, and
white and colored printing and writing papers.
Moderate-risk wastes (MRW): includes household hazardous waste (see definition
above) and wastes produced by businesses that potentially meet the definition of a
hazardous waste except the amount of waste produced falls below regulatory limits.
MSW: municipal solid waste (see also "solid waste").
Mulching: includes 1) leaving grass clippings on the lawn when mowing; 2) placing
yard debris, compost, wood chips or other materials on the ground in gardens or
around trees and shrubs to discourage weeds and retain moisture.
Non-ferrous metals: materials predominantly made of copper, lead, brass, tin,
aluminum, and other metals except iron.
PET: polyethylene terephthalate, a type of plastic. Commonly used to refer to 2-liter
beverage bottles, although other containers are also increasingly being made from this
material, including containers for liquid and solid materials such as cooking oil, liquor,
peanut butter, and many other food and household products.
Public education: a broad effort to present and distribute informational materials.
Public information: the development of educational materials for the public, including
brochures,videos, and public service announcements.
Spokane Valley Solid Waste Management Plan G-2 Glossary
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RCW: Revised Code of Washington.
Recycling: the act of collecting and/or processing source-separated materials in order
to return them to a usage similar in nature to their previous use.
Reusable items: items that may be reused (or easily repaired), including things such as
small electronics, household items such as dishes, and furniture.
Roll-off: large open-topped container, generally 8 to 40 cubic yards in volume, used for
collecting and transporting wastes.
Self-haul waste: waste that is brought to a landfill or transfer station by the person or
company that created the waste. The former is called residential self-haul and the latter
is called either non-residential or commercial self-haul.
SEPA: State Environmental Policy Act.
Single stream: refers to the practice of placing all recyclable materials together in one
container for curbside collection. This is similar to "commingled" except that glass
bottles may or may not be included in a commingled mixture, whereas glass bottles are
mixed with the other materials in single stream collection programs.
Solid waste: solid and semisolid wastes, including but not limited to garbage, rubbish,
ashes, industrial wastes, swill, demolition and construction wastes, discarded
commodities, wood waste, and various special wastes.
Special wastes: wastes that have particular characteristics such that they present special
handling and/or disposal problems.
Spokane Regional Solid Waste System: The name of the system that operated the public
transfer stations and other aspects of the solid waste system through November 2014.
This system was created by Interlocal agreements between Spokane County and the
cities in the county, and was administered by the City of Spokane.
Stationary compactor: A compaction unit installed at an apartment building or medium
to large-sized business, used for compacting and transporting wastes.
Tipping fee: The rate charged by transfer and disposal facilities, generally on a per-ton
basis.
Transfer station: an intermediate solid waste disposal facility at which solid waste is
temporarily deposited to await transportation to a final disposal site.
UGA: Urban Growth Area, see Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan for more details.
Spokane Valley Solid Waste Management Plan G-3 Glossary
by Green Solutions
UTC: Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission.
WAC: Washington Administrative Code.
Waste reduction or waste prevention: reducing the amount or type of solid waste that
is generated. Also defined by state rules to include reducing the toxicity of wastes.
White goods: large appliances such as refrigerators.
Yard debris: includes leaves, grass clippings, brush and branches.
Spokane Valley Solid Waste Management Plan G-4 Glossary
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ATTACHMENT A
ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST
This page intentionally left blank to facilitate double-sided printing.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
QTYo nv e PLANNING
PG DIVISION
pIliNACE
11707 E.Sprague Ave Suite 106•Spokane Valley WA 99206
509.921 1000•Fax 509 921 1008•-.cityhall@spokanevalley.org
FILE NUMBER:SEP-2014-0009 Solid Waste Management Plan
PROPOSAL DESCRIPTION: Environmental review of the Solid Waste Management Plan. The plan
provides guidance for the solid waste system in the City of Spokane Valley,which includes garbage
collection and disposal,and programs for waste reduction,recycling,organics,special wastes and the
administration of these programs. The Plan provides guidance on program development and
implementation for these activities for the next five to six years,and anticipates the needs of the solid
waste system 20 years from now.
PROPOSAL LOCATION:This is a non-project action. The plan will impact the solid waste system for
the City of Spokane Valley,
OWNER:City of Spokane Valley,Eric Guth, 11707 E Sprague Ave,Suite 106, Spokane Valley,WA
99206
APPLICANT: City of Spokane Valley,Eric Guth, 11707 E Sprague Ave, Suite 106,Spokane Valley,WA
99206
LEAD AGENCY: City of Spokane Valley
The lead agency for this proposal has determined that it does not have a probable significant adverse
impact on the environment. An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is not required under RCW
43.21C.030(2)(c). This decision was made after review of a completed environmental checklist and other
information on file with the lead agency. This information is available to the public on request.
DETERMINATION:
❑ There is no comment period for this Determination ofNon-Significance(DNS).
❑ This DNS is Issued using the optional DNS process in WAC 197-11-355. There is no further
comment period on the DNS.
• This DNS is issued under WAC 197-11-340(2);the lead agency will not act on his proposal for 14
days from the date issued.
STAFF CONTACT: Lori Barlow, Senior Planner,City of Spokane Valley; 11707 E Sprague Avenue,Suite
106,Spokane Valley,WA 99206,PH:(509)720-5335/FX(509)688-0037,lbarlow0,,spokanevalley.org
RESPONSIBLE OFFICIAL: John Hohman,Community Development P irector
DATE ISSUED: August 15,2014 SIGNATURE: A'
APPEAL: An appeal of this determination shall be submitted to the Community Development Department
within fourteen(14)calendar days after the date issued. The appeal must be written and specific factual
objections made to the City's threshold determination. Appeals shall be conducted in conformance with
Spokane Valley Municipal Code(SVMC) 17.90 Appeals,and any required fees pursuant to the City's
adopted Fee Schedule shall be paid at the time of appeal submittal. Pursuant to WAC 197-11-680,
appeals shall be limited to a review of a final threshold determination.
City of Spokane Valley August 15,2014
Determination of Non-Significance(DNS) Page 1 of I
File No.SEP-2014-0009
1_, {,
•
APPENDIX A
ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST
INTRODUCTION
Ecology guidelines for solid waste plans require that the potential impacts of this
Spokane Valley Solid Waste Management Plan(this"Plan")must be evaluated
according to the State Environmental Policy Act(SEPA)process. This checklist has
been prepared to fulfill that requirement.
SUMMARY
The SEPA checklist prepared for this Plan is intended only to address those programs
specifically recommended by the CSWMP. Any new facilities or other activities
proposed subsequent to this Plan will need to undergo their own SEPA review process.
No negative environmental impacts are anticipated to result from the programs
recommended in this Plan.
Spokane Valley Solid Waste Management Plan A-1 Attachment A.Environmental Checklist
by Green Solutions
SEPA CHECKLIST
Sone SVMC 21.20
Community Development-Planning Division
11703 E Sprague Ave Suite 8-3 + Spokane Valley WA 99206
509.720.5310+ Fax: 509.688.0037 0 plannlnR®spokanevattey.ore
STAFF USE ONLY
Date Submitted: Au..ti[SAM Received by: t + A,AA-N Fee: 4 3k --
PLUS#: File#: 3U 2o1L-(—o cFi
A. BACKGROUND
1. Name of proposed project, if applicable:
Spokane Valley Solid Waste Management Plan
2. Name of applicant:
Spokane Valley Public Works Department
3. Address and phone number of applicant and contact person:
Eric Guth, 509-720-5000, 11707 East Sprague Ave., Suite 106, Spokane Valley, WA
99206
4. Date checklist prepared:
June 12, 2014
5. Agency requesting checklist:
Washington Department of Ecology
6. Proposed timing or schedule(including phasing, if applicable):
The recommendations contained in the Solid Waste Management Plan will be
implemented primarily over the next five years.
7. Do you have any plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related to or
connected with this proposal? if yes, explain.
No
8. List any environmental Information you know about that has been prepared, or will be
prepared, directly related to this proposal.
The permit for one of the facilities mentioned in this Plan, the Sunshine Disposal Transfer
Station, was recently modified to allow some of the proposed activities to proceed.
Spokane Valley Salki Waste Management Plan A-3 Attachment A:Environmental Checklist
by Green Solutions
9. Do you know whether applications are pending for governmental approvals of other
proposals directly affecting the property covered by your proposal? If yes, explain.
NA
10. List any government approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal, if known.
This Plan must be adopted by the Spokane Valley City Council and then the Washington
Department of Ecology must approve the plan.
11. Give brief, complete description of your proposal, Including the proposed uses and the
size of the project and site.
Recommendations are made in this Plan for solid waste, moderate-risk waste and other
aspects of the solid waste management system. Recommended actions Include
education and promotion, assignment of implementation responsibilities, and a funding
strategy.
12. Location of the proposal.
The activities described in the plan will take place primarily in the City of Spokane
Valley.
13. Does the proposed action lie within the Aquifer Sensitive Area(ASA)? The general Sewer
Service Area? Priority Sewer Service Area?
Yes,the activities described in this Plan will take place In the City of Spokane Valley.
14. The following questions supplement Part A.
a. Critical Aquifer Recharge Area (CARA)/Aquifer Sensitive Area (ASA).
1. Describe any systems, other than those designed for the disposal of sanitary
waste, Installed for the purpose of discharging fluids below the ground surface
(includes systems such as those for the disposal of Stormwater or drainage from
floor drains). Describe the type of system, the amount of material to be disposed
of through the system and the types of material likely to be disposed of(including
materials which may enter the system Inadvertently through spills or as a result
of firefighting activities).
NA
2. Will any chemicals (especially organic solvents or petroleum fuels) be stored in
aboveground or underground storage tanks? If so, what types and quantities of
material will be stored?
NA
3. What protective measures will be taken to insure that leaks or spills of any
chemicals stored or used on site will not be allowed to percolate to groundwater?
This Includes measures to keep chemicals out of disposal systems.
NA
Spokane Valley Sotkl Waste Management Plan A-4 Attachment A:Environmental Checklist
by Green Solutions
4. Will any chemicals be stored, handled or used on the site In a location where a
spill or leak will drain to surface or groundwater or to a stormwater disposal
system discharging to surface or groundwater?
NA
b. Stormwater
1. What are the depths on the site to groundwater and to bedrock(if known)?
NA
2. Will stormwater be discharged into the ground? If so, describe any potential
impacts.
NA
B. ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS EVALUATION FOR
AGENCY USE ONLY
1) Earth
a. General description of the site (check one): ❑ fiat, ❑ rolling,
0 hilly, ❑steep slopes, ❑ mountainous, other
Does not apply
b. What is the steepest slope on the site(approximate percent slope)?
Does not apply
c. What general types of soils are found on the site (for example, clay,
sand, gravel, peat, muck)? If you know the classification of
agricultural soils, specify them and note any prime farmland.
Does not apply
d. Are there surface indications or history of unstable soils in the
immediate vicinity? If so, describe.
Does not apply
e. Describe the purpose,type, and approximate quantities of any filling
or grading proposed. Also indicate source of fill.
Does not apply
1. Could erosion occur as a result of clearing, construction, or use? If so,
generally describe.
Does not apply
g. About what percent of the site will be covered with impervious
surfaces after project construction?
Does not apply
Spokane Valley Solid Waste Management Plan A-5 Attachment A'Environmental Checklist
by Green Solutions
•
h. Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to
the earth, if any:
Does not apply
2) Air EVALUATION FOR
AGENCY USE ONLY
a. What types of emissions to the air would result from the proposal (i.e.,
dust, automobile, odors, industrial wood smoke) during construction
and when the project is completed? If any, generally describe and
give approximate quantities if known.
Does not apply
b. Are there any off-site sources of emissions or odor that may affect
your proposal? If so, generally describe.
Does not apply
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control emissions or other impacts
to air, if any:
Does not apply
3) Water
a. Surface:
1) Is there any surface water body on or in the immediate vicinity of
the site (including year-round and seasonal streams, saltwater,
lakes, ponds, wetlands)? If yes, describe type and provide
names. If appropriate, state what stream or river it flows Into.
Does not apply
2) Will the project require any work over, In, or adjacent to (within
200 feet) the described waters? If yes, please describe and
attach available plans.
Does not apply
3) Estimate the amount of fill and dredge material that would be
placed in or removed from surface water or wetlands and indicate
the area of the site that would be affected. Indicate the source of
fill material.
Does not apply
4) Will the proposal require surface water withdrawals or diversions?
Give general description, purpose, and approximate quantities if
known.
Does not apply
Spokane Valley Solid Waste Management Plan A-6 Attachment A:Environmental Checklist
by Green Solutions
6) Does the proposal lie within a 100-year floodplain? If so, note
location on the site plan.
Does not apply
6) Does the proposal involve any discharges of waste materials to EVALUATION FOR
surface waters? If so, describe the type of waste and anticipated AGENCY USE ONLY
volume of discharge.
Does not apply
b. Ground:
• 1) Will ground water be withdrawn, or will water be discharged to
ground water? Give general description, purpose, and
approximate quantities if known.
Does not apply
2) Describe waste material that will be discharged into the ground
from septic tanks or other sources, if any (for example: Domestic
sewage; industrial, containing the following chemicals;
agricultural; etc.).
Does not apply
c. Water runoff(including stormwater):
1) Describe the source of runoff (including storm water) and method
of collection and disposal, if any (include quantities, If known).
Where will this water flow? Will this water flow into other waters?
If so, describe.
Does not apply
2) Could waste materials enter ground or surface waters? If so,
generally describe.
Does not apply
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, and runoff
water impacts, If any:
Does not apply
4) Plants
a. Check or circle types of vegetation found on the site:
0 deciduous tree: alder, maple, aspen, other
0 evergreen tree: fir, cedar, pine, other
❑ shrubs
❑grass
Spokane Valley Solid Waste Management Plan A-7 Attachment A:Environmental Checklist
by Green Solutions
El pasture
❑ crop or grain
❑ wet soil plants: cattail, buttercup, bulirush, skunk
cabbage, other
❑water plants: water lily, eeigrass, milfoil, other
El other types of vegetation EVALUATION FOR
AGENCY USE ONLY
Does not apply
b. What kind and amount of vegetation will be removed or altered?
Does not apply
c. List threatened or endangered species known to be on or near the
site.
Does not apply
d. Proposed landscaping, use of native plants, or other measures to
preserve or enhance vegetation on the site, if any:
Does not apply
5) Animals
a. Circle any birds and animals which have been observed on or near
the site or are known to be on or near the site:
❑ birds: hawk, heron, eagle, songbirds, other:
❑mammals: deer, bear, elk, beaver, other:
❑fish: bass, salmon, trout, herring, shellfish, other;
Does not apply
b. List any threatened or endangered species known to be on or near
the site.
Does not apply
c. Is the site part of a migration route? If so, explain.
Does not apply
d. Proposed measures to preserve or enhance wildlife, if any:
Does not apply
6) Energy and natural resources
a. What kinds of energy (electric, natural gas, oil, wood stove, solar)will
be used to meet the completed project's energy needs? Describe
whether it will be used for heating, manufacturing, etc,
Spokane Valley Solid Waste Management Plan A•B Attachment A:Environmental Checklist
by Green Solutions
Does not apply
b. Would your project affect the potential use of solar energy by adjacent
properties? If so, generally describe.
Does not apply
EVALUATION FOR.
c. What kinds of energy conservation features are included in the plans AGENCY USE ONLY
of this proposal? List other proposed measures to reduce or control
energy impacts, If any:
Does not apply
7) Environmental health
a. Are there any environmental health hazards, Including exposure to
toxic chemicals, risk of fire and explosion, spill, or hazardous waste,
that could occur as a result of this proposal? If so,describe
Does not apply
1) Describe special emergency services that might be required.
Does not apply
2) Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health
hazards, if any:
Does not apply
b. Noise
1) What types of noise exist in the area which may affect your
project(for example: traffic, equipment, operation, other)?
Does not apply
2) What types and levels of noise would be created by or associated
with the project on a short-term or a long-term basis? Indicate
what hours noise would come from the site.
Does not apply
3) Proposed measures to reduce or control noise impacts, If any:
Does not apply
8) Land and shoreline use
a. What is the current use of the site and adjacent properties?
Does not apply
b. Has the site been used for agriculture? If so, describe.
Spokane Valley Solld Waste Management Plan A-9 Attachment A:Environmental Checklist
by Green Solutions
Does not apply
c. Describe any structures on the site.
Does not apply
EVALUATION FOR
d. Will any structures be demolished? If so,what? AGENCY USE ONLY
Does not apply
e. What is the current zoning classification of the site?
Does not apply
f. What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site?
Does not apply
g. If applicable, what is the current shoreline master program
designation of the site?
Does not apply
h. Has any part of the site been classified as an "environmentally
sensitive" area? If so, specify.
Does not apply
i. Approximately how many people would reside or work in the
completed project?
Does not apply
J. Approximately how many people would the completed project
displace?
Does not apply
k. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce displacement Impacts, if any:
Does not apply
I. Proposed measures to ensure the proposal Is compatible with
existing and projected land uses and plans, if any:
Does not apply
9) Housing
a. Approximately how many units would be provided, if any? Indicate
whether high, middle, or low-income housing.
Does not apply
b. Approximately how many units, if any, would be eliminated? Indicate
Spokane Valley Solid Waste Management Plan A-10 Attachment A:Environmental Checklist
by Green Solutions
whether high, middle, or low-income housing.
Does not apply
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control housing Impacts, if any:
Does not apply EVALUATION FOR
AGENCY USE ONLY
10) Aesthetics
a. What Is the tallest height of any proposed structure(s), not including
antennas;what is the principal exterior building material(s) proposed?
Does not apply
b. What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed?
Does not apply
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any:
Does not apply
11) Light and glare
a. What type of light or glare will the proposal produce? What time of
day would it mainly occur?
Does not apply
b. Could light or glare from the finished project be a safety hazard or
Interfere with views?
Does not apply
c. What existing off-site sources of light or glare may affect your
proposal?
Does not apply
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control light and glare impacts, if
any:
Does not apply
12) Recreation
a. What designated and informal recreational opportunities are in the
immediate vicinity?
Does not apply
b. Would the proposed project displace any existing recreational uses?
If so, describe.
Spokane Valley Solid Waste Management Plan A-11 Attachment A:Environmental Checklist
by Green Solutions
Does not apply
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts on recreation,
including recreation opportunities to be provided by the project or
applicant, If any: EVALUATION FOR
Does not apply AGENCY USE ONLY
13) Historic and cultural preservation
a. Are there any places or objects listed on, or proposed for, national,
state, or local preservation registers known to be on or next to the
site? If so, generally describe.
Does not apply
b. Generally describe any landmarks or evidence of historic,
archaeological, scientific, or cultural importance known to be on or
next to the site.
Does not apply
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts, if any:
Does not apply
14) Transportation
a. Identify public streets and highways serving the site, and describe
proposed access to the existing street system. Show on site plans, if
any.
Does not apply
b. Is site currently served by public transit? If not, what is the
approximate distance to the nearest transit stop?
Does not apply
c. How many parking spaces would the completed project have? How
many would the project eliminate?
Does not apply
d. Will the proposal require any new roads or streets, or Improvements
to existing roads or streets, not including driveways? If so, generally
describe (indicate whether public or private).
Does not apply
e. Will the project use (or occur in the immediate vicinity of) water, rail,
or air transportation? if so, generally describe.
Does not apply
Spokane Valley Solid Waste Management Pian A-12 Attachment A:Environmental Checklist
by Green Solutions
f. How many vehicular trips per day would be generated by the
completed project? If known, indicate when peak volumes would
occur.
Does not apply
g. Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts if EVALUATION FOR
any: AGENCY USE ONLY
Does not apply
15) Public services
a. Would the project result in an increased need for public services (for
example: fire protection, police protection, health care, schools,
other)? If so, generally describe.
Does not apply
b. Proposed measures to reduce or control direct impacts on public
services, if any.
Does not apply
16) Utilities
a. Check utilities currently available at the site: ❑ electricity, ❑ natural
gas, ❑water, ❑ refuse service, ❑ telephone, ❑ sanitary sewer,
❑ septic system, ❑ other--describe
Does not apply
b. Describe the utilities that are proposed for the project, the utility
providing the service, and the general construction activities on the
site or in the immediate vicinity which might be needed.
Does not apply
C. SIGNATURE
The above answers are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that the
lead agency is relying on them to make its decision.
Signature:
Date Submitted:
Spokane Valley Solid Waste Management Plan A-13 Attachment A:Environmental Checklist
by Green Solutions
•
D. SUPPLEMENTAL SHEET FOR NON-PROJECT ACTIONS
1. How would the proposal be likely to increase discharge to water; emissions to air; production,
storage,or release of toxic or hazardous substances; or production of noise?
Implementation of the proposed recommendations should help reduce the amount of water and
air discharges, while increasing the proper handling of any solid or toxic wastes that are
generated In the City. There should not be an increase or reduction in noise.
a. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce such Increases are:
Not Applicable.
2. How would the proposal be likely to affect plants, animals,fish, or marine life?
No impacts to plants, animals, fish and marine life are anticipated.
a. Proposed measures to protect or conserve plants, animals, fish, or marine life are:
Not Applicable.
3. How would the proposal be likely to deplete energy or natural resources?
The proposed recommendations should help reduce energy demands and help to conserve
natural resources, by increasing waste reduction and other activities. Increased recycling leads
to conservation of natural resources and also reduces energy demands. In general, using
recycled materials in place of virgin materials requires significantly less energy in the
manufacturing process.
a. Proposed measures to protect or conserve energy and natural resources are:
Not Applicable,
4. How would the proposal be likely to use or affect environmentally sensitive areas or areas
designated (or eligible or under study) for governmental protection; such as parks, wilderness,
wild and scenic rivers, threatened or endangered species habitat, historic or cultural sites,
wetlands,floodplains, or prime farmlands?
None of these areas will be negatively impacted by the recommendations in this Plan.
a. Proposed measures to protect such resources or to avoid or reduce impacts are:
Not Applicable.
5. How would the proposal be likely to affect land and shoreline use, including whether it would
allow or encourage land or shoreline uses incompatible with existing plans?
No direct Impacts to land or shoreline use are anticipated to result from the proposed
recommendations.
a. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce shoreline and land use impacts are
Not Applicable.
Spokane Valley Solid Waste Management Plan A-t4 Attachment A:Environmental Checklist
by Green Solutions
•
6. How would the proposal be likely to increase demands on transportation or public services and
utilities?
The proposed recommendations should lead to minor reductions in transportation
requirements and public services, although If curbside recycling is Increased to weekly then
there would be additional traffic in the City. Transportation of solid waste out of the city should
be lessened by Increased waste reduction and recycling.
a. Proposed measures to reduce or respond to such demand(s) are:
Not Applicable.
7. identify, If possible, whether the proposal may conflict with local, state, or federal laws or
requirements for the protection of the environment.
No such conflicts are likely. The intent of creating this Plan is to comply with various laws and
requirements (especially on the state level) regarding environmental protection and other
factors.
E. SIGNATURE
I, the undersigned, swear under penalty of perjury that the above responses are made truthfully
and to the best of my knowledge. I also understand that, should there be any willful
misrepresentation or willful lack of full disclosure on my part, the agency may withdraw any
Determination of Nonsignificance that it might issue in reliance upon this check list.
Date: 7/7S—//1. Signature:
Please print or type:
Proponent: Eric Guth
Address: 11707 East Sprague, Suite 106, Spokane Valley, WA 99206 •
Phone: 509-720-5000
Person completing form (if different from proponent):
Name: Rick Hlavka, Green Solutions
Address: PO Box 680, South Prairie, WA 98385
Phone: 360-897-9533
Spokane Valley Solid Waste Management Plan A-16 Attachment A Environmental Checklist
by Green Solutions
ATTACHMENT B
RESOLUTION OF ADOPTION
Pending (this section will contain the City's resolution adopting this Plan, which will be nearly
the final step of the process).