FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 1684

                                  C 184 L 88

BYHouse Committee on Environmental Affairs (originally sponsored by Representatives Sprenkle, May, Rust, Pruitt, D. Sommers, Cooper, Walker, Unsoeld, Nelson, Brekke, Ferguson, Todd and Spanel)

Establishing an analysis process for management of certain categories of solid waste.

House Committe on Environmental Affairs

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

The 1987 Legislature established the Joint Select Committee on Preferred Solid Waste Management in order to determine the reasons why higher rates of waste reduction and recycling have not been achieved in the state and to develop recommendations on how to achieve higher rates.  Under that legislation the committee will cease to exist on July 1, 1988.

The committee's interim report to the Legislature includes a recommendation that the Department of Ecology conduct an analysis of the solid waste stream to identify the major categories of waste, where they come from and how they are being managed.  The committee also recommended that the department determine the best management alternative for each category of waste.  Once this information is gathered, the Joint Select Committee will be better able to assess the need for statutory or regulatory changes.  In order to make this assessment, the report recommends extending the duration of the committee for an additional year.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Ecology must determine the best management practice for various categories of solid waste.  In order to make this determination, the department must conduct a comprehensive waste stream analysis and evaluation.  The waste stream analysis must address specified issues, including an assessment of current waste reduction and recycling rates, a review of available technologies for solid waste management and an assessment of waste segregation options. This information must be kept up to date and made available to local governments.

To determine the best management method for categories of solid waste, the department must determine the management method that has the least environmental impact, consider costs and market availability, and determine the appropriate management strategy for each category of waste.  Certain categories must be evaluated by January 1, 1989 and others by January 1, 1990.

The results of the analysis must be incorporated into the state Solid Waste Management Plan. In July of 1988 the department will present a progress report to the Joint Select Committee on Preferred Solid Waste Management.  The department will also present a report to the appropriate standing committees of the Legislature by January 1, 1989.

The expiration date for the Joint Select Committee on Preferred Solid Waste Management is extended from July 1, 1988 to July 1, 1989.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      House 98   0

      Senate    49     0 (Senate amended)

      House 94   0 (House concurred)

EFFECTIVE:June 9, 1988