FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 238

                                  C 239 L 87

BYHouse Committee on Local Government (originally sponsored by Representatives Cooper, Allen, Rust, Haugen, Nutley, Unsoeld and Lux)

Requiring the utilities and transportation commission to enforce compliance with comprehensive solid waste management plans for garbage collection companies operating outside of cities and towns.

House Committe on Local Government

Senate Committee on Parks & Ecology

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

State law authorizes the Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) to franchise, regulate and supervise garbage and refuse collection companies in the state that operate outside of a city or town.  Cities and towns can collect garbage with their own employees or contract with a garbage and refuse collection company for such collection, neither of which is subject to UTC regulation.

State law requires every county to adopt a comprehensive solid waste management plan.  Solid waste disposal sites and facilities must be located and maintained in accordance with the applicable comprehensive plan.

SUMMARY:

The standards by which the Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) regulates garbage and refuse collection companies operating in the unincorporated areas of the county includes reviewing compliance with the applicable comprehensive solid waste management plan through letters of compliance submitted by the county legislative authority.

The county legislative authority is permitted to periodically comment in writing to the UTC concerning its perception of the adequacy of the service being provided by the collection company in unincorporated areas of the county, and to forward letters it receives concerning such service.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      House 93   0

      Senate    45     4(Senate amended)

      House 98   0(House concurred)

EFFECTIVE:July 26, 1987