SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5836

BYSenators Amondson, Kreidler, Metcalf, Benitz, Sutherland, Barr, Pullen and Bauer

Revising requirements regarding procurement and solid waste disposal.

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 15, 1989

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5836 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Metcalf, Chairman; Amondson, Vice Chairman; Benitz, DeJarnatt, Kreidler, Owen, Patterson, Sutherland.

Senate Staff:Gary Wilburn (786-7453)

                  February 16, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES, FEBRUARY 15, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Local governments are authorized to provide for a range of solid waste handling services under state law.  These services include solid waste collection, recycling, transfer station operation, landfilling and resource recovery.  The statutory authorizations were enacted over a period of several years, and some local governments have encountered technical problems with such statutes.

SUMMARY:

Cities and towns are authorized to provide for a full range of solid waste handling services, modifying existing law which references "garbage collection and disposal."  "Sites" and "facilities" are expressly included in the description of solid waste services which may be procured by cities and towns.  A "put or pay" provision is not required in a solid waste contract providing for a minimum fee or other method of compensation.  Cities and towns are expressly authorized to lease solid waste handling facilities. A prohibition upon the condemnation of solid waste processing and conversion plants is eliminated.

The requirement that sale of resources recovered must be through competitive bidding is eliminated.  Existing authority of cities and towns to enter agreements for all aspects of solid waste handling services is consolidated.  The solid waste facility procurement process under Chapters 35.21 and 35.92 RCW is an alternative to the public works competitive bidding requirements applicable to cities under Chapters 35.22 and 35.23 RCW. 

Cities and towns may contract with either public or private vendors.  Qualifications of vendors may be considered prior to making a final decision to proceed with construction.

Comparable clarification and changes to county authorities regarding solid waste handling services procurement are made.  The prohibition upon collection of solid waste by counties is unaffected.

Language is repealed which is duplicative following consolidation of procurement authorities.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

Existing law regarding local government alternative procurement procedures for certain water pollution control services or facilities is restored.  Terminology is made consistent with existing law regarding consideration of vendor qualifications.  Public notice of location where procurement documents may be reviewed is required.  Additional criteria which must be considered in reviewing vendor qualifications is specified.  Revisions to requests for qualifications shall be available to persons requesting such information.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Nyle Barnes, Seattle Chamber of Commerce (pro); Nancy Pearson, Washington Citizens for Recycling (pro); Kathleen Collins, Association of Cities (pro); Randy Scott, Association of Counties (pro)