BILL REQ. #:  H-5078.1 

READ FIRST TIME 02/09/10.   

     AN ACT Relating to optimizing the collection of source separated materials within the current regulatory structure; amending RCW 70.95.080 and 81.77.185; adding a new section to chapter 81.77 RCW; and creating new sections.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   Increasing available residential curbside service for solid waste, recyclable, and compostable materials provides enumerable public benefits for all of Washington. Not only will increased service provide better system-wide efficiency, but it will also result in job creation, pollution reduction, and energy conservation, all of which serve to improve the quality of life in Washington communities.
     It is therefore the intent of the legislature that Washington strive to significantly increase current residential recycling rates by 2020.

Sec. 2   RCW 70.95.080 and 1985 c 448 s 17 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Each county within the state, in cooperation with the various cities located within such county, shall prepare a coordinated, comprehensive solid waste management plan. Such plan may cover two or more counties. The purpose is to plan for solid waste and materials reduction, collection, and handling and management services and programs throughout the state, as designed to meet the unique needs of each county and city in the state. One objective of local comprehensive plans is to consider and plan for the following handling methods or services:
     (a) Source separation of recyclable materials and products, organic materials, and wastes by generators;
     (b) Collection of source separated materials;
     (c) Handling and proper preparation of materials for reuse or recycling;
     (d) Handling and proper preparation of organic materials for composting or anaerobic digestion; and
     (e) Handling and proper disposal of nonrecyclable wastes.
     (2) At a minimum, each plan must consider methods that will be used to address the following:
     (a) Construction and demolition waste for recycling or reuse;
     (b) Organic material including yard debris, food waste, and food contaminated paper products for composting or anaerobic digestion;
     (c) Recoverable paper products for recycling;
     (d) Metals, glass, and plastics for recycling; and
     (e) Waste reduction strategies.
     (3) Each city shall:
     (((1))) (a) 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; ((or
     (2))) (b) Enter into an agreement with the county pursuant to which the city shall participate in preparing a joint city-county plan for solid waste management; or
     (((3))) (c) Authorize the county to prepare a plan for the city's solid waste management for inclusion in the comprehensive county plan.
     (4) Two or more cities may prepare a plan for inclusion in the county plan. With prior notification of its home county of its intent, a city in one county may enter into an agreement with a city in an adjoining county, or with an adjoining county, or both, to prepare a joint plan for solid waste management to become part of the comprehensive plan of both counties.
     (5) After consultation with representatives of the cities and counties, the department shall establish a schedule for the development of the comprehensive plans for solid waste management. In preparing such a schedule, the department shall take into account the probable cost of such plans to the cities and counties.
     (6) Local governments shall not be required to include a hazardous waste element in their solid waste management plans.

Sec. 3   RCW 81.77.185 and 2002 c 299 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The commission shall allow solid waste collection companies collecting recyclable materials to retain up to ((thirty)) fifty percent of the revenue paid to the companies for the material if the companies submit a plan to the commission that is certified by the appropriate local government authority as being consistent with the local government solid waste plan and that demonstrates how the revenues will be used to increase recycling. The remaining revenue shall be passed to residential customers.
     (2) By December 2, 2005, the commission shall provide a report to the legislature that evaluates:
     (a) The effectiveness of revenue sharing as an incentive to increase recycling in the state; and
     (b) The effect of revenue sharing on costs to customers.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4   A new section is added to chapter 81.77 RCW to read as follows:
     Upon request of a county, the commission may approve rates, charges, or services at a discount for low-income senior customers and low-income customers, as adopted by the county in its comprehensive solid waste management plan. Expenses and lost revenues as a result of these discounts must be included in the company's cost of service and recovered in rates to other customers.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 5   Nothing in this act changes or limits the authority of the Washington utilities and transportation commission to regulate collection of solid waste, including curbside collection of residential recyclable materials, nor does this act change or limit the authority of a city or town to provide such service itself or by contract under RCW 81.77.020.