SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 238

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

Revising provisions on solid waste management.

House Committe on Local Government

Senate Committee on Parks & Ecology

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 26, 1987

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators Kreidler, Chairman; Rinehart, Vice Chairman; Bluechel, Hansen, Kiskaddon.

Senate Staff:Rick Anderson (786-7717)

                  March 26, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON PARKS & ECOLOGY, MARCH 26, 1987

BACKGROUND:

The Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) is authorized to franchise, regulate, and supervise those garbage and refuse companies operating in (unincorporated) areas of county jurisdiction.  The UTC does not regulate garbage collection in cities or towns.

State law requires each county to adopt a comprehensive solid waste management plan.  Cities and towns must participate in the county plan by:  (1) preparing their own solid waste management plan for integration into the county plan; (2) entering into an agreement with the county to jointly prepare the county comprehensive plan; or (3) authorizing the county to prepare a plan for the city or town to be incorporated into the county comprehensive plan.

SUMMARY:

Counties are directed to submit letters to the UTC regarding their perception of the garbage and refuse company's compliance with the county's comprehensive solid waste management plan.  Counties are also directed to forward letters received from residents regarding quality of service to the UTC.

The UTC is directed to consider such letters in regulating garbage collection companies.

A garbage and refuse company that is determined to have failed to comply with the county comprehensive plan will be subject to a penalty of up to $500 per day.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENT:

The penalty provisions of $500 per day are dropped.

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Representative David Cooper; Steve McLellan, UTC; Jim Williams, Association of Counties