AN ACT Relating to solid waste; and amending RCW 70.95.010.

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

Sec. 1. Section 1, chapter 134, Laws of 1969 ex. sess. as last amended by section 1, chapter 345, Laws of 1985 and RCW 70.95.010 are each amended to read as follows:

The legislature finds:

(1) Continuing technological changes in methods of manufacture, packaging, and marketing of consumer products, together with the economic and population growth of this state((~~, the rising affluence of its citizens~~)), and its expanding industrial activity have created new and ever-mounting problems involving disposal of ((~~garbage, refuse, and~~)) solid waste materials resulting from domestic, agricultural, and industrial activities.

(2) Traditional methods of disposing of solid wastes in this state are no longer adequate to meet the ever-increasing problem. Improper methods and practices of handling and disposal of solid wastes pollute our land, air and water resources, blight our countryside, adversely affect land values, and damage the overall quality of our environment.

(3) Considerations of natural resource limitations, energy shortages, economics and the environment make necessary the development and implementation of solid waste recovery and/or recycling plans and programs.

(4) New directions, resources, and effort must be given to reducing the amount of solid waste generated, to source-separating materials in the solid waste stream, and to recycling materials in our solid waste. Strong programs in reduction and recycling have been implemented by local government and the private sector and we need to encourage and substantially expand those efforts.

(5) Solid waste reduction and recycling should be fundamental methods of solid waste management and should be maximized where appropriate based on environmental and economic considerations. Citizens should have the opportunity and be encouraged to separate recyclable materials from their waste which have value for reuse.

(6) We must promote the understanding among our citizens that recycling through separation of reusable materials at the point of generation is the most efficient and preferred method to realize both the environmental and economic benefits of recycling. Materials which have been separated at the source prior to contamination with putrescible waste have greater value and can be managed more efficiently.

(7) All citizens should strive to reduce the solid waste stream through waste reduction and recycling efforts that are environmentally and economically appropriate. With respect to the disposal of solid waste materials remaining after these appropriate levels of reduction and recycling have been accomplished, energy recovery, incineration, and landfilling in accordance with strict environmental safeguards are also important elements of an integrated solid waste management program which will serve the best interests of the citizens of the state.

(8) To accomplish the integrated solid waste management system set out in this act, the following priorities in the management of solid waste are necessary and should be followed in order of descending priority as applicable:

(a) Waste reduction;

(b) ((~~Waste recycling~~)) Source separation;

(d) ((~~Landfill~~)) Energy recovery; and

(e) Incineration and/or landfilling.

((~~(5)~~)) (9) Cities and counties have primary responsibility for developing and implementing programs for solid waste handling in their local solid waste management plans, consistent with the priorities and policies of this act.

(10) State solid waste management policies and programs to implement the priorities and policies of this chapter should provide cities, towns, and counties with flexibility to accommodate the differing population densities, distances to and availability of recycling markets, and collection and transportation disposal costs in each community while ensuring the economic and environmental effectiveness of local government plans and programs.

(11) Comprehensive education should be conducted throughout the state so that citizens of all ages are informed about solid waste management issues, including the need to reduce, source separate, and recycle solid waste.

(12) It is necessary to compile and maintain adequate data on the types and quantities of solid waste that are being generated and to monitor how the various types of solid waste are being managed.

(13) The development of stable and expanding markets for recyclable materials is critical to the long-term success of the state's recycling goals. Market development must be encouraged on a state, regional, and national basis to maximize its effectiveness. The state shall assume primary responsibility for the development of a multifaceted marketing development program to carry out the purposes of this act.

(14) Excessive and nonrecyclable packaging of products should be avoided.

(15) All government entities in the state should set an example for the citizens of the state by implementing aggressive waste reduction and recycling programs at their workplaces and by purchasing products that are made from recycled materials and are recyclable.

(16) To ensure the safe and efficient operations of solid waste disposal facilities, it is necessary for operators and regulators of landfills and incinerators to receive training and certification.

(17) It is necessary to provide cost-effective funding to all levels of government so that appropriate and successful waste reduction and recycling programs can be implemented.

(18) Vehicle batteries should be recycled and the disposal of vehicle batteries into landfills or incinerators should be discontinued.

(19) There is an imperative need to anticipate, plan for, and accomplish effective storage, control, recovery, and recycling of discarded vehicle tires and other problem wastes with the subsequent conservation of resources and energy.