King County seeks input on long-term planning for long-term recycling and solid waste management

June 27, 2017 7:30 pm

The King County Solid Waste Division is accepting written comments from the public regarding environmental issues associated with the development of a long-range Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan.

The 2019 Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan is a collaborative effort between the Solid Waste Division and the cities in King County (except the cities of Seattle and Milton) that guides how King County will manage garbage and recycling for the next six to 20 years. The plan will describe ways to prevent garbage; make recommendations on garbage and recycling collection, transfer, and disposal; landfill management; and how to pay for these services.

King County is asking the public to provide written comments on what they would like to see studied in an environmental impact statement (EIS); comments on alternatives, mitigation measures, probable significant adverse impacts, and required permits are all welcome.

The plan was last updated in 2001, and the new 2019 plan will present a number of alternatives to the way solid waste and recycling are currently handled. Since those alternatives have the potential to result in adverse impacts on the environment, the Solid Waste Division has determined the updated plan requires an EIS.

The EIS will cover aspects of the built and natural environment, including air, water, plants and wildlife, environmental health, and transportation, among other issues.

Written comments can be sent via email to SWD.CompPlan@kingcounty.gov, or by mail to King County Solid Waste Division, 201 S. Jackson Street, Suite 701, Seattle, Washington 98104, Attn: Beth Humphreys, project manager. Comments are due by July 17, 2017.

Once the comments are collected and reviewed, King County will begin drafting the EIS. That draft will be available for public review in late 2017.

For more information about the comprehensive plan, visit your.kingcounty.gov.

King County operates eight transfer stations, two drop-boxes, the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill, and many programs to help customers recycle. Learn more about the Solid Waste Division at kingcounty.gov/solidwaste.