Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan
Learn more about our Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan, which sets strategies for managing solid waste over the next 6 to 20 years in King County. It guides the many public and private elements that make up the regional solid waste system.
Adopted Comprehensive Plan (2019)
Washington State law (RCW 70.95.080) requires each county to prepare a coordinated plan for handling regional waste. King County’s current Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan was adopted in November 2019. It outlines goals and strategies for the next 6 years, with consideration for the next 20 years. We also review the plan every 3 to 5 years for necessary updates.
Environmental review
As part of the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), we prepared an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) with the 2019 Comprehensive Plan. The EIS looked at potential environmental impacts of the facilities, programs, and services outlined in the plan. It also includes measures to avoid or reduce adverse impacts.
Development schedule
Date |
Actions/Events/Public meetings |
| June 26, 2017 | Determination of Significance and Request for Comments on Scope of Environmental Impact Statement issued by King County Solid Waste Division in accordance with the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA). |
| July 17, 2017 | Environmental Impact Statement comments due. |
| Oct 2016 - Nov 2017 | Monthly meetings with the Metropolitan Solid Waste Management Advisory Committee and the Solid Waste Advisory Committee to develop the new plan. |
| Dec 2017 | Preparation of draft plan and draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). |
| Jan 8, 2018 |
Beginning of 60-day public comment period on draft plan and draft EIS. These documents were also submitted to the Washington Department of Ecology for a 120-day preliminary review and comment period. |
| Jan 24, 2018 | Open House at Kingsgate Library. |
| Jan 30, 2018 | Open House at Kent Senior Center. |
| Feb 7, 2018 | Open House at King County Library Service Center. |
| March 8, 2018 |
Deadline for submitting comments on the draft plan and draft EIS. Ways to comment on the draft plan and draft EIS included an:
Note: There were more opportunities for public input as the draft plan went through review by the King County Council and the cities. |
| Apr - May 2018 | Revision of the draft plan and draft EIS to address comments from the public, Ecology, other agencies, and the King County Executive's recommendations. |
| Jul 26, 2018 | King County Executive Dow Constantine transmitted the 2019 Comp Plan to the King County Council, including the Regional Policy Committee. |
| Mar 7, 2019 | The King County Solid Waste Division issued a Notice of Issuance and Availability of the Final EIS of the Final Environmental Impact Statement. |
| Apr 24, 2019 | The King County Council approved Ordinance 18893 and the 2019 Comp Plan with amendments. |
| May 20 - Sep 16, 2019 | The Solid Waste Division submitted the County-approved plan to the cities for adoption. The cities had a 120-day adoption period. During this period, 24 of the 37 partner cities approved the plan by resolution. (See Appendix I of the 2019 Plan for copies of the resolutions.) |
| Sep 30 - Nov 14, 2019 |
The Solid Waste Division submitted the County/City-approved Plan with Final EIS to Ecology for final approval. Ecology had a 45-day approval period and approved the plan on November 14, 2019. |
Feasibility studies
Rate restructure study
2021 report evaluating alternative revenue options to reduce reliance on garbage fees.
Solid Waste Cost of Service and Rate Restructure Study
Waste-to-Energy and Waste Export
2019 study evaluating the feasibility of using either Waste-to-Energy or Waste Export by Rail as the County’s next disposal method.
Waste-to-Energy & Waste Export by Rail Transportation Study
Task 2 Waste-to-Energy Existing Conditions Memorandum
Appendix A - Waste-to-Energy Existing Conditions Memorandum
Task 3 Waste-to-Energy Options and Solid Waste Export Considerations
Nov. 6, 2017, PowerPoint presentation: Waste-to-Energy Options and Solid Waste Export Considerations - Normandeau Associates
"Waste to Energy" and "Solid Waste Export Considerations" presentations
2007 comparison of waste export with other emerging technologies as alternative options to landfilling
Disposal Options Comparative Evaluation
Anaerobic Digestion
2017 study exploring the feasibility of an anaerobic digestion program to support resource recovery and climate action goals.
Anaerobic Digestion Feasibility Study
Sustainable Solid Waste Management
2014 study looking at approaches for creating a more sustainable regional system.
Sustainable Solid Waste Management Study
Optimized Transfer Station Recycling
2013 study to identify the best national options for recycling and waste diversion.
Previous plans
2007 Transfer and Waste Management Plan
In collaboration with our partner cities, we created the 2007 Transfer and Waste Management Plan. It was adopted by King County Council in 2007. We also prepared an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to supplement the 2001 Comp Plan final EIS.