Benton County launches subcommittees for future-focused waste management strategy

Benton County leaders are prioritizing a forward-thinking approach in their waste management planning, emphasizing the need for a consultant that reflects the county's unique values rather than relying on outdated models. During the recent DSAC meeting, officials expressed concern that looking too closely at other counties' plans could lead to a generic strategy that fails to address Benton County's specific needs.

The discussion highlighted the urgency of adapting to changing environmental conditions since previous plans were developed in 2014 and 2016. "We want to make sure that Benton County gets the best consultant, not just a middle-of-the-road consultant," one official stated, underscoring the importance of innovative thinking in the upcoming planning process.

New subcommittees focused on landfill life and compliance have been formed as part of the Benton County Talks Trash workgroup, which began meeting in late October. These subcommittees aim to tackle various issues more effectively than the larger group could manage alone.

While a consultant has been selected to assist with the workgroup process, officials are still in the early stages of developing a comprehensive plan. The language of the upcoming Request for Proposals (RFP) will be crucial in ensuring that the selected consultant is equipped to think ahead rather than rely on past strategies. As one member noted, "We really want to get to the top 1.0," indicating a desire for excellence in the planning process.

The meeting concluded with a sense of urgency to finalize the RFP and ensure that Benton County's waste management strategy is both innovative and reflective of its community values.