Waste Management outlines 2024 service changes, multifamily outreach and staffing transition

At a May 12 Auburn City Council study session, Waste Management presented its 2024 annual report to council members and city staff, detailing last year’s service disruptions, changes in material tonnages, multifamily and commercial outreach plans tied to the state organics law, and a local staffing change. The presentation was made to the council in person and virtually as part of the study session.

The report matters to Auburn residents and businesses because it explained service interruptions, the company’s community investments and programs to increase recycling and organics diversion — all of which affect collection timing, costs and compliance with the new organics requirements. Council members raised questions about pickup timing, commercial incentives, and how multifamily properties can make space for separate collection.

Waste Management told the council that temporary closures and equipment changes at the King County Alcona transfer station last year caused intermittent service impacts and required extra driving to maintain collections. The company said its crews added significant mileage to reroute and cover missed trips; company materials presented to council estimated roughly 19,000…