Clark County moves solid waste operations to Public Works; Public Works director introduced

Clark County’s Solid Waste program has officially moved from Public Health to the county’s Public Works department, Public Works Director Ken Leder told the Solid Waste Advisory Commission during its May 1 meeting.

Leder, introduced to the commission as the department’s director, said the transfer is “official for sure, as of the last couple of weeks that solid waste is part of Public Works,” and that the transition will take time because of budget coding and other behind‑the‑scenes adjustments.

The change shifts operational oversight — including enterprise fund management, capital planning and fleet forecasting — to Public Works while Clark County Public Health will retain compliance responsibilities, Leder said. He described the move as consistent with practice in most Washington counties and said Public Works’ infrastructure and long‑range capital planning processes are a reason the department is a natural fit to host solid waste operations.

Why it matters: moving solid waste into Public Works places operations alongside other long‑lived, utility‑style county services and is intended to align budgeting, capital forecasting and fleet management. Commissioners asked about local connection and the director’s background; Leder described a long county career in engineering and public works, beginning in 2002.

What officials said: Leder told commissioners Public Works already manages multi‑year capital forecasts and fleet life‑cycle planning and expects those systems to deliver operational efficiencies for solid waste. He also emphasized that public health will continue to handle regulatory compliance related to solid waste activities.

Next steps and access: Leder encouraged commission members to contact county staff (Sarah and Amanda were named as county contacts during the meeting) if they have questions and said he expects to participate regularly in commission activities as the transition proceeds.