Local recycling and operations updates: AI contamination pilot, Sequim oil collection change, compost events and dump cleanup

Several local operational updates were presented after Ecology's briefings.

Waste Connections said it ran an AI contamination-identification pilot on three collection trucks that produced roughly a 7—17% reduction in contamination after follow-up outreach. The pilot flagged contaminated carts during collection and generated letters to customers; the company will continue outreach, offer small indoor recycling bins to increase participation and evaluate subscription options for the AI service.

Sequim public works reported it has discontinued accepting used oil from the public at the city shop because of safety, contamination and site-access concerns; residents were directed to Blue Mountain and private collection options. The city said it previously reused collected oil to heat its maintenance facility but cited contamination and operational challenges.

Sisterland (a local composting/organic-operations participant) said it will host public drop-off events to collect decorative squash and jack-o'-lantern waste at two grocery-store sites and is expanding commercial compost pickup in 2026. The organization said collected organics are mixed with sawdust and returned as soil products used in its operations.

County staff reported completion of an Ecology-funded cleanup of an historic dump site off River Road, where crews removed many abandoned items (including numerous gas tanks and glass). Soil testing identified localized lead exceedances that were targeted for additional excavation; staff reported results returned to acceptable levels after follow-up work.

Ending: Committee members noted vacancies on the SWAC and encouraged recruitment; staff agreed to follow up on interlocal agreement language, RFQ/RFP timing and next meeting scheduling.