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SWAC hears program updates: EPA voucher denial, staffing changes, education grants and operations milestones
Summary
Committee heard multiple program updates: the EPA denied a grant extension for hazardous‑waste vouchers affecting small generators; new staff hires and departures were announced; county staff reported the solid-waste management plan adoption and outreach programs including a USDA internship and a 'We Compost' hub expanding to 16 sites.
Committee members received a round of program updates from city and county staff, hauler partners and program managers.
Will (city facilitation) passed to staff who reported the EPA denied a grant extension for vouchers that supported small‑quantity hazardous‑waste generators; staff said that outcome likely means those businesses will bear more of their disposal costs going forward. The meeting also noted distribution of 'loop leaf' coupons to support resident leaf disposal.
Joelle reported that the county’s solid‑waste management plan was adopted by County Council on Sept. 23 and submitted to Ecology on Oct. 25. She said the county formed a Solid Waste & Recycling division within Public Works and that a solid‑waste operations manager position will be posted; she acknowledged staff who led the plan work. Joelle also listed capital work including environmental site assessments at transfer stations and a prioritized capital improvement program; she said the county approved about $900,000 for paving at transfer stations under that program.
Josh, representing hauling/transfer‑station partners, highlighted an exceptionally low injury rate across transfer stations and noted public‑education efforts (more than 20 facility tours and 33 tabling events reaching over 7,000 customers this year). He said the wood‑waste market remains weak and the team is evaluating options.
Sean updated enforcement staffing, noting recent retirements and that two part‑time staff (Hannah Bludow and Jamie Searcy) are conducting inspections; Ecology will assist with inspections at Lady Island Landfill until county staff obtain required certifications in spring 2026.
Sarah described education and outreach projects, including a USDA grant that funded internships for 24 high‑school students and continued expansion of a compost drop‑off program now operating at 16 sites and diverting about 70 tons of food scraps. She said the team will issue news releases over the holiday season and continue green‑business outreach events.
Staff and commissioners briefly discussed work‑plan priorities for 2026, including deeper attention to multifamily collection and recycling, expansion of organics programs, and inviting Ecology to brief the committee on upcoming rulemaking and organics management requirements. The committee scheduled its next meeting for Feb. 5 with options for in‑person and virtual participation.
