Title
Environmental Management Department recommending the Board:
1) Provide conceptual approval, pursuant to Board Policy A-3, to amend Ordinance 1997 (Chapter 8.42) regulating solid waste, consolidation of enforcement under Ordinances 5067 and 5174 (Code Enforcement Chapter 9.02), and other minor revisions;
2) Provide direction to staff on any additional amendments to the Ordinance; and
3) Direct staff to return with a presentation outlining recommendations to address expansion of mandatory collection
FUNDING: N/A
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND:
The Solid Waste Management Ordinance (Chapter 8.42) was adopted by the Board in 1997 and has not been updated since. Operational challenges, regulatory changes, and community feedback have highlighted the need for a comprehensive revision to improve clarity, compliance, and service delivery.
Key drivers for this update include:
- Mandatory Collection Expansion: Potential addition of a new mandatory collection area in the Tahoma-Meeks Bay region to address public health and service needs.
- Organic Waste Management: Elimination of exemptions for plastic bags and addition of requirements for franchise-approved paper or compostable bags to improve processing of yard and organic waste.
- Enforcement Consistency: Consolidation of enforcement and abatement procedures under Chapter 9.02 to align with County Code Enforcement standards.
Board Policy A-3 requires conceptual approval before drafting ordinance language. Staff have not prepared any amendment text at this stage. Upon Board direction, EMD will return with a detailed presentation and proposed revisions based on Board and community input that was conducted by outreach and surveys.
ALTERNATIVES
If the Board elects not to proceed, Ordinances will remain unchanged.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
See above.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
N/A
CAO RECOMMENDATION
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
No financial impact is associated with conceptual approval.
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