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Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan
Learn more about our Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan, which sets strategies for managing solid waste over the next 6 to 20 years in King County. It guides the many public and private elements that make up the regional solid waste system.
Updating the Comp Plan
Washington State law (RCW 70.95.080) requires each county to prepare a coordinated plan for handling regional waste.
Development schedule
Updated May 2024 (subject to change)
| Date | Actions/Events/Public meetings |
|---|---|
| April 24, 2024 | City Subgroup Meeting |
| May 20, 2024 | City Subgroup Meeting |
| June 17, 2024 | City Subgroup Meeting |
| August 2024 | City Subgroup Meeting |
| August 2024 | Advisory Committee Workshop Meeting |
| September 2024 | Advisory Committee Workshop Meeting |
| October 2024 | Long Term Disposal Study Complete |
| Q1 2026 | 60 Day Public Review Begins |
| Q1 2026 | 120 Day Department of Ecology Review Begins |
| Q3-Q4 2026 | Executive Office Approval, Transmit to Council for Review |
| Q1 2027 | Council Approval |
| Q2 2027 | 120 Day City Approval Begins |
|
Q3 2027 |
120 Day Ecology Appproval Begins |
| Q4 2027/Q1 2028 | Comp Plan Adopted |
Adopted Comprehensive Plan (2019)
Washington State law (RCW 70.95.080) requires each county to prepare a coordinated plan for handling regional waste. King County’s current Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan was adopted in November 2019. It outlines goals and strategies for the next 6 years, with consideration for the next 20 years. We also review the plan every 3 to 5 years for necessary updates.
2019 Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan
As part of the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), we prepared an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) with the 2019 Comprehensive Plan. The EIS looked at potential environmental impacts of the facilities, programs, and services outlined in the plan. It also includes measures to avoid or reduce adverse impacts.
Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)Notice of Issuance and Availability
Long-Term Disposal Subgroup
Members of the Metropolitan Solid Waste Advisory Committee (MSWAC) formed a Long-Term Disposal Subgroup to fully explore long-term disposal options and provide insights. The Subgroup’s recommendations are shared with both Solid Waste advisory committees to help inform decision-making around Long-Term Disposal, Comp Plan updates, and ILA extensions.
Meeting 1
An overview of past studies on long-term disposal and a review of how the 2019 Comp Plan laid out this work to move forward.
Meeting 2
A deep dive with our consultants into 3 options: Gasification, Pyrolysis, and Refuse-derived Fuel.
Meeting 3
A deep dive with our consultants into 2 options: Waste Export by Rail and Mass Burn.
Feasibility studies
Municipal Solid Waste-To-Fuels Study
2023 study exploring the feasibility of producing sustainable aviation fuel from municipal solid waste.
Full report – Municipal Solid Waste To Liquid Fuels Study
Rate restructure study
2021 report evaluating alternative revenue options to reduce reliance on garbage fees.
Solid Waste Cost of Service and Rate Restructure Study
Waste-to-Energy and Waste Export
2019 study evaluating the feasibility of using either Waste-to-Energy or Waste Export by Rail as the County’s next disposal method.
Waste-to-Energy & Waste Export by Rail Transportation Study
Task 2 Waste-to-Energy Existing Conditions Memorandum
Appendix A - Waste-to-Energy Existing Conditions Memorandum
Task 3 Waste-to-Energy Options and Solid Waste Export Considerations
Nov. 6, 2017, PowerPoint presentation: Waste-to-Energy Options and Solid Waste Export Considerations - Normandeau Associates
"Waste to Energy" and "Solid Waste Export Considerations" presentations
2007 comparison of waste export with other emerging technologies as alternative options to landfilling
Disposal Options Comparative Evaluation
Anaerobic Digestion
2017 study exploring the feasibility of an anaerobic digestion program to support resource recovery and climate action goals.
Anaerobic Digestion Feasibility Study
Sustainable Solid Waste Management
2014 study looking at approaches for creating a more sustainable regional system.
Sustainable Solid Waste Management Study
Optimized Transfer Station Recycling
2013 study to identify the best national options for recycling and waste diversion.
Previous plans
2007 Transfer and Waste Management Plan
In collaboration with our partner cities, we created the 2007 Transfer and Waste Management Plan. It was adopted by King County Council in 2007. We also prepared an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to supplement the 2001 Comp Plan final EIS.