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<br />2020 Solid Waste and Moderate <br />Risk Waste Management Plan Update <br /> <br />4-2 AX0304191054PDX <br />Table 4-1. Waste Reduction, Recycling, and Composting Summary of Implementation Actions <br />Option Summary of Action <br />Vermicomposting Continue composting workshops and recruit small-scale pilot composting <br />projects. <br />Residential Yard Waste Collection Programs Continue existing green waste collection programs and evaluate expanding <br />curbside service. <br />Commercial Collection of Organics Conduct a feasibility study to evaluate collection of preconsumer food waste. <br />Marketing of Finished Compost Products Evaluate the marketing of finished compost. <br />Tiered Rate Structure for Organics Review the green waste tipping fee and implement a higher charge for <br />contaminated green waste. <br />4.1 Introduction <br />Beginning in 1989 with the adoption of Chapter 70.95 RCW (the Waste Not Washington Act), County <br />governments in Washington have been required to include waste reduction and recycling elements in <br />their Solid Waste Management Plans. The Waste Not Washington Act set a statewide goal of 50 percent <br />recycling and composting rate, which was met in 2011. RCW 70.95 expects each community to contribute <br />to the following statewide goal and set priorities for the collection, handling, and management of solid <br />waste: <br />1) Waste Reduction <br />2) Recycling, with source separation of recyclable materials as the preferred method <br />3) Energy recovery, incineration, or landfilling of separated waste <br />4) Energy recovery, incineration, or landfilling of mixed waste <br />In addition to helping Kittitas County meet the State’s recycling goal, waste reduction and recycling <br />provides the following short and long-term benefits locally: <br /> Reduces the need for additional garbage processing facilities, thereby protecting local water, soil, and <br />air quality, as well as preserving agricultural lands and forest resources within the County <br /> Lowers the volume and thus the cost of waste collection and long-haul/landfill operations providing <br />economic benefits to the public and the County <br /> Provides recycling industry employment opportunities in the community <br />The goal of this chapter is to identify specific opportunities to achieve the objectives defined in Chapter 1 <br />of this Plan, which will help the County meet the requirements of the Waste Not Washington Act. This <br />chapter outlines existing conditions/practices for waste reduction, recycling, and composting programs; <br />needs and opportunities; and recommendations and implementation. The chapter is organized into three <br />major subsections, as follows: <br /> Waste Reduction <br /> Recycling <br /> Composting and Yard Waste <br />4.2 Waste Reduction <br />4.2.1 Background <br />Waste reduction is the State's top priority for managing solid waste. Ecology defines it as reducing the <br />amount or toxicity of waste generated or reusing materials. It involves reuse of materials, repair and <br />restoration of broken items, elimination of excess packaging, use of durable products instead of <br />disposable items, onsite waste management (e.g., composting), and other efficient uses of resources. <br />Waste reduction can be the most effective, economical, and environmentally sound way to manage <br />waste. Kittitas County is distant from material recovery facilities and recycling end markets which, in