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<br />2020 Solid Waste and Moderate <br />Risk Waste Management Plan Update <br /> <br />4-12 AX0304191054PDX <br />implementation of programs for recycling of marketable commodities. This staff person also serves as a <br />liaison on recycling issues for recycling companies, community groups, schools, businesses, and <br />industry. The position is partially funded by a Local Solid Waste Financial Assistance Grant from Ecology. <br />4.3.11 Recycling Needs and Opportunities <br />Despite current recycling opportunities in the County, there continues to be an opportunity to educate the <br />public about the environmentally appropriate and fiscally responsible management of materials. Recycling <br />is not “free” – it is embedded in the cost of garbage; although recycling often costs more than handling <br />the garbage itself. To increase the capture of certain materials, the following needs were found: <br /> Increase paper recycling because paper accounts for approximately 17 to 23 percent of residential <br />MSW and 11 to 39 percent of commercial MSW (2008 Kittitas County Waste Characterization Study <br />[Solid Waste, 2008] and 2015-2016 Washington Statewide Waste Characterization Study [Ecology, <br />2018]). <br /> Increase composting because compostable materials from both the residential and commercial waste <br />streams comprise about 17 to 48 percent of each substream’s disposed waste (2015-2016 <br />Washington Waste Characterization Study [Ecology, 2018]. <br /> Increase opportunities for business recycling and technical assistance because collection of recycling <br />from businesses is limited to corrugated cardboard. <br /> Curbside collection is only available to residents of Ellensburg. <br /> Drop-off locations do not accept office or mixed paper or plastics beyond PETE and HDPE plastic <br />bottles. <br />4.3.12 Recycling Recommended Options and Implementation Actions <br />The following options for improving recycling are recommended. Each option and the associated <br />implementation actions are discussed below. <br />4.3.12.1 Collection <br /> Work with haulers and cities to provide recycling services that support the viability of those programs <br />and are economically feasible based on market conditions. <br /> Expand residential single-stream curbside collection of recyclables to the remaining incorporated <br />cities within Kittitas County by passing an ordinance to require recycling. <br /> Consider adding pre-consumer vegetable food waste to yard waste collection County-wide. <br />4.3.12.2 Commercial Programs <br /> Recruit and provide technical assistance to large businesses in Kittitas County to increase recycling. <br />The purpose of providing technical assistance is to set up new recycling programs in larger <br />businesses and work with the haulers or recyclers to efficiently implement these new programs. After <br />a business is recruited, it would receive a waste audit and at least one onsite visit. During the onsite <br />visit, the program staff person would develop waste reduction and recycling recommendations. <br /> Develop a business recognition program for recycling, composting, and waste reduction for <br />exemplary waste reduction, composting, and recycling activities. Consider modeling the program on <br />the EnviroStars program, which was created in King County and has spread to other Washington <br />counties. <br /> Target agricultural activities to promote recycling of agricultural-related waste including film plastic, <br />pesticide containers, and compostable. <br />4.3.12.3 Large Venue and Special Event Recycling <br /> In Ellensburg, provide beverage container recycling at special events. As required by state law <br />(Chapter 70.93.093 RCW), communities with curbside recycling must provide recycling “at every