Kittitas SWMP Update_Approved_(2020-07-09)

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2020 Solid Waste and Moderate Risk Waste Management Plan Update 5-4 AX0304191054PDX 5.3.4 Collection of Recyclables State legislation allows counties to contract for the collection of source-separated recyclable materials from residences within unincorporated areas. Under this provision, counties can manage, regulate and establish the price of curbside recycling collection services. However, this does not mean the counties are authorized to operate their own solid waste collection systems as municipalities may. If the counties do not elect to contract for the collection of source separated recyclable materials from residences, the WUTC must be notified in writing no later than ninety days following the approval of the solid waste management plan’s waste reduction and recycling element. Upon notification, the WUTC would have the responsibility for implementing any mandated curbside recycling or yard waste programs and determining their service levels, as addressed in the waste reduction and recycling element of the solid waste management plan. Municipalities have the authority to provide or contract for residential curbside recycling services within their boundaries (Chapter 35.21.120 RCW). Additionally, they have the authority to manage, regulate, and fix the price of these services. Municipalities designated as urban are required to provide curbside collection of recyclables, or an equivalent program [Chapter 70.95.090(7)(b)(i) RCW]. Kittitas County provides drop-off recycling service as described in Section 4.3.3. Municipalities designated as rural may choose to meet minimum service level requirements either independently or in cooperation with the County. Counties have the authority to contract with private vendors to provide recycling services to residences, but this remains cost prohibitive. Counties that choose this option assign service areas, establish and enforce service standards, and set rates. The County can consider contracting for residential recycling collection in unincorporated areas where a hauler fails to provide residential recycling established by the minimum service level. In Kittitas County, the only recycling contract with Waste Management of Ellensburg exists in the City of Ellensburg. This is further detailed in Chapter 4.3 of this Plan. 5.3.5 Collection of Organics In Ellensburg, curbside yard waste collection is available on a subscription basis. Yard waste is collected on a weekly basis from April to October, and on a monthly basis from November through March. Curbside yard waste collection is available for a fee. At this time, no programs exist for the collection and composting of food waste. 5.4 Solid Waste Collection Needs and Opportunities Requirements for future solid waste collection will depend on population growth rates. As required in Chapter 70.95.090(5)(d) RCW, solid waste collection needs must be projected for the next six years. Estimated current population and housing densities for the County incorporated areas are provided in Table 5-4. Forecasted growth in population for Kittitas County for the years 2010 through 2030 was provided on Figure 2-2. Table 5-4. Estimated Population and Housing Densities for Incorporated Areas, 2018 Jurisdiction Land Area (sq mi) Population Population Density (pop/sq mi) Housing Units Housing Density (houses/sq mi) Cle Elum 3.22 1,875 582 1,105 343 Ellensburg 7.05 19,660 2,789 8,436 1,197 Kittitas 0.62 1,515 2,444 628 1,013 Roslyn 4.30 900 209 653 152 South Cle Elum 0.38 530 1,395 268 705 Source: OFM, 2018 and 2019