CHAPTER 15
RESIDENTIAL
RECYCLING
Residential Recycling
15-1
May 2010
15.
RESIDENTIAL RECYCLING
The separation and collection of residential waste materials from the municipal waste stream for the purpose
of recycling or reuse into usable or marketable materials for use other than landfill disposal or incineration.
15.1
INTRODUCTION
This chapter of the Douglas County Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP) outlines the
regulatory framework overseeing residential recycling, discusses the existing conditions and programs
within the Regional Planning Area (RPA), establishes objectives to meet the existing and projected needs,
identifies alternatives, and recommends actions for achieving the established objectives.
15.2
REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
15.2.1
Federal Requirements
Federal regulations do not require residential dwellings to recycle. But, as with any non-hazardous solid
waste, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), emphasizes recycling, reclaiming or reuse
whenever possible and when markets are available.
15.2.2
State Requirements
RCW 70.95.090(7) (b) (i) requires the Participating Jurisdictions (Douglas County, City of Bridgeport, City
of East Wenatchee, City of Rock Island, Town of Mansfield, and Town of Waterville) within the RPA to
designate urban and rural areas and to develop source separation strategies. The Participating Jurisdictions
within the RPA have chosen to utilize the urban growth area boundary designated within their
comprehensive plans as required by the Growth Management Act (GMA). RCW 70.95.092 requires the
Participating Jurisdictions within the RPA to establish minimum service levels for each designated area.
Urban Areas
The cities of Bridgeport, East Wenatchee, and Rock Island and the towns of Mansfield and Waterville have
adopted comprehensive plans, which identify their respective urban growth area boundaries. RCW
70.95.090(7) (b) (i) requires urban areas to develop strategies for the collection of source separated
materials from residents. These strategies are broken into two categories, cities and towns over 5,000
population and those under 5,000 population. For those cities or towns over 5,000, the following strategies
must include programs for:




collecting source separated materials, curbside, from single and multiple family residences, unless the
Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE) approves an alternative program;
monitoring the collection of source separated waste at nonresidential sites where there is sufficient
density to sustain a program;
collecting yard waste, if the county or city submitting the plan finds that there are adequate markets or
capacity for composting yard waste within or near the service area to consume the majority of the
materials collected;
educating and promoting the concepts of waste reduction and recycling.
Residential Recycling
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May 2010
Residential Recycling
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May 2010
Map 15-2.
East Wenatchee
Urban Growth Boundary
Residential Recycling
15-4
May 2010
Map 15-3.
Rock Island
Urban Growth Boundary
Residential Recycling
15-5
May 2010
Map 15-4.
Mansfield
Urban Growth Boundary
Residential Recycling
15-6
May 2010
Map 15-5.
Waterville
Urban Growth Boundary
Residential Recycling
15-7
May 2010
For those cities and towns under 5,000, the following strategies must include programs for:




collecting source separated materials from single and multiple family residences, from drop-off boxes,
and/or recycling centers, or a combination of both;
monitoring the collection of source separated waste at nonresidential sites where there is sufficient
density to sustain a program;
collecting yard waste, if the county or city submitting the plan finds that there are adequate markets or
capacity for composting yard waste within or near the service area to consume the majority of the
materials collected;
educating and promoting the concepts of waste reduction and recycling.
Rural Areas
Douglas County has adopted a comprehensive plan, which recognizes the adopted urban growth area
boundaries of the cities of Bridgeport, East Wenatchee, and Rock Island and the towns of Mansfield and
Waterville. RCW 70.95.090(7) (b) (i) requires Douglas County to develop strategies for the collection of
source separated materials from its rural residents. These strategies include programs for:




collecting source separated materials from drop-off boxes, recycling centers, or a combination of both.
The drop-off boxes and recycling centers may be owned or operated by public, non-profit or private
persons;
monitoring the collection of source separated waste at nonresidential sites where there is sufficient
density to sustain a program;
collecting yard waste, if the county or city submitting the plan finds that there are adequate markets or
capacity for composting yard waste within or near the service area to consume the majority of the
materials collected;
educating and promoting the concepts of waste reduction and recycling.
15.2.3
Local Requirements
City of Bridgeport
Ordinance Number 07-03 establishes a minimum level of service for the collection of designated
recyclables through a source separation recycling program. Additionally, it designates the urban boundary
for the City of Bridgeport in which the minimum level of service is to be provided.
City of East Wenatchee
Ordinance Number 95-13 establishes a minimum level of service for the collection of designated
recyclables through a source separation recycling program. Additionally, it designates the urban boundary
for the City of East Wenatchee in which the minimum level of service is to be provided.
City of Rock Island
Ordinance Number 95-001A establishes a minimum level of service for the collection of designated
recyclables through a source separation recycling program. Additionally, it designates the urban boundary
for the City of Rock Island in which the minimum level of service is to be provided.
Town of Mansfield
Ordinance Number 95-365A establishes a minimum level of service for the collection of designated
recyclables through a source separation recycling program. Additionally, it designates the urban boundary
for the Town of Mansfield in which the minimum level of service is to be provided.
Town of Waterville
Ordinance Number 95-546A establishes a minimum level of service for the collection of designated
recyclables through a source separation recycling program. Additionally, it designates the urban boundary
for the Town of Waterville in which the minimum level of service is to be provided.
Residential Recycling
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May 2010
Douglas County
Ordinance Number 04-07 establishes a minimum level of service for the collection of designated
recyclables through a source separation recycling program. This program establishes a voluntary, weekly
curbside collection option for county residents. Residents wishing to take this optional weekly collection
service must pay an additional collection service fee to their appropriate certified hauler. Additionally, it
designates the rural boundary for Douglas County in which the minimum level of service is to be provided.
15.3
EXISTING CONDITIONS
15.3.1
Education
Private Sector
Waste Management of Greater Wenatchee (WMGW) is required by contract to provide the cities of East
Wenatchee and Rock Island with recycling education and promotional activities through their elementary
schools. This program is to be provided at no costs to the cities. Within Douglas County all Washington
Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC) certified solid waste haulers must mail, once a year,
information to customers regarding available solid waste collection services.
Countywide Solid Waste Program Office of Douglas County (SWPO)
An education program has been in place since 1993 to inform the general public about the availability and
local options available to them to recycle. The program utilizes resources through the media (radio,
internet, newspaper), posters, brochures, and direct personal communications. Individual jurisdictional
posters and brochures have been distributed to each participating jurisdiction. These posters and brochures
explain the jurisdictions specific programs, identify the location of the Community Recycling Center
(CRC), its hours of operation and what recyclables it accepts. The SWPO has distributed recycling
brochures throughout the RPA and provides waste recycling information to local schools and civic groups.
In addition, the SWPO has a mobile display that can be set up at special events and at locations throughout
the RPA. The display is designed to be unstaffed. Recycling information is attached to the display, as well
as brochure pockets, which provide copies of fact sheets and brochures about recycling to the public. The
mobile display may be checked out by Participating Jurisdictions, schools, organizations, and groups.
The SWPO also maintains a resource center that is available to the general public. The resource center
contains books and publications on recycling. In addition, a video library of pertinent videos is available to
teachers, organizations, and groups for up to seven days at a time.
15.3.2
Curbside Collection
The City of East Wenatchee has a curbside collection program provided through its contract with WMGW.
Curbside collection, within the city, is mandatory for all residents, though participation by individual
households is voluntary. Curbside collection is restricted to only City of East Wenatchee residents. All
households receive a ninety-six gallon tote which is picked up on a weekly basis. The City of East
Wenatchee receives an annual contract amount from this curbside collection program. The following
designated recyclables* are collected in the designated totes:
All In One Recycling
 Clean paper, mail (including window envelopes)
 Flattened cardboard (limit 3’x3’)
 Newspaper, magazines, catalogs
 Phone books, paperback books
 Paper food boxes (no liners)
 Paper egg cartons
 Wrapping paper (no foil or ribbon)
 Milk cartons, juice boxes
Residential Recycling
15-9
May 2010




Glass bottles & Jugs – green, brown and clear (no caps or lids)
Plastic dairy tubs (yogurt, margarine, cottage cheese, etc)
Aluminum & Tin cans
Scrap metal (limit 2’x2’, 35 lbs)
*NOTE: For specific information about what designated recyclables are accepted and how they are to be
prepared, as well as what household materials are not collected, contact the City of East
Wenatchee or WMGW.
Table 15-1. Quantity of Designated Recyclables Collected in the City of East Wenatchee Curbside
Collection Program in pounds
Recyclable
Newspaper
Mixed Paper
2002
4,694
19,155
2003
3,821
21,816
2004
346,822
237,224
2005
886,056
43,426
2006
414,011
2007
436,028
300,680
Magazines
10,141
11,596
80,345
29,510
---
9,256
Corrugated
82,846
89,353
Cardboard
Clear Glass
----Plastic #1
----PET
Tin Cans
----Aluminum
----Cans
Plastic #2
----HDPE
Totals
116,836
126,586
Source: City of East Wenatchee
63,154
116,352
123,815
---
15,082
6,932
35,704
13,536
26,179
10,216
23,383
24,693
6,683
5,628
12,508
8,606
9,946
6,425
14,283
---
5,190
7,608
6,020
120,294
928,617
1,153,306
596,612
928,617
In 2007 the City of East Wenatchee collected approximately 464 tons of designated recyclables through its
curbside collection program. With a 2007 population of 11,480 this equates to approximately 80.9 pounds
per person annual recycling rate. Utilizing the 5.85 pounds of solid waste disposed of per person per day
identified within Chapter 7, it is projected that the average East Wenatchee resident disposes of
approximately 2,135 pounds of residential waste material annually. Therefore, the projected 2007 recycling
rate for a typical East Wenatchee resident was approximately 3.8%.
15.3.3
Community Recycling Centers
City of Bridgeport
The City of Bridgeport owns and operates a CRC. Residents of Bridgeport and the surrounding area may
drop off their designated recyclables year-round. The CRC is staffed by volunteers and is open to the
general public every Saturday of the month, from March through October. The specific hours of operations
are from 9:00am through 11:00am. All the drop-off bins are labeled denoting which designated recyclable
is to be placed in which bin. All collected designated recyclables are sorted, processed and stored until a
sufficient quantity is available for transportation to market. The designated recyclables collected at the
CRC are determined by the designated recyclables list that is put out each February by the Douglas County
Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC).
Residential Recycling
15-10
May 2010
Table 15-2 Quantity of Designated Recyclables Collected at the City of Bridgeport Community
Recycling Center in pounds
Recyclable
Newspaper
2002
---
2003
7,269
2004
4,009
2005
12,521
2006
18,235
2007
19,623
Mixed Paper
Magazines
-----
4,400
1,719
744
1,907
5,111
9,287
10,874
12,870
21,114
10,730
Corrugated
Cardboard
Clear Glass
Plastic #1
PET
Tin Cans
---
5,549
6,057
18,522
35,603
36,814
68
4,858
548
2,493
746
3,504
896
---
681
694
896
Aluminum
--Cans
Plastic #2
--HDPE
Totals
--Source: City of Bridgeport
185
404
2,447
496
632
786
52,209
82,551
97,595
-----
18,937
12,785
In 2007 the City of Bridgeport CRC collected approximately 49 tons of designated recyclables. With a
2007 population of 2,070 this equates to approximately a 47.1 pounds per person annual recycling rate.
Utilizing the 5.85 pounds of solid waste disposed of per person per day identified within Chapter 7, it is
projected that the average Bridgeport resident disposes of approximately 2,135 pounds of residential waste
material annually. Therefore, the projected 2007 recycling rate for a typical Bridgeport resident was
approximately 2.2%.
The City of Bridgeport currently has completed phase five of a ten phase CRC Capital Improvement Plan
(CIP). If the CIP can be sustained, the Bridgeport CRC is scheduled to be completed by 2025.
City of Rock Island
The City of Rock Island owns and operates a CRC. Residents of Rock Island and the surrounding area may
drop off their designated recyclables year-round. The CRC is staffed by volunteers and is open to the
general public Monday – Friday 8:00 am to 3:30 pm and the fourth Saturday of the month from 9:00 am to
12:00 pm. All the drop-off bins are labeled denoting which designated recyclable is to be placed in which
bin. All collected designated recyclables are sorted, processed and stored until a sufficient quantity is
available for transportation to market. The designated recyclables collected at the CRC are determined by
the designated recyclables list that is put out each February by the SWAC.
Residential Recycling
15-11
May 2010
Table 15-3. Quantity of Designated Recyclables Collected at the City of Rock Island Community
Recycling Center in pounds
Recyclable
Newspaper
2002
5,364
2003
8,142
2004
11,942
2005
8,151
2006
12,937
2007
15,600
Mixed Paper
Magazines
1,396
493
1,497
793
1,995
886
1,228
1,381
3,189
4,085
8,168
7,198
Corrugated
Cardboard
Clear Glass
6,930
9,319
4,424
4,708
11,318
2,917
559
453
692
---
---
9,054
---
1,030
617
230
544
854
86
1,128
97
1,247
114
1,376
--121
--463
100
812
54
92
74
486
545
653
16,010
22,698
22,120
16,305
33,081
45,356
Plastic #1
PET
Tin Cans
Aluminum
Cans
Plastic #2
HDPE
Totals
Source: City of Rock Island
In 2007 the City of Rock Island CRC collected approximately 23 tons of designated recyclables. With a
2007 population of 865 this equates to approximately a 52.4 pounds per person annual recycling rate.
Utilizing the 5.85 pounds of solid waste disposed of per person per day identified within Chapter 7, it is
projected that the average Rock Island resident disposes of approximately 2,135 pounds of residential waste
material annually. Therefore, the projected 2007 recycling rate for a typical Rock Island resident was
approximately 2.5%.
The City of Rock Island currently has completed phase five of a ten phase CRC Capital Improvement Plan
(CIP). If the CIP can be sustained, the Rock Island CRC is scheduled to be completed by 2026.
Town of Mansfield
The Town of Mansfield owns and operates a CRC. Residents of Mansfield and the surrounding area may
drop off their designated recyclables year-round. The CRC is staffed by volunteers and is open to the
general public every Saturday of the month, from April through September. The specific hours of
operations are from 9:00am through 12 noon. All the drop-off bins are labeled denoting which designated
recyclable is to be placed in which bin. All collected designated recyclables are sorted, processed and
stored until a sufficient quantity is available for transportation to market. The designated recyclables
collected at the CRC are determined by the designated recyclables list that is put out each February by the
SWAC.
Residential Recycling
15-12
May 2010
Table 15-4. Quantity of Designated Recyclables Collected at the Town of Mansfield Community
Recycling Center in pounds
Recyclable
Newspaper
Mixed Paper
Magazines
2002
7,181
5,196
4,384
2003
7,528
13,879
5,365
2004
7,578
4,535
8,975
2005
7,958
--3,592
2006
7,537
--8148
2007
7,542
5,901
7,315
Corrugated
34,322
Cardboard
Clear Glass
3,716
Plastic #1
883
PET
Tin Cans
603
Aluminum
1,772
Cans
Plastic #2
611
HDPE
Totals
58,668
Source: Town of Mansfield
5,549
42,238
40,221
45,153
37,096
5,493
4,662
3,233
285
2,841
229
3,631
294
1,423
1232
1,376
385
987
560
800
427
696
467
741
115
657
257
37,589
72,985
56,776
65,925
63,159
In 2007 the Town of Mansfield CRC collected approximately 32 tons of designated recyclables. With a
2007 population of 330 this equates to approximately a 191.4 pounds per person annual recycling rate.
Utilizing the 5.85 pounds of solid waste disposed of per person per day identified within Chapter 7, it is
projected that the average Mansfield resident disposes of approximately 2,135 pounds of residential waste
material annually. Therefore, the projected 2007 recycling rate for a typical Mansfield resident was
approximately 8.9%.
The Town of Mansfield currently has completed phase five of a ten phase CRC Capital Improvement Plan
(CIP). If the CIP can be sustained, the Mansfield CRC is scheduled to be completed by 2027.
Town of Waterville
The Town of Waterville owns and operates a CRC. Residents of Waterville and the surrounding area may
drop off their designated recyclables year-round. . The CRC is staffed by volunteers and is open to the
general public every Tuesday and Saturday of the month, from April through September. The specific
hours of operations are from 2:00pm through 4:00pm. All the drop-off bins are labeled denoting which
designated recyclable is to be placed in which bin. All collected designated recyclables are sorted,
processed and stored until a sufficient quantity is available for transportation to market. The designated
recyclables collected at the CRC are determined by the designated recyclables list that is put out each
February by the SWAC.
Residential Recycling
15-13
May 2010
Table 15-5. Quantity of Designated Recyclables Collected at the Town of Waterville Community
Recycling Center in pounds
Recyclable
2002
Newspaper
39,407
Mixed Paper
37,741
Magazines
12,117
Corrugated
55,342
Cardboard
Clear Glass
3,102
Plastic #1
364
PET
Tin Cans
--Aluminum
410
Cans
Plastic #2
369
HDPE
Totals
148,852
Source: Town of Waterville
2003
41,349
24,444
26,823
65,153
2004
39,120
21,452
26,291
65,861
2005
31,407
22,993
20,551
65,259
2006
31,122
24,726
21,707
68,339
2007
35,306
27,180
25,094
78,569
5,728
1,703
4,355
1,365
4,149
1,578
4,017
1,967
6,838
2,255
2,553
2,041
2,182
2,015
2,247
1,738
2,229
1,797
3,108
1,530
1,246
1,117
1,159
1,135
1,219
171,040
165,838
151,081
157,039
181,099
In 2007 the Town of Waterville CRC collected approximately 91 tons of designated recyclables. With a
2007 population of 1,175 this equates to approximately a 154.1 pounds per person annual recycling rate.
Utilizing the 5.85 pounds of solid waste disposed of per person per day identified within Chapter 7, it is
projected that the average Waterville resident disposes of approximately 2,135 pounds of residential waste
material annually. Therefore, the projected 2007 recycling rate for a typical Waterville resident was
approximately 7.2%.
The Town of Waterville currently has completed phase five of a ten phase CRC Capital Improvement Plan
(CIP). If the CIP can be sustained, the Waterville CRC is scheduled to be completed by 2024.
Residential Recycling
15-14
May 2010
Community Recycling Centers
Map 15-6.
Community Recycling
Centers within the RPA
Residential Recycling
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May 2010
15.3.4
Drop-Off Collection
Private Sector
Central Washington Recycling located in Wenatchee provides drop-off collection of the following
household recyclables:









Cardboard
Chipboard
Newspaper
Magazines
Mixed Paper
Plastic #1 PET
Plastic #2 HDPE
Aluminum Containers
Tin Cans
The facility is open to the general public Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00am through 4:00pm.
Collins Recycling located in Wenatchee provides drop-off collection for all metals, brass, copper, stainless
steel and aluminum. The facility is open to the general public Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00am
through 4:30pm.
Greater Wenatchee Recycling, located across from Pangborn Airport provides drop-off collection for all
metals, brass, copper and aluminum. The facility is open to the general public Tuesday through Friday,
9:00am through 5:00pm and Saturdays from 9:00am through 3:00pm.
Table 15-6. Comparison of Curbside Collection of Recyclables to Drop-Off Collection
Advantages
Curbside
High diversion potential (15 percent of
service area's waste stream)
Convenient
Drop-Off
Low Cost
Easy to administer
High public Acceptability
Disadvantages
Higher cost
Contamination may bring lower price for
materials (need to monitor drop-off areas)
Low diversion potential
Source: SWPO
Douglas County
Douglas County has an established rural drop-off collection program. The designated drop-off collection
centers for Douglas County are: the Palisade School; the Pangborn Airport; the Pangborn Industrial Area;
the Orondo School; the Douglas County Law and Justice Building and the Douglas County Public Services
Building. Residents of Douglas County may drop off their designated recyclables at these drop-off
collection centers April through September. All drop-off collection centers are labeled denoting which
designated recyclable is to be placed in which bin. The drop-off collection centers are serviced by the
SWPO and all collected recyclables are processed at the Douglas County Processing and Recycling Center
located at the Pangborn Memorial Airport in East Wenatchee. All collected recyclables are sorted,
processed and stored at the processing center until a sufficient quantity is available for transportation to
market. The designated recyclables collected at the drop-off collection centers are determined by their
current market value.
Residential Recycling
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May 2010
Table 15-7. Quantity of Designated Recyclables Processed at the Douglas County Processing and
Recycling Center in pounds
Recyclable
Mixed Residential Paper
Glass
Newspapers
Corrugated Cardboard
Magazines
Aluminum Cans
Total:
2007
5,023
3,819
2,867
2,119
2,084
300
16,212
Source: SWPO
Douglas County currently has completed phase four of a five phase Rural Drop-Off Collection Program
Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). If the CIP can be sustained, Douglas County’s Rural Drop-Off Collection
Program is scheduled to be completed by 2023.
Within the Greater East Wenatchee Area drop-off boxes are provided for the collection of corrugated
cardboard, newspaper and magazines. These drop-off boxes are located at the following collection sites:



Bi-Mart parking lot
City of East Wenatchee parking lot
Eastmont Community Park parking lot
Newspaper and magazines
Newspaper and corrugated cardboard
Corrugated cardboard
The drop-off boxes are serviced by WMGW on an as-needed-basis. The City of East Wenatchee receives
all proceeds from this Greater East Wenatchee drop-off collection program.
15.3.5
Curbside Collection
Douglas County
Douglas County residents are provided with the option of subscribing to a voluntary, curbside collection
program. This voluntary collection service is provided by the certified waste haulers within the county, for
an additional service charge. The following household recyclables* are collected:











Clean paper, mail (including window envelopes)
Flattened cardboard (limit 3’x3’)
Newspaper, magazines, catalogs
Phone books, paperback books
Paper food boxes (no liners)
Paper egg cartons
Wrapping paper (no foil or ribbon)
Milk cartons, juice boxes
Glass bottles & jugs – green, brown and clear (no caps or lids)
Plastic dairy tubs (yogurt, margarine, cottage cheese, etc)
Aluminum & tin cans
NOTE: For specific information about what household recyclables are accepted and how they are to be
prepared, as well as what household materials are not collected, contact the certified waste hauler
serving your area.
Residential Recycling
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May 2010
15.4
OBJECTIVES
15.4.1
Ensure that all Recycling Facilities Meet All Federal, State and Local
Regulations
With state regulations specifying how recycling facilities are to be operated, and with local regulations
specifying where they can be located, it is important that owners and operators be properly educated.
Failure of an owner or operator to comply with the state and local regulations can result in substantial
penalties, fines and corrective actions.
15.4.2
Ensure that all Recycling Facilities are Permitted
With state regulations requiring all solid waste facilities to be permitted by the Chelan-Douglas Health
District (CDHD), it is important that all solid waste facilities be identified and permitted. Failure of an
owner or operator to obtain a permit can result in facility closure, expensive clean-up costs and possible
penalties and fines.
15.4.3
Ensure Rates Which Maximize Incentives to Reduce Waste Disposal
With the collection and disposal of solid waste within the RPA being relatively inexpensive as compared to
what the rest of the state pays, it is imperative that the landfill capacity at the Greater Wenatchee Regional
Landfill (GWRLF) be sustained for as long as possible. This can be achieved by reducing the volume of
residential waste that is disposed of within the RPA. It has been proven that generators of waste, if charged
by what they actually throw away, verses a flat volume rate, will reduce their waste disposal through either
waste reduction measures, reuse, recycling or waste diversion. By implementing a pay-as-you-throw or
variable can rate structure, those that reduce, recycle or divert their waste are provided an incentive to do
so. Additionally, the introduction of a mini-can option or an every-other-week service could be offered, at a
reduced rate, thus providing an additional incentive to reduce the volume of residential waste going to the
GWRLF.
15.4.4
Ensure that Programs Reflect Local Conditions
With the tendency of regulatory agencies to have a one-size-fits-all approach, it is imperative that all
programs be locally supported and accepted. Because of the rural character of Douglas County and its
cities and towns, all programs should reflect conditions and markets that exist locally and not be driven by
what the DOE deems as efficient or cost effective.
15.4.5
Ensure that the Public has an Opportunity to Recycle
With federal and state regulations emphasizing recycling, reclaiming or reuse whenever possible, and with
the general public demanding recycling, it is important that the public have convenient and economical
recycling opportunities available. Failure to provide such an opportunity will only accelerate the filling and
eventual closure of the regional landfill, leading to other disposal options and higher disposal rates.
15.4.6
Establish a Residential Recycling Diversion Goal
It is the goal of the SWMP to divert ten percent (10%) of residential wastes from the RPA municipal waste
stream.
15.5
15.5.1
ALTERNATIVES
Ban all Designated Recyclables from the GWRLF
Another way to increase source-separated recycling is to prohibit the disposal of designated materials, such
as yard debris or waste that has not been sorted for recyclables. One problem associated with disposal bans
is illegal dumping of the banned material. Therefore, an important component of a disposal ban is the
development of alternative handling or disposal methods. For example, if yard debris disposal is banned
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from the municipal solid waste stream, a composting facility must be available, convenient and reasonably
priced to accommodate the diverted material.
15.5.2
Establish Rate Structures that Maximize Recycling Incentives
A financial incentive that can have an even greater impact on the amount of recyclables collected is to
ensure that rate structures maximize incentives to recycle. Most residents in the RPA pay more for each
additional can of garbage they set out on the curb. However, those who substantially reduce their waste
through recycling, could be offered the option of a mini-can or every-other-week service. Other generatorpay systems include limiting the number of cans set at the curb and/or automated collection which weighs
the garbage can, and charges the generator by the pound.
By establishing higher rates for garbage collection and lower rates for recycling, it would be financially
beneficial for waste generators to separate their wastes and recycle more than throw away. If they chose to
still throw away items that could be recycled, they would end up paying more for the service than if they
were to recycle the same item.
15.5.3
Establish Apartment/Condominium Complex Recycling Programs
The Participating Jurisdictions should include a provision for apartment/condominium complex recycling
programs within their contracted solid waste collection contracts. Included within this provision should be
a requirement for the contracted provider to provide the apartment/condominium owners with basic tips on
setting up a recycling area, the proper method for preparing materials for pick-up, and resident information
encouraged they to participate in the recycling program.
15.5.4
Obtain County Authority over Residential Source-Separated Recyclables
Currently the WUTC has authority over the collection of solid waste within the unincorporated areas of the
RPA. They award certificates to haulers which permits them to collect solid waste from a specific region.
Douglas County has no authority over the collection of solid waste, however, they can assume responsibility
for source separated recyclables through Chapter 36.58.040 RCW. Under Chapter 36.58.040 RCW,
Douglas County could obtain control of source-separated recyclables if the public wished Douglas County
to assume that authority from the WUTC. This alternative would give Douglas County the authority to
require the WUTC certified solid waste companies to collect residential source-separated recyclables within
the unincorporated areas of the RPA.
15.5.5
Site and Permit a Community Recycling Center Within the Greater East
Wenatchee Area
East Wenatchee currently offers only curbside collection of recyclables to its residents, and provides no
service to the county residents within the identified East Wenatchee UGB. The Greater East Wenatchee
CRC would provide the residents of the Greater East Wenatchee Area, not serviced by the City of East
Wenatchee curbside collection program, with a convenient opportunity to recycle their residential source
separated recyclables. The CRC would also, once fully developed, provide all residents of the City of East
Wenatchee and the Greater East Wenatchee Area an opportunity to divert their household hazardous waste,
small quantity generator waste, ferrous and non-ferrous metal, whitegoods, used tires, used batteries etc.
from the waste stream.
15.5.6
Promote Use of Community Recycling Centers
With existing CRC’s located in the Cities of Bridgeport and Rock Island and the Towns of Mansfield and
Waterville, the SWPO should promote the use of these centers. The SWPO should develop and distribute
posters, brochures and flyers promoting the hours of operation, location, and materials that can be collected
at the CRC’s. The SWPO should also develop and conduct an education program utilizing radio spots,
small informational pieces within the newspaper, advertisements and informational meetings throughout the
RPA illustrating the benefits and diversion potential of the CRC.
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15.5.7
Promote Use of Drop-Off Collection Centers
With existing drop-off collection centers located at the Palisades School, the Pangborn Industrial Park, the
Pangborn Airport, the Orondo School, the Douglas County Law and Justice Building and the Douglas
County Public services Building the SWPO should promote the use of these drop-off collection centers.
The SWPO should develop and distribute posters, brochures and flyers promoting the location, and
materials that can be collected at the drop-off collection centers. The SWPO should also develop and
conduct an education program utilizing radio spots, small informational pieces within the newspaper,
advertisements and informational meetings throughout the RPA illustrating the benefits and diversion
potential of the drop-off collection centers.
15.5.8
Develop a Joint Marketing Agreement between the Participating
Jurisdictions
Because of the rural characteristic of the RPA, (its small population base and small volume of recyclables)
it is difficult to market the materials collected at the CRC’s individually. To make the Participating
Jurisdictions more appealing to companies collecting recyclables, the Participating Jurisdictions could band
together to create a larger volume of recyclables that could be collected and marketed. They could also
establish processing standards for the collected materials so that the companies interested in collecting the
recyclables would be assured of a uniform quality standard within the RPA. By developing a joint
marketing agreement for the entire RPA the Participating Jurisdictions could bid out the purchase of the
materials collected at their CRC’s as a total volume. This could entice recycling companies to service the
RPA and enter into agreements with each participating jurisdiction for the recyclables collected at their
CRC.
15.5.9
Develop a Local Market Strategy Plan
Instead of exporting recyclable materials from the RPA to be processed elsewhere, it could be beneficial to
create local markets for key recyclables. Working with the Douglas County Port District and other
economic development agencies within the area, the Participating Jurisdictions could develop a local
marketing strategy plan that could stimulate recycling tendencies and create small business opportunities
within the RPA.
15.5.10 Implement a Residential Recycling Education Program
The Participating Jurisdictions should continue to expand their public education and residential recycling
awareness programs. The Participating Jurisdictions could sponsor Earth Day and Recycle America
activities, which could involve contests between communities, publicity events sponsoring an exhibit of
recycled products, purchasing newspaper and radio ad space, holding noon time public rallies, giving out
bumper stickers, and other similar events. The SWPO could develop a comprehensive RPA Earth Day and
Recycle America residential recycling education program in conjunction with the Participating Jurisdictions
programs.
The Participating Jurisdictions could implement a residential recycling education program in conjunction
with their CRC’s and community clean-up programs. The SWPO could assist the residential sector in a
number of ways to identify and act upon these opportunities with education and information programs.
Such programs could be targeted at residents in general and/or could be tailored to communities with
similar waste generation or management characteristics. Part of the SWPO residential education program
should include maintaining information about waste exchanges and products with recycled material content.
15.5.11 Monitor and Track Residential Recycling
The SWPO needs to monitor and track all residential recycling to determine what type and volume of
residential recyclables are being diverted. Without knowing these basic facts, it is impossible to determine
how effective the residential recycling program is within the RPA. Therefore the SWPO should establish a
data tracking program which monitors and tracks all residential recycling within the RPA annually.
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15.6
RECOMMENDATIONS
15.6.1
Establish Rate Structures that Maximize Incentives to Recycle
15.6.2
Establish Apartment/Condominium Complex Recycling Programs
15.6.3
Promote Use of Community Recycling Centers
15.6.4
Promote Use of Drop-Off Collection Centers
15.6.5
Implement a Residential Recycling Education Program
15.6.6
Monitor and Track Residential Recycling
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