Responsible management of solid waste is a critical effort to mitigate the potential impacts of waste generation, handling, transport and disposal on air, surface and groundwater quality. To this end, the County planned, developed, operates and maintains a rail-line supported transfer station, and waste-to-energy, composting and recycling facilities.

In 1990, the County made source reduction a priority by placing it at the top of the solid waste management hierarchy, stating that all waste reduction measures within the County’s power should be implemented. This policy was formally adopted in an amendment to the Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan in July 1990. In December 1992, County Resolution 12-945 established a zero percent annual growth in solid waste disposal per household and per employee.

Resolution 12-945 also formally established an interim goal to recycle 35 percent of all waste generated by 1995, and to recycle 50 percent of all waste by 2000. In 1993, Executive Regulation 109-92 further required all multi-family properties and all businesses, organizations and government facilities to recycle.

The County manages contracts for recycling collection on behalf of single-family households and provides education, outreach and technical assistance on recycling, waste reduction and buying recycled goods to residents of single-family and multi-family households, as well as to business owners, mangers and employees.

* County population:
1998: 837,000
1999: 846,000