Oregon State Integrated Resource & Solid Waste Management Plan 1995-2005

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~ Executive Summary Early on it became clear that there were critical issues to include in the planning docu- ment. Because statute requires biennial review of the plan, staff and advisors agreed that the first edition of the plan would focus on municipal solid waste issues related to education, waste prevention, recycling, and residual waste policies. Analysis of industrial solid waste and special wastes will be performed in the first review period after adoption. The plan will be updated to include objectives and strategies on industrial solid waste. The plan is specifically designed for use as a guidance document for state and local government, the private sector, and citizens in making solid waste management decisions and for future legislation. The plan also provides a resource for state and local government, and defines roles for state and local government as well as the private sector. Where "Respon- sible Party" is indicated under each strategy, the party identified is the one who appears to be the most appropriate to take the lead. Every attempt was made to clarify roles and to ensure that there is an appropriate balance of responsibility and authority among various entities. In addition to the plan there is also a Background document that provides data and information on Oregon's solid waste management. Just as state solid waste management decisions cannot be made in isolation, today local issues extend far beyond the borders of cities and counties. Local jurisdictions can explore program options and consolidation of resources through countywide or regional comprehen- sive planning. This process is key to Oregon's ability to provide an economical and environ- mentallysound, integrated management system. What follows is the most comprehensive view of Oregon's solid waste management system, practices and traditions to date. It is the first integrated solid waste management plan prepared by the state and provides a new direction for waste management in Oregon as we enter the 21 st century. The plan endorses a fundamental shift away from managing waste and recyclables recovered from waste. The preferred view in the plan is that natural re- sources, recycled materials and even the "left over" waste represent valuable resources and should be managed as such. When accomplished, the proposed efforts will reduce unnecessary waste at the source. Recoverable materials are not viewed or handled as waste but are reused, repaired, recycled, composted, and provide energy recovery when technologically and economically feasible. Difficult to manage wastes are isolated for special handling, treatment and disposal. Residual waste from the reduction and recycling efforts are landfilled in "state of the art'` facilities for safe, economical disposal. These efforts move solid waste management from disposal-based into the realm of natural resource use and product manufacturing. This document sets out a framework for such an Integrated Resource and Solid Waste Management System. F 4 4' f. fi Vision2005 t Oregon has a history and reputation for creativity in solving environmental problems and protecting the environment. The State Integrated Resource and Solid Waste Management Plan seeks to continue that leadership by providing Oregon citizens with a vision to the year 2005 and by identifying the tools needed to realize this vision. The value of resource conservation as a priority to protect the well-being of the public and our environment is promoted in this plan. It endorses a fundamental shift away from managing "garbage" (waste materials without value) to managing valuable natural resources, secondary resources and residuals. It changes traditional` terminology from "solid waste management" to integrated resource and solid waste management in order to accurately reflect the shift. The Plan has been developed by DEQ, a Solid Waste Advisory Committee, a state agency work group,13 local work groups, and through statewide public meetings. Partici- pants included citizens, industry, local governments, haulers, recyclers, environmental groups, and appropriate state agencies. Implementation of the plan is intended to occur over aten-year time frame. Each strat- egyindicates atime frame for implementation of first third, second third, and third third. These time frames relate to the sequence of implementation over the ten-year period of the plan. 5