I appreciate Tom Thiersch’s piece shining a light on proposed changes to recycling in Jefferson County. He raises valid questions and concerns that we’ve been hearing at both the Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) and Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meetings regarding the potential for increased costs and challenges in ensuring equitable access for all residents. However, I believe that a thoughtfully designed and well-executed curbside recycling program will offer benefits to our residents that extend far beyond these initial apprehensions, positioning our county for a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future. We’ve been talking about this idea for more than a year at our SWAC meetings and staff has put hundreds of hours into researching this issue and associated changes. We are not proposing these changes lightly.

Elevating Material Quality and Streamlining Processing

Beyond convenience, a standardized curbside service holds the potential to significantly improve the quality of recyclable materials collected. At present, our drop-off facilities seriously struggle with contamination due – in part – to varying levels of public understanding regarding what is and isn’t recyclable. With a well-structured curbside program, accompanied by clear and consistent educational campaigns, residents can be better equipped to sort their materials correctly at home. This pre-sorting at the source drastically reduces contamination rates, which in turn makes the subsequent recycling process more efficient and cost-effective for the materials recovery facilities (MRFs). Higher quality materials command better prices in the recycling market, further enhancing the economic viability of the program and reducing the burden on taxpayers.

The Convenience and Likely Increased Participation of Curbside Service

One of the most compelling arguments in favor of curbside recycling lies in its convenience. I have lived in Jefferson County for 45 years and me and my family have always been self-haulers. Normally I would be quick to say I am fine with things as they are. But, in my role as a county commissioner, I feel it is my job to think about what is best for most of our residents. For a significant portion of our community, particularly those residing in more remote areas or lacking reliable transportation, the current reliance on drop-off centers presents a substantial barrier to active participation in recycling efforts. Couple this reliance with the contamination at many of our recycling centers and it feels likes the right solution. The simplicity of having recyclables collected directly from one’s home for most of our residents can dramatically increase the overall recycling rate across the county. Further, in response to this concern we have committed to maintaining the ability for people who have logistical or personal reasons to self-haul that they can continue to take their recycling themselves in north and south county at the Port Townsend Transfer Station and Quilcene Drop Box where those staffed facilities experience significantly less contamination.

Long-Term Economic Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship

While initial implementation costs are a natural concern, it is crucial to consider the long-term economic sustainability that a county-wide curbside program can offer. By capturing a greater volume of recyclable materials that would otherwise be destined for landfills, we can significantly reduce the costs associated with landfilling waste. Landfill space is finite and expensive, and the environmental impact of burgeoning landfills is undeniable. Investing in curbside recycling is, therefore, an investment in reducing waste disposal costs and mitigating environmental harm. It aligns directly with our shared goals of environmental stewardship and responsible resource management, moving us closer to a circular economy where waste is minimized and resources are conserved.

We’ve heard concerns about an increase in vehicle emissions, but our SWAC and Climate Action Committee (CAC) did a study finding quite the opposite. When they looked at solid waste collection data for 2022, they found that the Washington Utilities and Transportation licensed hauler (Waste Connections) used 2,647 fewer gallons of fuel to transport 36% more tons of garbage to the transfer station than self-haul customers did.  One of Waste Connections’ compactor trucks can haul the equivalent of up to 1,000 small load self-haul customers which translates into shorter wait times at the transfer station and fewer idling cars emitting greenhouse gas emissions. 

Heidi Eisenhour  is the District 2 County Commissioner and Solid Waste Advisory Committee member.