Lambert: Now is the time to work on long-range solution for solid waste disposal

April 24, 2019

Summary

“As trash continues to build up at Cedar Hills to 830 feet above sea level, we need to adopt a long-term solution and use state of the art technology with predictable costs, and we need to do it now.”

Story

Metropolitan King County Councilmember Kathy Lambert released this statement after today’s vote adopting the update to the county’s Solid Waste Management Plan, which includes an expansion of the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill:

“Cedar Hills Regional Landfill is aging and nearing the end of its useful life—not surprising given that 37 cities and the unincorporated areas of the county have sent their garbage there since 1965.

“The last Solid Waste Management Plan was adopted nearly 20 years ago in 2001, and the King County Solid Waste Division has had nearly two decades to come up with an adequate long-term disposal plan for our waste. Updating the Solid Waste Management Plan is an important process and it gives us the opportunity to look at new technologies and a diverse range of waste management approaches.

“Unfortunately, that is not what happened today. Instead of protecting residents near the landfill with a clear path and proven-technology that could have modernized our waste issues, they will continue to pile it higher and higher.

“As trash continues to build up at Cedar Hills to 830 feet above sea level, we need to adopt a long-term solution and use state of the art technology with predictable costs, and we need to do it now.

“Waste-to-energy is a proven technology that is ready for implementation today. Around the world Waste-to-energy plants are processing trash and turning it into clean, renewable energy. Waste-to-energy is an environmentally responsible, long-term, predictable solution that can make a positive impact on the region for generations to come.”