Spokane County Regional Solid Waste System announces increase in garbage rates, new disposal fee – KREM

Report on Spokane County Solid Waste Rate Adjustments and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

1.0 Overview of Rate Structure Modifications

Effective January 1, 2026, the Spokane County Regional Solid Waste System (SCRSWS) will implement a revised fee structure for waste disposal services. This report details these changes, which include general rate increases and the introduction of a special handling fee for specific appliances. These adjustments are designed to cover rising operational costs and to advance the county’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those concerning environmental protection, public health, and sustainable communities.

2.0 General Rate Increases and Contribution to SDG 11

To ensure the financial viability and operational integrity of the regional waste management infrastructure, the following rate increases will be enacted:

• Garbage Disposal Rate: A 4% increase.
• Yard Waste Disposal Rate: A 10% increase.

These adjustments are critical for maintaining the waste management system, directly supporting SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by ensuring the continuity of essential municipal services for solid waste management.

3.0 Special Handling Fee for Appliances Containing Refrigerants

A new special handling fee of $30 will be introduced for the disposal of each appliance containing refrigerant or freon. This fee is in addition to the standard disposal rate calculated by weight.

3.1 Affected Appliances

The fee applies to the following items:

1. Refrigerators
2. Freezers
3. Air Conditioners
4. Water Coolers

Appliances without refrigerants, such as dishwashers, microwaves, and washers/dryers, will continue to be charged at the regular garbage rate by weight.

4.0 Alignment of New Fee with Core Sustainable Development Goals

The introduction of the special handling fee is a targeted measure to address the significant environmental and health risks associated with refrigerants. This policy directly aligns with several key SDGs:

• SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): The fee ensures the environmentally sound management of hazardous chemicals. It covers the cost of specialized equipment and methods required for the safe recovery and disposal of refrigerants, thereby minimizing their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.
• SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): By preventing the release of toxic refrigerants, this measure protects community health from the risks associated with exposure to hazardous chemicals.
• SDG 13 (Climate Action): Many refrigerants are potent greenhouse gases. Proper handling and disposal prevent their release into the atmosphere, contributing directly to climate change mitigation efforts.
• SDG 15 (Life on Land): Safe disposal of these hazardous materials prevents contamination of soil and water systems, protecting terrestrial ecosystems from chemical pollution.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article on Spokane County’s waste management changes connects to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by addressing issues of urban waste management, hazardous chemical disposal, and public health.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  The article directly relates to making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. The focus is on a core municipal service—the Spokane County Regional Solid Waste System (SCRSWS)—and its efforts to manage waste effectively, which is fundamental to a sustainable urban environment.

• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

  This goal is central to the article’s theme. It discusses the end-of-life management of consumer products (garbage, yard waste, appliances) and emphasizes the need for environmentally sound management of hazardous waste, as seen in the special handling of appliances containing refrigerants.

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  The article establishes a clear link to public health. It states that the special fee for certain appliances is necessary because “many refrigerants are dangerous due to their toxicity and the potential health and environmental risks associated with exposure.” By ensuring these hazardous chemicals are safely recovered, the county is taking steps to protect its citizens from illness and harm.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

The policies and actions described in the article align with specific targets under the identified SDGs.

• Target 11.6 (under SDG 11)

  “By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.”

  The article is entirely focused on municipal waste management. The rate increases for garbage and yard waste, along with the new fee for appliance disposal, are direct policy actions taken by a city/county authority to manage its waste streams and cover the costs of maintaining operating systems, thereby addressing the environmental impact of the city’s waste.

• Target 12.4 (under SDG 12)

  “By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle… and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.”

  This target is directly addressed by the new policy for appliances containing refrigerants. The article explains the fee is necessary “to cover the cost of safely disposing of appliances that use refrigerant/freon” and notes that these “hazardous chemicals must be safely recovered.” This is a clear example of implementing a system for the environmentally sound management of chemical waste.

• Target 12.5 (under SDG 12)

  “By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse.”

  While the article does not explicitly mention waste reduction, the policy of increasing disposal costs serves as a financial incentive for residents to generate less waste. The “4% increase in garbage rates” and “10% increase for yard waste” can encourage households to reduce, reuse, or recycle more to avoid higher fees.

• Target 3.9 (under SDG 3)

  “By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.”

  The county’s justification for the new appliance fee directly supports this target. By implementing a process that “requires specialized equipment and disposal methods” to handle toxic refrigerants, the county is actively working to prevent the release of hazardous chemicals and minimize “potential health…risks associated with exposure,” thus protecting the public from pollution-related illnesses.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article contains several specific, quantifiable measures that can serve as indicators of progress.

• Indicators for Targets 11.6 and 12.5

  The specific rate increases are direct indicators of policy implementation.

  • Indicator: The “4% increase” in garbage rates.
  • Indicator: The “10% increase” in yard waste rates.

  These financial levers can be monitored to assess their impact on the total volume of waste managed by the county system and on per capita waste generation over time.

• Indicator for Target 12.4

  The new fee for hazardous appliance disposal is a clear indicator of a system for managing hazardous waste.

  • Indicator: The “special handling fee of $30 for each appliance containing refrigerant/freon.”

  The revenue generated from this fee and the number of appliances processed can be tracked to measure the amount of hazardous waste being diverted from improper disposal and managed in an environmentally sound manner.

• Indicator for Target 3.9

  The implementation of a specific safety protocol is an implied indicator.

  • Indicator: The establishment of a formal process for the safe recovery of hazardous chemicals, which the article describes as “time-consuming and requires specialized equipment and disposal methods.”

  This indicates a shift from general waste disposal to a specialized system designed to mitigate health risks from hazardous materials.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: krem.com