November 5, 2026 Thurston County Solid Waste Advisory Committee Meeting

The November 5, 2026 meeting of the Thurston County Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) covered environmental health and solid waste program updates, the draft 2027 work plan, committee membership procedures, and a director’s report. The committee approved the prior meeting minutes and the current agenda; no new contract awards or procurement votes occurred during this meeting. Staff said consultant Wendy Mifflin is under contract to help update the Solid Waste Management Plan through 2027, with draft chapters to be provided for SWAC review and discussion. Members asked that the plan include clear performance measures and accountability indicators.

The director reported that the Board of County Commissioners had approved a contract for solid waste facility work reconfiguration at a prior meeting; staff expect to present an initial site concept and rough design plans to SWAC around March. Staff also reported that an updated job description and recruitment posting for a vacant position are being circulated through several professional and employment channels. Other relevant policy and operational items included staff work on a minimum levels of service ordinance for recyclable and organic materials collection, planned updates to sanitary-code provisions for hazardous-waste handling, and discussion of potentially streamlining SWAC appointment procedures, which may require code and bylaw changes and further legal review.