Updates to the Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan

Self-service drop off recycling bins at the transfer station including cardboard, glass, scrap metal, and books.

Clark County regularly reviews the Solid and Hazardous Waste Management Plan (S/HWMP) to keep it aligned with local needs and to support efficient services, permitting, and funding. Annual reviews help determine whether the plan is still up to date or needs a minor amendment or a full revision.

Amendments are small updates, such as changes to the acceptable recyclables list, and follow a simpler review process.
Revisions involve major changes, such as adding or removing curbside collection or building new facilities. These must be approved by all cities, towns, the county, and state agencies.

The current plan was adopted in 2025. The next full revision is anticipated to begin in 2028, with the adoption of the updated plan in 2030.

Clark County’s planning process follows the Department of Ecology's Guidelines for Development of Local Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plans and Plan Revisions. It also includes input from:

Clark County Solid Waste Advisory Commission (SWAC): A state-mandated group representing businesses, public interest groups, and the community.
Regional Solid Waste System Steering Committee (RSWSSC): Made up of public works directors (or their designees) from the county, cities, and town.
Clark County residents and community members: A formal public comment period is held during the draft review phase. You can also share feedback anytime through our comment form.

Your input helps shape the future of our regional waste system.

Cities, towns, or Clark County can update the Solid and Hazardous Waste Management Plan (S/HWMP) without waiting for a full plan revision. These updates are usually small and follow a shorter, simpler review process.

Common reasons for amendments include:

Starting a new outreach program
Updating accepted recyclables
Changing timelines
Shifting project priorities
Making minor service changes
Responding to new industries or developments

How the process works:

A city, town, or the county submits a request. The Solid Waste Operations program manager reviews it and decides whether to move it forward. If so, the request goes to the Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) and the Regional Solid Waste System Steering Committee (RSWSSC).

SWAC votes on whether to adopt the change and decides if it’s a minor update or a formal amendment. Minor updates may skip the full process.

If a formal amendment is needed, it’s drafted and sent to all participating councils for approval. Once approved, it’s submitted to the Washington State Department of Ecology within 45 days for final review.

Clark County follows a phased planning process based on state guidelines for developing solid waste management plans. This process includes:

Reviewing the current plan
Defining the scope and responsibilities
Involving SWAC and RSWSSC
Drafting and sharing a preliminary plan
Collecting public comments and Ecology feedback
Responding to comments and completing a SEPA review
Adopting the final plan
Submitting it for Ecology’s final review and approval
Implementing and maintaining the plan

The plan is fully updated at least every five years. However, major changes in the regional system or new laws may require earlier revisions. Full plan revisions are valid for five years from adoption.