The Southeast Alaska Solid Waste Authority (SEASWA), in collaboration with Southeast Conference (SEC), has received Federal grant funding to pursue a regional solid waste planning effort to develop a MSW strategy for Southeast Alaska. During this project, the lead contractor will research and map MSW disposal needs in Southeast Alaska, research MSW disposal best practices being used in other parts of Alaska and the Lower 48, and work with SEC and SEASWA to develop a strategy for efficiently managing MSW within and between communities in the region. The final work product will be used by communities in the region to guide cost effective long-term disposal practices.
This project aligns with the 2030 CEDS objective “Support regional solid waste management solutions” which calls for the development of best practices solutions handling MSW, including baling and compacting solid waste for shipping; increasing utilization of regional recycling and composting programs and increased use of commercial burn units; encouraging businesses and entrepreneurs to find ways to reuse solid waste materials to keep them out of landfills or from being shipped out for final disposal and awareness of upcycling opportunities and working with community members to better sort their waste as necessary.
Project Phases
1. Waste Profile Development
Conduct research and literature review to develop a Regional Profile with Community Narratives of Current Waste Streams and Existing MSW Infrastructure.
2. Local Engagement to Assess MSW Needs
Share findings with communities, identify highest cost MSW communities and reduce gaps in data.
3. Solution Evaluation & Matching
Based on current and future infrastructure as well as MSW processes identified regionally, throughout the state and nationally, form a white paper on feasible solutions.
4. Solid Waste Strategy Development
Put data and feasible solution findings from steps 1-3 into a Regional Solid Waste Strategy including: strategy on weaknesses and ways to mitigate them and an implementation action plan.
5. Strategy Implementation
As funding allows, work with communities to begin implementation of the Strategy.
