In February 2010, the County Council adopted the Kauai County's Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan Update (ISWMP).  The ISWMP represents a “roadmap” setting the County's vision for the future management of municipal solid waste. The planning goal was to develop a financially feasible plan for the residents of Kauai that maximizes waste diversion, ensures adequate disposal capacity, and protects the health of the state.

Several stakeholders contributed to drafting the document, including: the County's consultant, R.W. Beck; County administration, County Public Works staff, and members of the County Council; a Solid Waste Advisory Committee appointed by Mayor Bryan Baptiste and comprised of Kauai residents and business representatives; as well as the general public. The planning process was complex, and included several Council workshops, public meetings, advisory committee meetings, and input from the State Department of Health. The draft ISWMP was sent out for public comment from April 9, 2009 to June 9, 2009. Appendix C of the final ISWMP contains a summary of public comments that were received, as well as associated responses to the comments.

The ISWMP provides information on current solid waste management practices, and also provides recommendations and associated costs for program improvements. Issues addressed in the ISWMP include: source reduction and reuse, recycling and bioconversion, special wastes, hazardous and electronic waste, public education and information, transfer stations and landfills, refuse collection, materials and marketing procurement, alternative technologies to landfill, landfill, facility siting strategies, and a solid waste system cost analysis.

If you have questions about the ISWMP, please contact Allison Fraley at 241-4837.