From Jan. 8 to March 8, King County invites the public to comment on its draft Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan, which provides direction for managing King County’s garbage and recycling over the next six to 20 years.

Public comment is also being sought on a draft Environmental Impact Statement that evaluates the environmental impacts of options in the draft plan.

To learn more and provide comments, the public can:

• Complete an online survey by visiting kingcounty.gov/solid-waste-comp-plan
• Send an email to SWD.CompPlan@kingcounty.gov
• Send a letter via U.S. mail to: King County Solid Waste Division, Attn: Draft Solid Waste Plan Comments; 201 S. Jackson St, Suite 701; Seattle, WA 98104-3855

People are also encouraged to attend any of the upcoming open houses. All open houses will run 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the following locations and dates:

• Jan. 24; Kingsgate Library, 12315 NE 143^rd St., Kirkland
• Jan. 30; Kent Senior Center, 600 E. Smith St., Kent
• Feb. 7; King County Library Service Center, 960 Newport Way NW, Issaquah

King County, together with its 37 partner cities, has developed a long-term plan that presents strategies for managing waste. Public review and comment is now being sought on the draft Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan (draft plan) and draft Environmental Impact Statement (draft EIS).

Public comments on these two far-reaching documents will inform policy-maker decisions on how garbage and recycling is managed in King County for the next six to 20 years.

“We’re offering a variety of ways for the public to learn about and comment on this draft plan,” Pat D. McLaughlin, director of the King County Solid Waste Division, said. “People can participate in a public meeting, take a brief online survey, or read the materials on our website and send comments directly to us.”

The draft plan provides direction on how King County and cities will provide the services customers expect while keeping fees as low and stable as possible. It also recommends innovative programs to prevent, recycle, and dispose of waste that will protect human health and the environment.

The draft EIS evaluates the potential environmental impacts of options discussed in the draft plan.

While there are many components to the draft plan and draft EIS, decisions on these three major topics will affect everyone in King County:

King County has a goal to recycle 70 percent of its waste stream. The current recycling rate for the county is 52 percent. What actions should the County take to reach the 70 percent goal?

What are the most important services that should be provided at King County’s garbage and recycling transfer facilities, including facilities in northeast King County?

How should King County dispose of its garbage over the long term?

The 60-day public comment period ends on March 8.

For more details, visit kingcounty.gov/solid-waste-comp-plan.

King County operates eight transfer stations, two drop-boxes, the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill, and many programs to help customers recycle.