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Join the Solid Waste Advisory Committee

Looking for a way to get involved in your community and have a voice in government? Want to help shape Seattle’s recycling, compost, and disposal services and move towards Zero Waste? Then we want YOU as a member of Seattle Public Utilities’ Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC)! Apply NOW to join SWAC by June 6, 2021. 

SPU is currently looking for community members to join Seattle’s Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC). SWAC members work with SPU’s Solid Waste team to provide recommendations, feedback, and share community insights into programs, policies, and outreach objectives around recycling, compost, garbage, and waste prevention. SWAC members also assist in the review of programs and policies concerning solid waste handling and disposal. In addition, members review and comments upon proposed plans, rules, policies, or ordinances prior to their adoption.  

Apply to join SWAC by clicking here

  • Application should take no more than 20-30 minutes 
  • If completing an online application presents a barrier or challenge, please contact the SWAC Coordinator for additional ways to apply via telephone or email.  

Still have questions? Reach out to SPU’s SWAC Coordinator: Katie Lyndkatie.lynd@seattle.gov, 206-492-1132.

SWAC members bring expertise from their communities and organizations, with different professional and life experiences, to ensure SPU can make Seattle the best place to live for everyone. SPU values partnering with SWAC members to uphold the City of Seattle’s City Values, including racial and social justice.  

We are actively seeking a diverse candidate pool to help inform SPU’s Solid Waste Division on its work and vision to become a community-centered utility. You can download our recruitment packet, learn more about the SWAC’s work, and how to get involved here www.seattle.gov/utilities/swac.

What’s Entailed with Joining SWAC?

Responsibilities

  • Represent community and organizational interests in making solid waste recommendations
  • Write letters to support SPU’s goals, such as moving toward Zero Waste
  • Comment on the Solid Waste Comprehensive Plan and Annual Waste Prevention & Recycling Report
  • Review SPU programs and policies for customer impact
  • Work collaboratively with other members of differing viewpoints
  • Attend monthly meetings and participate in group conversations on solid waste topics

Qualifications

  • Interest in SPU’s solid waste services, policies, and programs
  • Ability to represent community interests in recommendations
  • Experience collaborating with teams
  • Desire to improve government services through lived (e.g., BIPOC, low/fixed income) and/or professional expertise.

Benefits

  • The ability to influence SPU decision making around Solid Waste services, policies, and plans
  • Advocate for one’s specific community interests and share perspective
  • Learn and hear perspectives of different community members and the impact of city services
  • Have an active role in local government with a diverse group of community members