Waste Management reports drop in diversion rate but increase in organics; citywide food drive planned

Waste Management delivered its annual operations report to the Federalist City Council Sept. 2, summarizing 2024 tonnage, diversion rates and community outreach. Han Kirkland, the company’s contract manager, told council the city generated 64,649 tons of waste across residential, multifamily and commercial accounts in 2024 and that "overall, Federalist diverted 27.3% of the waste material collected," down from 2023. Kirkland said organics tonnage increased across all three customer sectors.

Kirkland described operational headwinds during the year including King County’s Algona transfer-station closure, which temporarily added miles for drivers, and the permanent shutdown of a major Seattle glass processor; the company said it continued to deliver curbside glass to Strategic Materials Incorporated for processing. He also noted Waste Management ratified a five-year contract with Teamsters Local 174 covering drivers through 2029.

On public education and outreach, Kirkland said Waste Management contacted 102 multifamily properties for contamination outreach, provided one-on-one assistance at 25 multifamily sites, performed waste audits at 11 properties and delivered more than 3,300 reusable tote bags. The company reported collecting roughly 9,485 tons of food in 2024 through its annual food drive and announced the 2025 curbside food drive pickup will run Oct. 6–10, with flyers to be delivered the week of Sept. 29.

Councilors thanked Waste Management for community event support and for coordinating the curbside food collection with the mayor’s office and the Multi-Service Center. No formal council action was required on the informational report.