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waste generator responsibility for environmentally sound waste management; and 5) allocate costs fairly to waste generators and users of the solid waste system. The reason for the study of public collection is that the current system of solid waste collection and management is not moving the Counties toward the long-term goals. The report finds: ■ Waste generation is increasing; 0 Recycling is stagnant or decreasing as economic incentives to recycle have diminished; 0 Resources that could be put to a higher use through recycling are disposed in processing facilities or landfills; # Key decisions are made with a focus on short-term cost or profits; • Illegal dumping of wastes and associated environmental concerns continues in several areas; 0 Municipal concerns on truck traffic continue; • Resource recovery costs are subsidized to compete with landfilling costs; and • Resource Recovery capacity is not consistently utilized. Public Collection Study The study on public collection consisted of two main elements: 1) research to better understand public collection, and 2) public engagement, to inform the public about the solid waste system, challenges related to it, and to get input on the concept of public collection. Research consisted of case studies, development of a municipal database, interviews resulting in city/town histories, a summary of public surveys about waste management, a resident survey, considerable legal review of waste issues, a review of illegal dumping issues, research into the advantages and disadvantages of public collection, and development of a Preliminary Public Collection Framework. The research is summarized beginning on page 14 of the study, with research results found in several appendices. A framework for public collection was developed based on input during the first phase of public engagement, and the research conducted. The framework is found in Appendix 16 of the Report. The framework identified seven components that would guide how public collection would be implemented: • Protect the environment, health and safety of the community by managing the waste stream and using waste as a resource; • Individual communities are provided options for the design of the system in their community; • Healthy competition between haulers is maintained; • Local/independent haulers can stay in business; • Offer a choice of haulers where the community desires it; fewer haulers on the street where the community desires it; Page 2 of 7