About the WPWMA
History of the WPWMA
A reliable community resource
Western Placer Waste Management Authority (WPMWA) is a regional agency established in 1978 through a joint exercise of powers agreement between Placer County and the cities of Lincoln, Rocklin, and Roseville (Member Agencies) to own and operate a regional recycling facility and sanitary landfill.
The WPWMA’s mission is to create solutions and transform waste into a resource for a sustainable environment and prosperous economy.
Western Placer Waste Management Authority –
leading Placer County into the future
Faced with population growth, strict government recycling mandates, and the increased amount of waste entering our landfill each year, the WPWMA is exploring innovative solutions to our challenges. These innovations include compatible technologies, renewable energy and fuel production, partnerships with local universities to promote research and development, and the discovery of other ways to reduce the waste stream. Solid waste management can be an economic stimulator that helps all of us in Placer County live more sustainably.
Challenges of a growing community in a sustainable world
Population
Placer County’s distinction of being the second-fastest-growing county in California is undoubtedly warranted. By 2050, the County of Placer General Plan projects an increase in the county’s overall population to a total of 750,000 residents, almost doubling the number of current residents. The WPWMA’s solid waste management capacity will need to increase to support the demands of a growing and vibrant regional economy.
Global Recycling Markets
Historically, the export of recyclable materials has been a critical component of all waste management organizations. Changes to international policies restricting imports of recyclable materials and the declining global plastic and paper scrap market continue to pose significant challenges. The WPWMA seeks solutions through public-private partnerships to foster the development of local markets for our recyclable materials.
California’s Legislative Environment
Increasingly stringent state legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions now mandates a 75% reduction in the amount of organics disposed of in landfills. SB 1383 legislation requires every jurisdiction to ensure systems are in place to recover and recycle organic materials. Check out our regulations page for more information.
The Future of Waste Management in Placer County
How we manage our waste is crucial to the economic development and continued vitality of Placer County. That’s why the WPWMA is seriously committed to developing innovative solutions to waste management through community engagement, public-private partnerships, and establish well-planned facility infrastructure.
Renewable Placer: Waste Action Plan
The Waste Action Plan identifies the changes needed to the WPWMA’s campus and operations to ensure we can support the future solid waste management and recycling needs of its rapidly growing communities. We are expanding our operational capacity including composting and construction & demolition operations while maintaining public safety and reducing facility traffic congestion and customer wait times. The expansion includes the designation of the WPWMA’s eastern property for compatible manufacturing and technology to jumpstart a local circular economy and the western property for future landfill development. The Materials Recovery Facility welcomes a new operator and a dramatic $120 million in improvements to divert more food waste and recyclables. Learn more on our Renewable Placer page.
Public-Private Partnerships – Finding value in the waste stream
The WPWMA is shifting the historical dynamic of linear solid waste management — take, make and dispose of — to a new model circular resource management, where old products become new products. In short, we are searching for real value in the waste stream of Placer County, and we are collaborating with partners to expedite that commitment.
Working with us to find and mentor new industries and entrepreneurial technologies is California State University Sacramento’s Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship. The Carlsen Center is a regional hub providing entrepreneurial education, community, and support for startup founders of all backgrounds to explore and launch their businesses. This collaboration will generate innovations and help us jumpstart a local circular economy.
To that end, the WPWMA is sponsoring The Circular Economy Innovation Competition to unearth innovative ideas, technologies, and startups in the circular economy and waste space and offer the opportunity to compete for $20,000 at an in-person pitch event.
The 2024 Circular Economy Innovation Competition is now accepting applications. Submit your innovation using this online submission form by February 16, 2024.
Interested applicants are encouraged to attend a virtual information session on Thursday, January 18, 2024 at 10 a.m. to learn more about the competition and to have any questions answered.
The WPWMA’s ambitious plans contribute to our goal of enhancing investment in innovation.
