Southeast Alaska is home to 35, mostly small and all rural, communities and 19 Tribes spread across approximately 33,500 square miles making solid waste management challenging. Collectively, the region produces approximately 60,000 tons of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) annually. Most of these communities remain disconnected from each other due to natural barriers and a lack of traditional roadways. As islanded populations, MSW Management is generally handled on a community by community basis in a variety of ways, from permitted landfilling, open burning, uncontrolled open dumping, composting, incineration, limitedly recycling and, the growing practice of baling and shipping solid waste to the lower 48 States for final disposal. SEC and its partner organization, the Southeast Alaska Solid Waste Authority (SEASWA), work with communities and the State to address growing challenges in local MSW Management.
Key focus areas are developing a regional strategy, promoting collaboration, and helping communities find cost-effective and sustainable ways to manage their waste.
