Solid Waste Advisory Committee
SWAC Members tour the South Transfer Station January 24, 2025.
From top left: Yongkang (YK) Zhou, Melanie Coerver, Casey Colley (SPU Staff), Joe Camero, Lisa Watkins, Chelsey Evans, Paige Madden. Bottom: Tareq Fayyad.
The Purpose of SWAC
Seattle Public Utilities' Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) is an advisory body mandated by RCW 70A.205.110 to provide recommendations and informed advice to the Utility regarding solid waste management issues.
Description
SWAC members work with SPU’s Solid Waste Division to provide recommendations, feedback, and share community insights on programs, policies, and outreach objectives around recycling, compost, garbage, and waste prevention. SWAC members review and comment upon programs, policies, and ordinances concerning solid waste handling and disposal prior to adoption and serve as active stakeholders in long-range solid waste planning efforts.
SWAC members contribute expertise from diverse communities and organizations, with varied professional and life experiences. SPU values partnering with SWAC members to uphold the City of Seattle’s City Values, including racial and social justice.
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. 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. SWAC members also actively partner to uphold our commitments to Our City Values and Social Justice.
- Represent community and organizational interests in making solid waste recommendations
- Write letters and statements 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 solid waste programs and policies for customer impact
- Work collaboratively with other members of differing viewpoints
- Attend meetings every other month and participate in group conversations on solid waste topics
- 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
Each spring and/or as members term off SWAC, we will hold an open recruitment process to fill vacant seats. More information about the recruitment process is outlined in the SWAC Charter. In order to apply for SWAC you must live or work in the city of Seattle. Other qualifications might include:
- 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.
Yes, and we welcome you to do so. Guests are encouraged to attend meetings to listen to members conversation and there may be opportunities to participate in discuss as well. Our meetings are held in person at the Seattle Municipal Tower, which you can attend with prior notice. To be added to our notification list, please email SPU_SWAC@seattle.gov.
SWAC Charter
The Solid Waste Advisory Committee Charter guides the SWAC’s activities, interactions, and work products. This Charter establishes the SWAC’s purpose and clarifies authority, roles, responsibilities, operating procedures, and rules.
Committee Members
Committee members are appointed for a two-year term, with approval by the SPU General Manager. Members can serve up to four years before reapplying. More details on terms and committee operation are available in the SWAC Charter.
Patrick earned a BA in Cultural Anthropology from WWU. He earned a Construction Management certificate from the UW’s College of Built Environments. He has been in the construction industry for 30 years. He started a General Contracting business in 2007. In 2023 he started Seattle Deconstruction & Salvage as well as Old Growth Industries. He specializes in deconstructing old Seattle homes (built in the 1920’s and earlier). Then designs and builds sustainable furniture and architectural finishes using old growth fir harvested from the deconstruction projects. He enjoys problem solving, being challenged, and learning new things. He is looking forward to working with a diverse group of folks as a SWAC committee member.
Amy is the Executive Director of Restaurant 2 Garden, a community-based composting group working hyperlocal in Seattle's Chinatown-International District. Amy's experience spans alternate utility systems, community education, and cooperative ownership. She is eager to offer SWAC a perspective on multi-family housing needs, small business accounts, and non-English speaking, culturally relevant participation. Amy holds dual degrees in Environmental Science and Event Management from Iowa State University. She lives in Judkins Park and loves exploring the city on foot, hospitality, and analog technology.
Joe Camero, WM
Term: 2023-2027
Joe lives in Pioneer Square and is a Public Sector Manager for WM (formerly Waste Management). He manages the solid waste collections contract between the City of Seattle and WM. An award-winning Public Relations manager, Joe previously worked for WM in Oakland, Cox Communications, and The California Endowment. He received his bachelor’s in communications from San Diego State University. You may bump into Joe around town either taking photos of the city or volunteering at a local nonprofit including the Pioneer Square Residents’ Council and the Filipino Community of Seattle.
Phil Churilla
Term: 2025-2027
Phil Churilla is a Talent Advisor for Siemens--a global software and engineering company whose mission is to make the world a more sustainable, healthy, and equitable place. He contributes to this mission by connecting top talent with business leaders to turn that vision into reality. Earlier in his career, Phil was a recycling specialist for what is now Republic Services, where he performed operational and waste audits to increase recycling participation while safely improving efficiency on service routes and at the material recovery facility. Before this work in the private sector, his bachelor's degree in journalism from Valparaiso University led to his first professional role related to serving the public on environmental affairs (he worked in the media office of the Indiana Department of Environmental Management--the Hoosier state's version of our Washington State Department of Ecology). He discovered an interest in recycling long before all of that as a kid: from the vantage of the banana seat of his childhood bicycle, he scouted alleys and roadways for littered beverage cans to pay for all manner of sweet decadance marketed to kids in candy aisles of stores or rolling through the neighborhood in a musical ice cream truck.Now, Phil is excited to give back to the Seattle community by supporting SPU in developing and implementing programs that empower everyone to help create a cleaner, healthier environment for generations to come.
Travis Close
Term: 2025-2027
Travis believes that all residents should have equal access to the City’s solid waste facilities and services. He is an attorney whose practice focuses on advocating for the civil rights of his clients, including persons with disabilities, to achieve systemic change. He believes in the regenerative power of composting to foster better health for ourselves and our environment. As a volunteer, Travis is an organizer who advocates for inclusive, affordable and sustainable communities. He lives in the Greenwood neighborhood.
Melanie Coerver, Individual Representative
Term: 2024-2026
With over two decades of experience in the environmental sector, including leading climate and sustainability efforts at SDOT, teaching environmental policy at a Beijing university, and currently as a manager at Boeing, where she works to reduce the company's Scope 1 GHG emissions, Melanie Coerver is well positioned to contribute to the professional expertise and interests represented on SWAC. Melanie is excited about the opportunity to partner with SPU and SWAC in support of equitable, data-driven solutions. Melanie is a founding member and President of the Beacon Food Forest and a member of the Cheasty Greenbelt Project Advisory team.
Xenia Dolovova is the Founder and Executive Director of Furniture Repair Bank, a Seattle nonprofit pioneering a community-powered model for furniture waste prevention, repair, and equitable redistribution. With more than 15 years of experience spanning sustainability, systems innovation, project management, and business development across 4 continents, she specializes in designing practical solutions to complex environmental challenges.
Previously, as Waste Reduction Programs Director at Zero Waste Washington, she led initiatives in waste prevention, repair economy development, furniture reclamation, organics management, and environmental policy. She holds an MBA, Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, and a Stanford University certificate in Strategies for Sustainability. Her leadership is grounded in resourcefulness, collaboration, and building scalable, community-centered solutions that strengthen both environmental sustainability and social resilience.
Olivia Kirby currently serves as the Waste Zero Supervisor for Recology, leading waste reduction, recycling, and organics initiatives across King County. She brings expertise in materials management, community engagement, and program implementation, with a focus on advancing practical and sustainable solutions. Olivia is eager to contribute her experience as a member of the SWAC Advisory Committee.
Marcus Johnson
Term: 2025-2027
Marcus Johnson is the Clean, Safe, and Outreach Manager at the U District Partnership, where he has led public space maintenance and neighborhood safety initiatives since 2015. In his role, Marcus oversees the teams responsible for street cleaning, litter removal, waste reduction strategies, and homeless outreach in Seattle’s University District. He brings nearly a decade of on-the-ground operational experience managing solid waste challenges in a dense urban environment. Marcus holds a master’s degree in Public Administration and a bachelor’s degree in Law and Justice. He is committed to practical, data-informed approaches that enhance public space cleanliness and promote environmental stewardship.
Paige Madden, Individual Representative
Term: 2024-2026
With an interest in systemic solutions to Seattle's waste challenges, a unique perspective informed by her tenure as an AmeriCorps volunteer, experience in the food service industry, and a professional background in architecture and construction, Paige contributes valuable perspectives to SWAC’s discourse. In addition, as a member of Seattle's vibrant arts scene, Paige is eager to contribute creative solutions and support two-way communication between SPU and the communities she represents.
Brian Sherman is the Director of Sales & Marketing for Cedar Grove. Brian has been with Cedar Grove since 2012. Prior to overseeing Marketing and Sales for the companies, Brian served as Outreach Coordinator, and as a District Manager for Cedar Grove Organics Recycling. He has extensive experience within the solid waste industry in dealing with commercial collection, account management, educational outreach events, marketing, and communications. Brian graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Public Relations from Gonzaga University in 2011.
Caitlin Singer, Individual Representative
Term: 2023-2027
Caitlin is a Project/Program Manager at King County's Solid Waste Division and a West Seattle resident. She works on projects related to tonnage forecasting, data modeling, and special projects. She holds a BS in Biology and a MS in Environmental Social Psychology. Prior to her work at the County she was the Sustainability Manager at Georgetown Brewing and farming in Skagit and Whatcom counties. She is passionate about helping Seattle and King County cultivate a more circular economy. Her hobbies include gardening, tending to the homestead, and playing with her son.
Mike VanReken
Term: 2025-2027
Mike is the Senior Operations Manager for Ridwell Seattle. Prior to his time at Ridwell, Mike had a 20+ year career in the outdoor industry ranging from retail management to independent sales, and finally manufacturing operations where he helped establish the company as a B-Corp member. He has a Bachelors in Business Management and he is passionate about most outdoor pursuits, cooking, and fostering community in his Shoreline neighborhood.
Lisa Watkins, Individual Representative
Term: 2024-2026
Lisa Watkins is an environmental scientist working as Washington Sea Grant's Community Science Specialist. She holds a PhD focused on plastic pollution and participatory science methods from Cornell University and serves on NOAA's steering committee for the Washington Marine Debris Action Plan. With experience as founder of a bicycle rehabilitation program, a trained facilitator supporting city-scale Zero Waste efforts, and regular user of SPU services, Lisa is proud to use her experience to benefit the community as a member of SWAC.
Karia Wong, Chinese Information and Service Center
Term: 2024-2026
As the Family Resource Director at the Chinese Information & Service Center, Karia is eager to support SPU's community-centered, zero-waste vision by working with SWAC to advocate for more cultural and linguistic resources for Seattle's non-English and limited English-speaking communities. With deep ties to the communities she serves, Karia's enthusiasm for proactive, solution-oriented community outreach will be an asset as SWAC tackles topics ranging from waste prevention to extended producer responsibility.
Meetings
SWAC is a standing committee that convenes an average of 6-10 times per year. SWAC members commit approximately one to four hours per month to SWAC business, including attending every other month meetings, attending solid waste related tours, participating in discussions, and providing feedback on a range of solid waste topics. Members may be asked to serve on subcommittees or participate in other activities related to SWAC’s scope of work.
SWAC meetings are open to the public. To attend a SWAC meeting as a guest, contact SPU_SWAC@seattle.gov.
Meeting notes
All files PDF format. Previous years' meeting notes not on this page can be found in the meeting archive (opens in new tab).
Historical meeting notes
The City of Seattle considers historical information to be used for reference only. Details about its limitation are available in our Terms of Use.