Residents and commercial establishments in Spokane County generate about 470,000 tons of solid waste annually. The Spokane Regional Solid Waste System (SRSWS) was created by interlocal agreement between Spokane County and the City of Spokane on October 11, 1998, to manage all of the County's garbage.

All ten of the existing regional cities and towns and Fairchild Air Force Base joined the System by executing interlocal agreements with the City and County of Spokane. In 2003, the newly incorporated cities of Liberty Lake and Spokane Valley also executed interlocal agreements and joined the System. The System operates as a department of the City of Spokane's government and manages solid waste facilities and contracts for the benefit of Waste Management and the City of Spokane The concurrence of the County is required for certain major decisions.

Spokane Waste to Energy is a citizen action committee concerned with Spokane's Solid Waste System, and who's mission is to help the Spokane Regional Solid Waste System provide better service and lower rates for residents of Spokane County. Spokane Waste to Energy is a registered trade name of Missing Tribe Inc, who has graciously allowed this citizen action committee to use the name.