Solid Waste Information Management System (SWIMS)

About the Program

Category: Information Technology (Best in Category)

Year: 2012

The Department of Public Works in Los Angeles County developed the Solid Waste Information Management System (SWIMS). This web-based application collects and manages information regarding nearly 30,000 tons of trash generated throughout Los Angeles County each day. Stakeholders such as waste haulers and landfill operators input trash data including the volume of recyclable materials captured, trash disposed at landfills, and materials exported outside of the County. Reports can then be conveniently downloaded online by government entities, private industries, or the general public, thus making solid waste management data readily accessible. In 2011, SWIMS was redesigned adding two substantially new features that are the first of their kind in the U.S. One of the new features enables visitors to determine whether a property may be subject to methane gas intrusion based on its proximity to any landfills or oil/gas wells by entering an address or parcel number. Another new feature allows consultants to file applications for methane mitigation projects through SWIMS, and monitor the status of their plan checks. The total savings and cost avoidance to the public and the County of Los Angeles is about $120,000 per year. The total staff hours saved is about 3,600 hours per year.