Washington requires jurisdictions over 25,000 to provide organics collection and bans certain organic waste disposal under RCW 70A.205.545.
Under the Washington Organics Management Law (HB 1799, codified at RCW 70A.205.545), jurisdictions with population over 25,000 must offer organics collection service, and businesses generating significant volumes of organic waste must arrange organics diversion. Backyard composting is broadly permitted statewide and not prohibited by state law. The Department of Ecology administers compost facility permitting under chapter 173-350 WAC. State law preempts inconsistent local prohibitions on residential composting consistent with public health rules.
Businesses failing to subscribe to required organics service face local enforcement; facility permit violations may incur Ecology penalties.
See how Kennewick's composting rules stack up against other locations.
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