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Seattle Landscaping Rules: Composting Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions

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Washington state rule: Seattle does not have a local ordinance for composting. This topic is governed by Washington state law and applies uniformly across the state.

Key Facts

Statute: RCW 70A.205.545
Population threshold: 25,000 residents
Backyard composting

Summary

Washington requires jurisdictions over 25,000 to provide organics collection and bans certain organic waste disposal under RCW 70A.205.545.

Full Breakdown

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.

Violations & Fines

Businesses failing to subscribe to required organics service face local enforcement; facility permit violations may incur Ecology penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is backyard composting legal in Washington?

Yes. Residential backyard composting is allowed statewide and encouraged under Washington's organics management framework administered by the Department of Ecology.

Must my business compost food waste?

Businesses generating threshold volumes of organic waste in qualifying jurisdictions must arrange organics diversion under RCW 70A.205.545 starting on phased compliance dates.

How does Seattle compare?

See how Seattle's composting rules stack up against other locations.

Compare to Another Location View Washington Overview

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