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.
Tacoma, WA
Tacoma allows residential lawn ornaments and yard art without permits provided they do not exceed the 15-foot accessory-structure height limit in TMC 13.06 a...
Tacoma, WA
Tacoma does not regulate residential inflatable holiday decorations by size or type. The Noise Code (TMC 8.122) applies to continuously running blower motors...
Tacoma, WA
Tacoma has no ordinance restricting when residents may put up or take down holiday lights. The general Noise Ordinance at TMC 8.122 applies to any amplified ...
Tacoma, WA
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Tacoma require building permits from Planning and Development Services (PDS) when they include new electrical, plumbing, gas pip...
Tacoma, WA
Backyard wood and pellet smokers in Tacoma single-family yards are permitted but subject to Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA) Regulation I, Section 9.11, ...
Tacoma, WA
Tacoma adopts the International Fire Code through TMC Title 3 (Fire Prevention) as Tacoma Fire Code. IFC Section 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices...
See how Tacoma's composting rules stack up against other locations.
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