Washington Statewide Rule
Washington Organic Materials Management and Composting Law
Key Facts
- Statute
- RCW 70A.205.540-.545
- Population threshold
- 25,000 residents
- Backyard composting
- Allowed statewide
- Regulator
- Department of Ecology
Summary
Washington requires jurisdictions over 25,000 to provide organics collection and bans certain organic waste disposal under RCW 70A.205.545.
Beginning January 1, 2024, a business that generates at least eight cubic yards of organic material waste per week must arrange for organic materials management services specifically for organic material waste;
Full Breakdown
Under Washington's Organics Management Law (2022, HB 1799, codified at RCW 70A.205.540 through .550), jurisdictions with a population of 25,000 or more must provide residential organics collection service (RCW 70A.205.540), and businesses generating threshold volumes of organic waste must arrange organics diversion (RCW 70A.205.545), phased in from July 2024. 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 and oversees compliance.
Violations & Penalties
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?
Must my business compost food waste?
Sources
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