Washington Statewide Rule

Washington Organic Materials Management and Composting Law

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Washington (2026)

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

Key Facts

Statute: RCW 70A.205.545
Population threshold: 25,000 residents
Backyard composting: Allowed statewide
Regulator: Department of Ecology

Source: Washington State Legislature

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 & 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?

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.

Sources

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