Pasco, WA Trash & Recycling: Mandatory Organics Recycling (2026)

Pasco does not have its own mandatory organics or food-waste separation ordinance; this area is controlled by Washington State law. The 2022 Organics Management Law (House Bill 1799), codified in RCW 70A.205, is designed to cut organic material going to landfills, targeting a 75% reduction in organic waste disposal by 2030 compared to 2015. For businesses, the law phases in requirements within designated Business Organics Management Areas (BOMAs) by the volume of organic waste generated: roughly 384+ gallons per week (about eight cubic yards) starting in 2024, dropping to about 192+ gallons (four cubic yards) in 2025, and to 96+ gallons (about one cart) per week by 2026. These thresholds apply to businesses, not to residential customers. The law also directs local governments operating in Organics Recycling Collection Areas to provide organics collection service: by April 1, 2027, service must be available year-round to residential customers (other than multifamily) and to non-residential generators above about 0.25 cubic yards (45 gallons) weekly, at least 26 times per year, and beginning April 1, 2030, that service generally becomes non-elective for most customers in those areas. Because Pasco's residential service is provided through the city's contracted hauler, Basin Disposal, residents should confirm with the hauler and the city whether yard or food-waste collection has been rolled out as the state phase-in proceeds. Until then, household organics are typically managed through regular garbage, backyard composting or drop-off, and no Pasco ordinance separately requires residents to divert food scraps.