Organics Management Law: Composting Regulations
WHCA has been working to understand the implications of an emerging green initiative, the Organics Management Law, for our member facilities engaged in food and/or meal production.
In recognition of greenhouse gas reduction goals under the state’s Climate Commitment Act, the law mandates that businesses who generate at least 96 gallons (one standard 96-gallon waste cart) of organic material waste per week— including food waste such as scraps from the storage, preparation, cooking, handling, or serving of food for human consumption –arrange for waste removal and collection services through their local jurisdiction.
Whether you are an assisted living or skilled nursing facility, this law could affect you if you are within a Department of Ecology (Ecology) designated Business Organic Management Area (BOMA).
As of last July, the BOMA includes: western portions of Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, King, and Pierce counties; all of Thurston county; parts of Island county including Stanwood and Camano Island; and the southwestern part of Chelan and Douglas counties. It also includes a small portion of the northwestern part of Grant county. Of note, the Department of Ecology expands the applicable locations on an annual basis based on locally available waste disposal services and capacity of local waste collection centers, so while a facility might not meet the criteria this year, they may be included in future years.
If your facility produces at least 96 gallons of organic food waste per week and you are located within Ecology’s designated BOMA, please contact Aidan Swayne for additional information on this issue.
Members who reach out can expect a summary of what we currently know about the law’s requirements and geographic applicability, along with an opportunity to share details about their facility to help assess potential impact.
WHCA continues working to better understand enforcement and practical implications and will provide updates as more guidance becomes available.
