Further Organics Management Laws for 2027

Washington’s Organics Management Laws (OMLs) are changing how facilities must interact with food waste. Under the Climate Commitment act, the state Department of Ecology (Ecology) has been working to implement OMLs, including collection requirements for facilities producing organic waste of 96 gallons or more on a weekly basis. This means providers in some areas must arrange for waste removal and collection services through their local jurisdiction. 

These collection requirements pertain to a specifically designated Business Organic Management Area (BOMA). As of last July, the BOMA includes much of the western and central portion of our state. However, this area continues to be reevaluated by Ecology on an annual schedule based on locally available waste disposal services and receptacle capacities. New mapping will take place this July for determinations effective January 1, 2027. 

Another factor which may expand requirements to providers outside of this BOMA area is the Organic Recycling Collection Area (ORCA). This additional map indicates which local governments must provide, by April 1, 2027, year-round organics collection for businesses in their local jurisdictions. Locations on this map are determined by population and waste generation. Jurisdictions with less than 25,000 residents, or that dispose of 5,000 tons or less of solid waste, are not on the ORCA map. 

Whilst this is a requirement for local governments, the expanded collection requirements will widen the BOMA, and the number of impacted businesses, including LTC facilities, will increase. In anticipation of these new laws, WHCA is hosting a free webinar on July 9 – save the date! For more information, or if you have concerns, please contact Aidan Swayne. We look forward to seeing you this summer.