Chapter 14.15
COMPOST PROCUREMENT
Sections:
14.15.040 Compost and the Public Works Department.
14.15.010 Purpose.
This compost procurement ordinance is created pursuant to Chapter 43.19A RCW. The purpose is to ensure that the City considers the use of compost products in projects, and to then use compost products in projects except when the availability, health, quality, safety or price-competitive criteria are not met. (Ord. O-22-763 § 1 (Exh. A)).
14.15.020 Definitions.
For the purposes of this chapter, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, “compost” means a product created with “composted material” as defined in RCW 70A.205.015(3). “Compost” includes, but is not limited to, 100 percent finished compost or blends that include compost as a primary ingredient. Mulch is “compost” if it contains a minimum of 60 percent composted material. Bark is not “compost.” (Ord. O-22-763 § 1 (Exh. A)).
14.15.030 Compost planning.
A. Before issuance of a solicitation for bids or proposals under Chapter 2.75 MVMC, departments shall identify whether compost can be utilized in a City project. In the event that compost can be utilized, departments shall require purchase of compost for use in City projects.
B. Departments shall plan for the use of compost in any of the following categories that are applicable to the departments’ operations and project types:
1. Landscaping projects;
2. Construction and postconstruction soil amendments;
3. Applications to prevent erosion, filter stormwater runoff, promote vegetation growth, or improve the stability and longevity of roadways in accordance with MVMC Title 13; and
4. Low-impact development and green infrastructure to filter pollutants or to keep water on site, or both in accordance with MVMC Title 13.
C. Notwithstanding subsections (A) and (B) of this section, departments are not required to use compost products if:
1. Compost products are not available within a reasonable time;
2. Compost products that are available do not comply with existing purchasing standards;
3. Compost products that are available do not comply with federal or State health and safety standards; or
4. Compost purchase prices are not competitive.
D. Departments shall give priority to purchasing compost products from companies that:
1. Produce compost products locally;
2. Are certified by the US Composting Council or an equivalent nationally recognized organization; and
3. Produce compost products that are derived from municipal solid waste compost programs and meet quality standards comparable to standards adopted by the Washington State Department of Transportation or adopted by rule by the Washington State Department of Ecology.
E. Departments that have procured compost pursuant to this chapter shall report the following information to the Public Works Director or their designee by each December 15th, so that the City can meet its reporting obligations set forth in MVMC 14.15.050:
1. The volume and cost of compost purchased by the department in that year; and
2. The source or sources of the compost purchased by the department in that year. (Ord. O-22-763 § 1 (Exh. A)).
14.15.040 Compost and the Public Works Department.
A. The Public Works Department is responsible for:
1. Providing technical assistance and education regarding the use of compost to City departments and staff; and
2. Informing residents about the value of compost and how the city uses compost in its operations each year. (Ord. O-22-763 § 1 (Exh. A)).
14.15.050 Compost reporting.
A. The City of Maple Valley will be responsible for:
1. Compiling and submitting a report to the Washington State Department of Ecology by December 31, 2024, and each December 31st of even-numbered years thereafter, with the following information:
a. The total tons of organic material diverted throughout the reporting period;
b. The volume and cost of compost purchased in that reporting period by the City; and
c. The source or sources of the compost purchased by the City under this chapter in that reporting period. (Ord. O-22-763 § 1 (Exh. A)).