Chapter 16.19
COMPOST PROCUREMENT
Sections:
16.19.010 Definitions.
(1) “Compost” means a product created with “composted material” as defined in RCW 70A.205.015(3). “Compost” includes, but is not limited to, one hundred percent finished compost or blends that include compost as a primary ingredient. Mulch is “compost” if it contains a minimum of sixty percent composted material. Bark is not “compost.” (Ord. 1-2023, 2023).
16.19.020 General Policy.
(1) Yakima County and its departments shall purchase finished compost products for use in public projects in which compost is an appropriate material in county projects or on county land, provided it is not cost prohibitive to acquire. Procurement costs will include the product cost and all associated transportation and delivery charges.
(2) Yakima County is not required to use compost products if:
(a) Compost products are not available within a reasonable period of time;
(b) Compost products that are available do not comply with existing purchasing standards; and
(c) Available compost products do not comply with federal or state health, quality, or safety standards.
(d) Compost product prices are not reasonable or competitive. (Ord. 1-2023, 2023).
16.19.030 Planning.
In order to meet the general policy, Yakima County shall plan for compost use in the following categories:
(1) Landscaping projects;
(2) Construction and postconstruction soil amendments;
(3) Applications to prevent erosion, filter stormwater runoff, promote vegetative growth, or improve the stability and longevity of roadways; and
(4) Low-impact development of green infrastructure to filter pollutants or to keep water onsite, or both. (Ord. 1-2023, 2023).
16.19.040 Local Purchasing.
Yakima County and its departments will purchase finished compost products from companies:
(1) Producing compost locally;
(2) Certified by a nationally recognized organization, such as the U.S. Composting Council, or its equivalent;
(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, and in compliance with apple maggot boundaries and rules set by the United States Department of Agriculture, as defined by RCW 43.19A.130. (Ord. 1-2023, 2023).
16.19.050 Education.
The Yakima County Solid Waste Division shall be responsible for educating residents and businesses about the value of food and yard waste compost, and how Yakima County uses compost in its operations each year. (Ord. 1-2023, 2023).
16.19.060 Reporting.
In cooperation with other Yakima County departments, the Solid Waste Division is responsible for submitting a report to the Washington State Department of Ecology beginning December 31, 2024, and each December 31st of even numbered years thereafter, with the following information:
(1) The total tons of organic material diverted from the Yakima County waste stream;
(2) The volume and cost of compost purchased; and
(3) The source or sources of the compost purchased. (Ord. 1-2023, 2023).
16.19.070 Severability.
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or other portion of this Ordinance or its application to any person is, for any reason, declared invalid, illegal or unconstitutional in whole or in part by any court or agency of competent jurisdiction, said decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions hereof. (Ord. 1-2023, 2023).
16.19.080 Effective Date.
This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon adoption. (Ord. 1-2023, 2023).
16.19.090 Corrections.
Upon approval of the Yakima County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, the Clerk of the Board is authorized to make any necessary corrections to any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or other portion of this Ordinance for scriveners or clerical errors, references, ordinance numbering, section/subsection numbers, and any reference thereto. (Ord. 1-2023, 2023).