Chapter 8.05
COMPOST PROCUREMENT
Sections:
8.05.010 Purpose.
To aid in the reduction of methane emissions associated with organic materials by procuring more compost and finished products created from their organic material wastes in order to support the economic viability of processes to turn organic materials into finished products, and increasing the likelihood that composting and other responsible organic material management options are economically viable. (Ord. 2035-23 § 1, 2023)
8.05.020 Definitions.
A “finished compost product” means a product created with “composted material” as defined in RCW 70A.205.015(3). Finished compost products include, but are not limited to, one hundred percent finished compost or blends that include compost as a primary ingredient. Mulch is considered a finished compost product if it contains a minimum of sixty percent composted material. Bark is not a finished compost product. (Ord. 2035-23 § 1, 2023)
8.05.030 General policy.
The city of Sedro-Woolley will strive to purchase finished compost products for use in public projects in which compost is an appropriate material in city projects or on city land, provided it is not cost prohibitive to acquire. “Cost prohibitive” is defined as a product purchasing cost that exceeds ten percent of the cost of another product that would serve the same purpose. Procurement costs will include the product cost and all associated transportation and delivery charges. The city of Sedro-Woolley will consider the extra environmental benefits that compost may provide to the project.
The city of Sedro-Woolley 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. Pursuant to RCW 43.19A.130, the city of Sedro-Woolley will strive to purchase an amount of finished compost products equal to or greater than fifty percent of the amount of organic materials collected in the city of Sedro-Woolley. (Ord. 2035-23 § 1, 2023)
8.05.040 Local purchasing.
The city of Sedro-Woolley will strive to purchase finished compost products from companies producing compost locally, are certified by a nationally recognized organization (such as the US Composting Council) and produce finished compost products derived from municipal solid waste compost programs while meeting quality standards adopted by the Department of Transportation or adopted by rule by the Department of Ecology. If locally produced compost is not available, compost shall be sourced from outside the region, with preference given to products sourced as close as possible to the city of Sedro-Woolley. Proof that locally produced compost was not available at the time of purchase or was cost prohibitive shall be documented. (Ord. 2035-23 § 1, 2023)
8.05.050 Planning.
In order to meet the general policy, the city of Sedro-Woolley will strive to plan for compost use in the following categories:
A. Landscaping projects;
B. Construction and postconstruction soil amendments;
C. Applications to prevent erosion, filter stormwater runoff, promote vegetative growth, or improve the stability and longevity of roadways; and
D. Low-impact development of green infrastructure to filter pollutants or to keep water on site, or both.
This plan will be reassessed each December 31st of even-numbered years, beginning in 2024 and thereafter as part of the reporting obligations in Section 8.05.070. (Ord. 2035-23 § 1, 2023)
8.05.060 Education.
The city of Sedro-Woolley will strive to conduct educational outreach to inform residents about the value of compost and how the jurisdiction uses compost in its operations each year. (Ord. 2035-23 § 1, 2023)
8.05.070 Reporting.
By December 31, 2024, and each December 31st of even-numbered years thereafter, the city of Sedro-Woolley will strive to report the following information to the Department of Ecology:
A. Total tons of organic material diverted from landfilling each year;
B. The volume and cost of composted material purchased each year; and
C. The source(s) of the finished compost product purchased. (Ord. 2035-23 § 1, 2023)