Chapter 5.28
COMPOST PROCUREMENT POLICY
Sections:
5.28.010 Compost procurement policy.
5.28.010 Compost procurement policy.
(1) The city of Sumas will prioritize the use of compost in city projects, where compost has been determined by the city as an appropriate medium for the project.
(2) When purchasing compost products, the city shall prioritize compost products from companies that produce compost products locally, in Washington and Oregon, are certified by a nationally recognized organization, such as the United States Composting Council, and produce compost products that are derived from municipal solid waste collection programs while meeting quality standards adopted by the Washington State Department of Transportation or adopted by rule by the Department of Ecology. (Ord. 1824 § 1, 2025)
5.28.015 Planning.
(1) Departments shall plan for the use of compost in the following categories:
a. Landscaping projects;
b. Construction and post construction soil amendments;
c. Applications to prevent erosion, filter stormwater runoff, promote vegetation growth, or improve the stability and longevity of roadways; and
d. Low-impact development and green infrastructure to filter pollutants or keep water on site or both.
(2) Departments are 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;
c. Compost products that are available do not comply with federal or state health, quality, and safety standards; and
d. Compost purchase prices are not reasonable or competitive. (Ord. 1824 § 1, 2025)
5.28.020 Reporting.
(1) The city of Sumas will report the following to the Department of Ecology annually in March for the previous calendar year:
a. The total tons of organic material diverted from landfills each year and the facility used for processing.
b. The volume and cost of compost purchased each year.
c. The source of the purchased compost. (Ord. 1824 § 1, 2025)
5.28.025 Education.
(1) The city of Sumas will administer educational outreach to inform residents about the value of compost and how the city uses compost in its operations. (Ord. 1824 § 1, 2025)