Chapter 3.116
COMPOST PROCUREMENT REQUIREMENT
Sections
3.116.030 Compost procurement requirement.
3.116.060 Priority purchasing.
3.116.010 Short title.
This chapter shall be entitled and may be referenced as the City’s Compost Procurement Requirement Code. [Ord. 1774 § 1, 2023.]
3.116.020 Definitions.
For the purposes of this chapter, the definitions set forth in RCW 43.19A.010 shall apply, unless the context clearly requires otherwise. [Ord. 1774 § 1, 2023.]
3.116.030 Compost procurement requirement.
When planning City-funded projects or soliciting and reviewing bids for such projects, City departments shall identify whether compost can be utilized in a City project. In the event that compost can be utilized, City departments shall require purchase of compost for use in City projects. [Ord. 1774 § 1, 2023.]
3.116.040 Application.
City departments shall plan for the use of compost in any of the following categories that are applicable to their operations and project types:
(1) Landscaping projects;
(2) Construction and post-construction 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 and green infrastructure to filter pollutants or to keep water on site or both. [Ord. 1774 § 1, 2023.]
3.116.050 Exemptions.
Notwithstanding DMMC 3.116.030 and 3.116.040, City departments are not required to use compost products if:
(1) Compost products are not available within a reasonable time or distance from the project;
(2) Compost products that are available do not comply with existing purchasing standards;
(3) Compost products that are available do not comply with federal, state or local health, quality and safety standards; or
(4) Compost purchase prices are not reasonable or competitive. [Ord. 1774 § 1, 2023.]
3.116.060 Priority purchasing.
In accordance with RCW 39.30.040(1), the City may allow for the preferential purchase of compost to meet the requirements of RCW 43.19A.120. City departments shall give priority to purchasing compost products from companies that:
(1) Produce compost products locally;
(2) Are certified by a nationally recognized organization like the US Composting Council; and
(3) Produce compost products that are derived from municipal solid waste compost programs and meet quality standards comparable to standards adopted by the Department of Transportation or adopted by rule by the Department of Ecology. [Ord. 1774 § 1, 2023.]
3.116.070 Public outreach.
To the extent required by RCW 43.19A.150(4), the City will develop strategies to inform residents about the value of compost and how the City uses compost in its operations. [Ord. 1774 § 1, 2023.]
3.116.080 Reporting.
To the extent required by RCW 43.19A.150(5), by December 31, 2024, and each December 31st of even-numbered years thereafter, the City shall prepare a report for the Department of Ecology covering the previous year’s compost procurement activities, including the following information:
(1) Total tons of organic material diverted each year;
(2) The volume and cost of compost purchased each year; and
(3) The source(s) of the compost purchased. [Ord. 1774 § 1, 2023.]