Chapter 3.60
COMPOST PROCUREMENT
Sections:
3.60.010 Use of compost products.
3.60.020 Activities to use compost products.
3.60.050 Purchasing prioritization.
3.60.060 Preferential purchase.
3.60.010 Use of compost products.
When planning projects or soliciting and reviewing bids for such projects, city staff shall consider whether compost products can be utilized in the project. If compost products can be utilized, the city shall use compost products to the extent required by law, including, without limitation, RCW 43.19A.120(2). The city is not required to use compost products if:
(1) Compost products are not available within a reasonable period of 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, quality, and safety standards; and
(4) Compost purchase prices are not reasonable or competitive. [Ord. 2024-07 § 2, 2024.]
3.60.020 Activities to use compost products.
To the extent required by RCW 43.19A.150(3), the city shall plan for the use of compost in the following activities:
(1) Landscaping projects;
(2) Construction and post-construction soil amendments;
(3) Applications to prevent erosion, filter stormwater runoff, promote vegetation growth, or improve the stability and longevity of roadways; and
(4) Low-impact development and green infrastructure to filter pollutants or keep water on site, or both. [Ord. 2024-07 § 3, 2024.]
3.60.030 Public education.
To the extent required by RCW 43.19A.150(4), the city will develop strategies to educate and inform about the value of compost and how the city uses compost in its operations. [Ord. 2024-07 § 4, 2024.]
3.60.040 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 documenting the city’s compost procurement and collection activities including the following information:
(1) Total tons of organic material diverted from landfills through organic collection each year;
(2) The volume and cost of compost purchased each year; and
(3) The source(s) of compost purchased. [Ord. 2024-07 § 5, 2024.]
3.60.050 Purchasing prioritization.
To the extent required by RCW 43.19A.150(6), the city shall give priority to purchasing compost products from companies that produce compost locally, are certified by a nationally recognized organization, and 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. 2024-07 § 6, 2024.]
3.60.060 Preferential purchase.
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. [Ord. 2024-07 § 7, 2024.]