CHAPTER 9
COMPOST PROCUREMENT
SECTION:
8-9-3: Compost Procurement Requirements
8-9-1 PURPOSE:
In 2022, the Washington state legislature passed, and Governor Jay Inslee signed, House Bill 1799, which included a requirement for cities with a population greater than 25,000 to adopt a compost procurement ordinance. (Ord. 6111, 5-8-23)
8-9-2 DEFINITIONS:
COMPOST: Whenever used in this section, compost is defined as a product created with “composted material” as defined in RCW 70A.205.015(3). Compost includes, but is not limited to, one hundred percent (100%) finished compost or blends that include compost as a primary ingredient. Mulch is compost if it contains a minimum of sixty percent (60%) composted material. Bark and wood chips are not “compost.” (Ord. 6111, 5-8-23)
8-9-3 COMPOST PROCUREMENT REQUIREMENTS:
A. The City shall plan for the use of compost in the following categories:
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.
4. Low-impact development and green infrastructure to filter pollutants or keep water on-site, or both.
This planning will be re-assessed each January of odd-numbered years, beginning in 2025 and thereafter, as part of the reporting obligations in Section 8-9-5. Before issuing a solicitation for bids or proposals, the City shall identify whether compost can be utilized in the project. If compost can be utilized, the City shall use compost to the extent required.
B. The City shall give priority to purchasing compost products from companies that:
1. Produce compost products locally.
2. Are certified by the US Composting Council or an equivalent nationally recognized organization.
3. Produce compost products that are derived from Renton's solid waste 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.
C. The City is not required to use compost if
1. Compost is not available within a reasonable time or distance from the project.
2. Compost that is available does not comply with existing purchasing standards.
3. Compost that is available does not comply with federal, state or local health, quality or safety standards.
4. Compost purchase prices are not reasonable or competitive.
5. Compost use is not applicable to the project based on the Renton Surface Water Design Manual or other laws, regulations or manuals. (Ord. 6111, 5-8-23)
8-9-4 OUTREACH REQUIREMENTS:
A. The City must develop strategies to inform residents about the value of compost and how the City uses compost in its operations.
B. The City encourages private developers to utilize the standards of this chapter. (Ord. 6111, 5-8-23)
8-9-5 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS:
The City must submit a report to the Washington State Department of Ecology by 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 landfills throughout the year.
2. The volume, cost, and source(s) of compost purchased by the City throughout the year.
The Public Works Administrator will designate who shall be responsible for collecting the information from other city departments and divisions and reporting the above information to the Washington State Department of Ecology. (Ord. 6111, 5-8-23)
8-9-6 PRIVATE DEVELOPERS:
Reserved. (Ord. 6111, 5-8-23)