Chapter 3.02
COMPOST PROCUREMENT
Sections:
3.02.010 Definitions.
“Compost” means a product created with composted material as defined in RCW 70A.205.015. “Compost” includes, but is not limited to, 100 percent finished compost or blends that include compost as a primary ingredient. Mulch is compost if it contains a minimum of 60 percent composted material. Bark is not compost. (Ord. 2023-06 § 1, 2023).
3.02.020 General policy.
A. The city shall 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. Procurement costs will include the product cost and all associated transportation and delivery charges.
B. 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. Available compost products do not comply with federal or state health, quality, or safety standards; and
4. Compost product prices are not reasonable or competitive. (Ord. 2023-06 § 1, 2023).
3.02.030 Planning.
In order to meet the general policy, the city shall plan for compost use in the following categories:
A. Landscaping projects;
B. Construction and post-construction soil amendments;
C. Applications to prevent erosion, filter stormwater runoff, promote vegetative growth or improve stability and longevity of roadways; and
D. Low-impact development of green infrastructure to filter pollutants or to keep water on site or both. (Ord. 2023-06 § 1, 2023).
3.02.040 Local purchasing.
The city will purchase finished compost products from companies:
A. Producing compost locally;
B. Certified by a nationally recognized organization, such as the US Composting Council or its equivalent; and
C. Compost products that are derived from municipal solid waste compost 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 and in compliance with apple maggot boundaries and rules set by the United States Department of Agriculture, as defined by RCW 43.19A.130. (Ord. 2023-06 § 1, 2023).
3.02.050 Education.
The city shall be responsible for educating residents and businesses about the value of food and yard waste compost, and how the city uses compost in its operations each year. (Ord. 2023-06 § 1, 2023).
3.02.060 Reporting.
In cooperation with other city of Toppenish departments, the solid waste division is responsible for submitting a report to the Washington State Department of Ecology beginning December 31, 2024, and each December 31st of even-numbered years thereafter, with the following information:
A. The total tons of organic material diverted from the city of Toppenish waste stream;
B. The volume and cost of compost purchased; and
C. The source or sources of the compost purchased. (Ord. 2023-06 § 1, 2023).