4.80.130 Compost procurement.
A. For purposes of this section, the definitions set forth in RCW 43.19A.010 shall apply, unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
B. When planning city projects, departments shall determine whether compost can be utilized. If compost can be utilized, departments shall require it to be utilized on the project.
C. Departments shall plan for the use of compost in the following categories:
1. Landscaping projects;
2. Construction and postconstruction soil amendments;
3. Applications to prevent erosion, filter storm water 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.
D. Notwithstanding subsections B and C of this section, departments are 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.
E. Departments shall give priority to purchasing compost products from companies that:
1. Produce compost products locally;
2. Are certified by the U.S. Composting Council or an equivalent nationally recognized organization; and
3. Produce 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.
F. City departments that use compost shall report the following information to the public works department by December 15th of each year:
1. The volume and cost of compost purchased by the department in that year; and
2. The source or sources of the compost purchased by the department in that year.
G. The public works department shall:
1. Develop a guidance document for use by city departments in implementing the requirements of this chapter.
2. Conduct educational outreach to inform residents and businesses about the value of compost and how the city uses compost in its operations each year.
3. By December 31, 2024, and each December 31st of even-numbered years thereafter, submit a report covering the previous year’s compost procurement activities to the Washington State Department of Ecology that contains the following information:
a. The total tons of organic material diverted from the city’s waste stream throughout the year;
b. The volume and cost of compost purchased by the city throughout the year; and
c. The source or sources of the compost purchased by the city throughout the year. [Ord. 2023-02-004 § 1].