Title
Approval of an Ordinance Amending Olympia Municipal Code Title 16, Adding Compost Procurement Chapter 16.90
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve on second reading an Ordinance amending Olympia Municipal Code Title 16, adding Compost Procurement Chapter 16.90.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve an Ordinance relating to procurement of compost products in City projects.
Staff Contact:
Ron Jones, Senior Planner, Public Works Waste ReSources, 360.753.8509
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
Background and analysis has not changed from first to second reading.
Organic materials, such as yard and food waste, decaying in landfills contribute to methane gas, a greenhouse gas many times more potent than CO2 (carbon dioxide). These emissions can be drastically reduced by diverting organic waste to a composting facility and turning them into a nutrient rich soil amendment. Compost not only improves soil conditions, but also prevents erosion, filters stormwater runoff, and promotes vegetation growth.
Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1799 (ESSHB-1799) was passed by the 2022 Washington State Legislature and signed into law by the Governor in June 2022. ESSHB 1799 contains nine distinct parts aimed at reducing organic waste disposed in landfills by 75 percent compared to 2015 levels. One section of the new law was codified under chapter 43.19A RCW.
43.19A.150 RCW requires cities and counties that meet specific criteria to adopt a compost procurement ordinance to implement 43.19A.120 RCW by January 1, 2023. The City of Olympia meets the criteria of a population greater than 25,000 and already provides organic material collection services.
A compost procurement ordinance will require the City of Olympia to plan for the use of compost in publicly funded projects, whether it is a contracted project or performed directly by the City.
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