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AN ORDINANCE specifying county policy for the procurement of compost, as required by chapter 43.19A RCW; and adding a new chapter to K.C.C. Title 18.
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PREAMBLE:
In 2022, the Washington state Legislature passed, and Governor Jay Inslee signed, Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1799, sections of which were codified in chapter 43.19A RCW and which requires cities or counties to adopt a compost procurement ordinance. King County has a goal to achieve zero waste of resources by 2030, in accordance with K.C.C. 10.14.020, the Strategic Climate Action Plan, and the 2019 Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan. In 2019, organic material comprised approximately thirty-five percent of what was sent to Cedar Hills regional landfill.
Diverting organic material and supporting end markets for those products is an essential part of reaching King County's zero waste of resources goal. Besides reducing the amount of material going to the landfill, processing organic material into compost and applying it to land improves soil health and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF KING COUNTY:
SECTION 1. Sections 2 through 6 of this ordinance should constitute a new chapter in K.C.C. Title 18.
NEW SECTION. SECTION 2. For the purposes of this chapter, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, "compost" means a product created with "composted material" as defined in RCW 70A.205.015(3). "Compost" includes, but is not limited to, one hundred percent finished compost or blends that include compost as a primary ingredient. Mulch is "compost" if it contains a minimum of sixty percent composted material. Bark is not "compost."
NEW SECTION.? SECTION 3.
A. Before issuance of a solicitation for bids or proposals in accordance with K.C.C. chapter 2.93, departments shall consider whether compost can be utilized in a county project as required in RCW 43.19A.120. In the event that a department identifies that compost can be utilized, t...

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