Building a Sustainable Future: Your Input on Organic Waste Management
A Commitment to Reducing Landfill Waste
The Washington State Department of Ecology is dedicated to assisting communities in minimizing waste sent to landfills, thereby fostering sustainability. A crucial aspect of this initiative involves the diversion of organic materials—such as food scraps and yard trimmings—from landfills. To aid local governments in establishing effective organics recycling programs, our Organics Management Team has crafted model ordinances tailored for city and county implementation.
Invitation for Public Feedback
We are pleased to announce an open period for public comments regarding these model ordinances. From now until January 28, 2025, we encourage community members to review the proposed documents and share their insights about any possible environmental impacts. After finalization, municipalities will have the opportunity to adopt these ordinances wholly or partially or modify them as needed based on their specific requirements.
Key Elements of the Model Ordinances
The drafted regulations aim to facilitate:
- Mandatory Organic Material Collection: This will encompass guidelines targeting single-family homes and selected businesses within designated Organics Recycling Collection Areas (ORCA) or Business Organics Management Areas (BOMA).
- Establishment of Waste Reduction Plans: Special event permits would require plans focused on managing waste reduction and diversion effectively.
- Design Considerations for New Structures: For new buildings anticipated to produce at least 0.25 cubic yards per week of organic waste upon completion, provisions ensuring proper design for organic collection will be mandated.
Importance of Implementing Model Ordinances
These proposed regulations are pivotal in helping local authorities comply with Washington’s Organics Management Laws established under RCW 70A.205.030, providing a structured approach towards implementing successful organics recycling initiatives. Local entities that adopt these model ordinances without substantial revisions may be exempt from undergoing a comprehensive State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) review according to RCW 70A.207.030.
The SEPA Review Process
Prior to releasing the final versions of these ordinances, we will conduct a SEPA review while inviting community input regarding their potential environmental effects. Our preliminary assessment has resulted in a Determination of Nonsignificance which indicates that it is unlikely these rules will have negative consequences on the environment.
Engaging with Us
Your feedback plays an essential role in shaping effective and community-oriented model ordinances! Participating is straightforward; follow these three steps:
- Navigate to our project webpage.
- Review all pertinent documents including the proposed model ordinances alongside our Determination of Nonsignificance.
- Share your comments by submitting them through the project’s public comment page; feedback submitted via email or written form will also be added online.
For questions related specifically to this comment period or onboarding process concerning model ordinances, feel free to reach out directly via email at [email protected] or call Patrick Merscher at 564-233-1065.
Join Us In Advancing Organic Recycling Efforts!
Let’s work together towards making Washington State a pioneer in organic recycling efforts! Your contributions are instrumental as we strive toward crafting impactful regulations that enhance sustainable collection practices over time.
Be sure not only visit our project page but submit your thoughts today!
