Enhancing Sustainability: Your Input on Organic Waste Management Ordinances
The Washington Department of Ecology is dedicated to assisting local communities in decreasing landfill contributions while fostering a sustainable environment. A pivotal component of this initiative focuses on the diversion of organic materials, which includes food scraps and yard waste, from landfills. To aid local governments in this effort, the Organics Management Group has crafted model ordinances aimed at establishing robust organics recycling programs.
We Value Your Contributions!
We are thrilled to introduce an opportunity for public input regarding these model ordinances. From now until January 28, 2025, community members are encouraged to examine these proposed ordinances and share their insights concerning potential environmental effects. After considering public feedback and finalizing the ordinances, municipalities will have the option to adopt them entirely or partially or utilize them as guidelines for formulating their own regulations that will:
- Mandate Collection of Organic Waste: This provides clear directives for residential properties and specific businesses within designated Organics Recycling Collection Areas (ORCA) and Business Organics Management Areas (BOMA).
- Establish Waste Reduction Plans: Organizations hosting special events would be required to submit plans detailing waste reduction strategies.
- Design New Buildings with Waste Collection in Mind: This applies specifically when new developments are anticipated to generate a minimum of 0.25 cubic yards weekly of organic waste.
The Significance of Model Ordinances
These proposed model ordinances offer essential guidance for local jurisdictions aiming to align with Washington’s Organics Management Laws detailed in RCW 70A.205.030. They present a structured approach that facilitates efficient implementation of organics recycling initiatives. Local governments adopting these models without substantial modifications might circumvent extensive State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) reviews as outlined in RCW 70A.207.030.
Understanding SEPA Review
Prior to finalizing the model ordinances, we’re conducting a SEPA review while actively seeking your thoughts on possible environmental implications they may entail. Our preliminary evaluation has led us to release a Determination of Nonsignificance indicating that we do not anticipate significant negative environmental impacts stemming from these proposals.
How You Can Get Involved
Your feedback plays an integral role in ensuring the effectiveness and relevance of these model ordinances within our communities. Participating is simple; just follow these three steps:
- Navigate to the project webpage.
- Review said documents including our Determination of Nonsignificance alongside the suggested model ordinances.
- Share your opinions by submitting comments through our designated public comment page on the project site; please note that only comments submitted via this platform will be formally considered.
For questions related specifically to this comment period or about any aspects concerning the model ordinances, reach out directly to Patrick Merscher at patrick.merscher@ecy.Wa.gov or call him at 564-233-1065.
Let’s work together towards positioning Washington as an exemplary leader in organic materials recycling! Your insights are vital for creating impactful regulations that foster ongoing collection initiatives well into the future.
Visit our project page today and make your voice heard!