Advancing Sustainability in Washington: Public Input Needed on Model Organics Ordinances
Commitment to Sustainable Waste Management
The Department of Ecology is dedicated to assisting communities throughout Washington in minimizing landfill contributions and fostering a sustainable future. An essential component of this initiative is the diversion of organic waste, which includes food scraps and yard trimmings, from landfills. To support local governments in this endeavor, our Organics Management Group has crafted model ordinances aimed at facilitating the establishment of effective organics recycling programs.
Invitation for Public Engagement
We are thrilled to launch a public comment period regarding these model ordinances. From now until January 28, 2025, we encourage community members to review these proposed regulations and provide feedback concerning potential environmental implications. Once finalized, municipalities will have the opportunity to adopt the ordinances entirely or partially or use them as a guideline to develop their own legislation that aims to:
- Mandate Organic Waste Collection: This framework includes protocols for single-family homes as well as select businesses located within designated Organics Recycling Collection Areas (ORCA) or Business Organics Management Areas (BOMA).
- Establish Waste Reduction Plans: Special event permits will necessitate comprehensive plans addressing waste reduction and management.
- Design New Buildings for Organic Waste: New construction projects expected to generate an average of 0.25 cubic yards per week or more of organic waste will need suitable designs for effective collection.
Importance of Model Ordinances
These pivotal model ordinances serve as invaluable tools enabling local governments to meet Washington’s established Organics Management Laws as outlined by RCW 70A.205.030. They present a structured framework for executing functional organics recycling initiatives. By adopting these ordinances with minimal alterations, local jurisdictions can bypass extensive State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) reviews (as stated in RCW 70A.207.030).
SEPA Review Process
Before formalizing the final version of these model ordinances, we are conducting a SEPA review while seeking your insights on any potential environmental effects they may incur. Our preliminary evaluation has led us to issue a Determination of Nonsignificance; indicating that we do not expect these regulations will create significant adverse environmental consequences.
How You Can Get Involved
Your input is vital for ensuring that these model ordinances meet community expectations and needs effectively. Participating is straightforward—just follow these three steps:
- Visit our project webpage.
- Examine the documents available there along with our Determination of Nonsignificance about the proposed model ordinances.
- Share your views! We invite you to express any concerns regarding potential environmental impacts on our project page dedicated solely for public comments; please ensure all feedback is submitted through this specific portal since comments sent via email or traditional mail will also be compiled but must adhere strictly through official channels.
For additional inquiries concerning this comment period or specifics about the proposed model ordinances, please reach out directly to Patrick Merscher at patrick.merscher@ecy wa.gov or call 564-233-1065.
Join Us in Leading Change
Let’s continue positioning Washington at the forefront of organic waste recycling! Your contributions are instrumental in shaping effective ordinance models that bolster consistent collection programs into the foreseeable future.
Explore our project page today and make your voice heard!
