Organics management rulemaking

An Environmental Justice listening session is scheduled for November 5, 2025, 12 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

We invite residents of overburdened and vulnerable communities to share their experiences and perspectives on how organic waste, contamination, or composting facilities affect them. While all are welcome to attend this event, Ecology will be taking comments and questions only from people living in overburdened communities.

Please register for the Environmental Justice listening session. Registration is required. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the listening session.

Beginning in 2027, a new law requires certain local jurisdictions in Washington to separate yard waste from all other waste bound for the landfill, so that it can be collected and processed to reduce its production of methane and other greenhouse gases contributing to climate change. This law expands in 2030 to include the required separation and collection of food waste.

Ecology is undertaking a rulemaking to update its organic materials management regulations in chapter 173-350 WAC Solid Waste Handling Standards to address contamination in food waste feedstocks and finished products at organic waste handling facilities. Ecology is also considering amendments to cover additional organic materials management practices.