CITY OF SEATTLE
ORDINANCE __________________
COUNCIL BILL __________________
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AN ORDINANCE relating to compost procurement; establishing a compost procurement policy for The City of Seattle; and adding a new Subchapter IV to Chapter 20.60 of the Seattle Municipal Code.
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WHEREAS, as more organic materials are diverted and recycled, it is critical that the compost manufactured be procured by local jurisdictions and others in order to support the economic viability of these processes and programs. It is well established that compost production and use provide significant environmental benefits to our soil and food; and
WHEREAS, RCW 43.19A.150 became effective on June 9, 2022 and requires cities and counties in Washington with a population greater than 25,000 residents or in which organic material collection services are provided to adopt a compost procurement ordinance by January 1, 2023; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY OF SEATTLE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. A new Subchapter IV is added to Chapter 20.60 of the Seattle Municipal Code as follows:
Subchapter IV Compost Procurement
20.60.300 Definitions
“Compost products” means soil amendments, mulch, or other landscaping material derived from “composted material” as defined in WAC 173-350-100.
20.60.310 Procurement plan
When planning government-funded projects or soliciting and reviewing bids for such projects, The City of Seattle shall consider whether compost products can be utilized in the project and shall plan for the purchase of compost products for use in public projects in which compost is an appropriate material. If compost products can be utilized, the City shall use, or require the contractor to use, compost products unless an exception under RCW 43.19A.120 applies. Pursuant to RCW 43.19A.130, the City will strive to purchase an amount of compost products that is equal to or greater than 50 percent of the amount of organic materials delivered to compost processor(s).
20.60.320 Purchasing
When purchasing compost products, the City shall prioritize purchasing compost products from companies producing compost from composted materials sourced from within Seattle, are certified by a nationally recognized organization, such as the United States Composting Council, and produce compost products that are derived from municipal solid waste compost programs while meeting quality standards adopted by the Washington State Department of Transportation or adopted by rule by the Department of Ecology.
20.60.330 Planning
The City shall plan for compost use in the following categories:
A. Landscaping projects;
B. Construction and postconstruction soil amendments;
C. Applications to prevent erosion, filter stormwater runoff, promote vegetative growth, or improve the stability and longevity of roadways; and
D. Low-impact development of green infrastructure to filter pollutants to keep water onsite or both.
20.60.340 Education
City departments which use compost shall conduct educational outreach to inform residents about the value of compost and how the jurisdiction uses compost in its operations in the jurisdiction's comprehensive solid waste management plan pursuant to RCW 70A.205.045.
20.60.350 Reporting
By December 31, 2024, and each December 31 of even-numbered years thereafter, the Finance and Administrative Services department shall work with City departments to report the following information to the Department of Ecology:
A. The total tons of organic material diverted each year;
B. The estimated volume and cost of composted material purchased each year; and
C. The source(s) of the compost products purchased.
Section 2. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force 30 days after its approval by the Mayor, but if not approved and returned by the Mayor within ten days after presentation, it shall take effect as provided by Seattle Municipal Code Section 1.04.020.
Passed by the City Council the ________ day of _________________________, 2022, and signed by me in open session in authentication of its passage this _____ day of _________________________, 2022.
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President ____________ of the City Council
Approved / returned unsigned / vetoed this _____ day of _________________, 2022.
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Bruce A. Harrell, Mayor
Filed by me this ________ day of _________________________, 2022.
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Elizabeth M. Adkisson, Interim City Clerk
(Seal)
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