The bill focuses on improving waste material management in Washington, particularly targeting organic waste and food waste reduction to address climate change and greenhouse gas emissions. It establishes various grant programs to support initiatives such as food waste reduction, food rescue, and enhancing organic material management systems. A key component of the legislation is the creation of the Center for Sustainable Food Management, which will oversee statewide efforts and administer grants. The bill also introduces the Washington Commodities Donation Grant Program to aid hunger relief organizations and amends existing laws to facilitate these initiatives, including provisions for schools to receive awards for waste reduction efforts.

Additionally, the bill mandates that local jurisdictions provide year-round organic waste collection services and sets compliance thresholds for businesses generating organic waste, gradually decreasing from eight cubic yards per week in 2024 to 96 gallons per week by 2026. It also introduces stricter compostability standards and labeling requirements for compostable products, while amending the compost reimbursement program to support farms purchasing compost. Jurisdictions are required to inform residents about compost benefits and report on their compost procurement activities annually. A work group will be established to enhance food waste recovery efforts, with a report due by September 1, 2025. The bill includes a severability clause, stating that if specific funding is not provided by June 30, 2024, the act will be null and void.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 70A.207.020, 70A.214.100, 70A.205.540, 70A.205.545, 15.130.300, 15.130.550, 70A.455.060, 70A.455.070, 70A.455.090, 15.04.420, 43.19A.150
Substitute Bill: 70A.207.020, 70A.214.100, 70A.205.540, 70A.205.545, 70A.455.040, 70A.455.070, 70A.455.090, 15.04.420, 43.19A.150
Second Substitute: 70A.207.020, 70A.214.100, 70A.205.540, 70A.205.545, 70A.455.040, 70A.455.070, 70A.455.090, 15.04.420, 43.19A.150
Engrossed Second Substitute: 70A.207.020, 70A.214.100, 70A.205.540, 70A.205.545, 70A.455.040, 70A.455.070, 70A.455.090, 15.04.420, 43.19A.150
Bill as Passed Legislature: 70A.207.020, 70A.214.100, 70A.205.540, 70A.205.545, 70A.455.040, 70A.455.070, 70A.455.090, 15.04.420, 43.19A.150
Session Law: 70A.207.020, 70A.214.100, 70A.205.540, 70A.205.545, 70A.455.040, 70A.455.070, 70A.455.090, 15.04.420, 43.19A.150