The bill aims to improve waste material management in Washington State, with a particular focus on organic materials and food waste reduction. It establishes grant programs to assist local governments and nonprofit organizations in implementing organic material management requirements. By January 1, 2028, jurisdictions are required to provide color-coded collection containers to minimize contamination, along with guidelines for labeling. Additionally, starting April 1, 2027, jurisdictions must offer year-round organic solid waste collection services to single-family residents and certain nonresidential customers, with a mandate for curbside services by April 1, 2030. The bill also requires multifamily residences to implement organic materials collection programs and prohibits penalties for individuals improperly disposing of organic materials in noncommercial or residential settings.

Moreover, the bill introduces new requirements for organic materials management facilities and mandates that new multifamily and commercial buildings allocate space for the collection of source-separated organic materials. Businesses generating organic waste must arrange for management services based on waste generation thresholds, and educational initiatives are introduced to promote food waste reduction in schools. The bill also enhances farm-to-school initiatives by requiring collaboration between the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and the Department of Agriculture to support the procurement of Washington-grown food. It includes provisions for grant awards to school districts for projects aimed at reducing dropout rates and specifies that if certain funding is not provided by a set date, the act will be null and void.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 70A.207.050, 70A.205.540, 70A.205.545, 15.64.060, 28A.235.180
Substitute Bill: 70A.207.050, 70A.205.540, 70A.205.545, 15.64.060, 28A.235.180
Second Substitute: 70A.207.050, 70A.205.540, 70A.205.545, 15.64.060, 28A.235.180