The bill aims to improve organic waste management in Washington State by establishing new requirements for the collection and management of organic materials. Starting January 1, 2028, jurisdictions must implement color-coded collection bins for waste, with specific colors designated for different types of materials to minimize contamination. By April 1, 2030, jurisdictions are also required to provide year-round organic solid waste collection services to all single-family residents and certain nonresidential customers, with exemptions for those using alternative organic waste management methods. Additionally, the bill introduces an Organic Grant Program to support compliance with these requirements, while ensuring that entities not adhering to the new regulations will be ineligible for funding.

The legislation further emphasizes the importance of educational resources and community engagement in managing organic waste. It mandates that building owners provide adequate space for organic waste collection and educate residents on proper waste sorting. Businesses generating organic waste must arrange for management services based on specific volume thresholds starting in 2024. The bill also enhances the farm-to-school program by facilitating the procurement of locally grown food and allowing schools to purchase food that may otherwise go to waste. It includes provisions for data collection and reporting on the program's activities, as well as grants for projects aimed at reducing high school dropout rates among low-income youth. Overall, the bill seeks to create a comprehensive framework for sustainable organic waste management and food procurement in Washington State.

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
Bill as Passed Legislature: 70A.207.050, 70A.205.540, 70A.205.545, 15.64.060, 28A.235.180
Session Law: 70A.207.050, 70A.205.540, 70A.205.545, 15.64.060, 28A.235.180