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 businesses and local governments in meeting organic material management requirements and mandates the provision of color-coded collection containers by January 1, 2028, to reduce contamination. Additionally, it requires year-round organic solid waste collection services for single-family residents and certain nonresidential customers starting April 1, 2027, with a non-elective service requirement for curbside customers by April 1, 2030. The bill also includes provisions for multifamily residences and emphasizes the need for educational resources to promote proper waste sorting.

Moreover, the legislation enhances the farm-to-school program by facilitating the procurement of locally grown food for schools and allowing the purchase of food that may otherwise go to waste. It mandates data collection on the program's effectiveness and participation rates, which will be reported biennially to the legislature. The bill also outlines the roles of the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and the Department of Agriculture in supporting regional markets and technical assistance for school districts. Additionally, it introduces new labeling requirements for compostable products while exempting certain items from specific marking requirements. If specific funding for the act is not provided by a designated date, the act will become 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
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