6.40.010 Compost procurement.
A. For the purpose of this chapter “compost products” means mulch, soil amendments, ground cover, or other landscaping material derived from the biological or mechanical conversion of biosolids or cellulous-containing waste materials.
B. The City shall plan for the use of compost for government-funded public projects in the following categories:
1. Landscaping projects;
2. Construction and postconstruction soil amendments;
3. Applications to prevent erosion, filter stormwater runoff, promote vegetation growth, or improve the stability and longevity of roadways; and
4. Low-impact development and green infrastructure to filter pollutants or keep water on-site, or both.
C. The City shall determine whether it is feasible in performance of the work, to use compost in a public project. If compost can be utilized, the City shall require a department and/or each contractor with whom it contracts to use compost products. Exceptions to the use of compost are as follows:
1. Compost products are not available within a reasonable amount of time.
2. Available compost products do not meet existing standards for health, quality, and safety.
3. Prices are not reasonable or competitive.
4. Available compost products do not comply with existing purchasing standards.
D. The City shall give priority to purchasing compost products from companies that produce compost locally, are certified by a nationally recognized organization, and produce compost products that are derived from municipal solid waste compost programs, and meet the quality standards comparable to standards adopted by the Washington State Department of Transportation or the Washington State Department of Ecology.
E. Beginning December 31, 2024, and each December 31 of even-numbered years thereafter, the City shall submit a report to the Washington Department of Ecology covering the compost procurement activities for the reporting periods. At the minimum, the report shall contain the following:
1. The total tons of organic material diverted per year;
2. The volume and cost of compost purchased by the City per year; and
3. The source(s) of the compost purchased.
F. The Public Works Director or designee is directed to develop strategies to inform residents and businesses about the value of compost and how the City uses compost in its operations. (Ord. 3113 § 2, 2023).