WFIS attended the Dept of Ecology webinar to prepare schools for Washington’s Organics Management requirements.
Washington’s Organics Management Law is designed to reduce landfill waste and methane emissions by expanding statewide organics recycling. Schools are considered “businesses” under the law and may be required to participate if they generate enough food or yard waste.
Under current BOMA requirements, schools that generate 96 gallons or more of organic waste per week must subscribe to an organics collection service, where available. Most schools that serve meals and manage grounds or landscaping are likely to meet the compliance threshold.
ORCA requirements will expand statewide over the next several years:
- April 2027: Organics collection service must be available in qualifying areas.
- April 2030: Organics collection service becomes mandatory statewide for qualifying generators.
Schools have flexibility in how they comply, including organics collection, food rescue programs, waste prevention efforts, composting, and donations to farms or food banks.
The Department of Ecology emphasized that the goal is progress over time, not perfection, and encouraged schools to begin planning now for future compliance.
Review the 5/28 Ecology webinar notes and the presentation slide deck for practical guidance and compliance strategies to navigate evolving food waste reduction laws.
