Circular economy: organics

Creating a more circular economy

King County is committed to achieving a zero waste of resources goal by 2030. Read more about our commitments, outlined in:

• King County Code (KCC 10.14.020)
• Strategic Climate Action Plan
• Re+ Strategic Plan
• 2019 Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan

In December 2022, we updated King County code to align with the Washington Organics Management Law. We added a new chapter to King County Code (KCC) Title 18 that includes a compost procurement ordinance. The ordinance requires that certain county projects use compost. It also sets up regular reporting of compost use to the Department of Ecology.

Using compost to amend soil offers numerous benefits and promotes a regional circular economy for organics:

• Promotes healthy growth: Compost helps plants grow strong and healthy while reducing the need for pesticides that can contaminate surface waters.
• Enhances soil structure: It keeps soil loose, allowing stormwater to infiltrate and filtering pollutants from runoff.
• Prevents erosion: Compost reduces soil erosion and compaction, protecting valuable land.
• Supports plant health: It stimulates growth and helps  retain water, making plants more resilient during droughts.
• Cuts costs: Compost lowers maintenance costs by reducing the need for fertilizers and pesticides.
• Improves survival rates: It enhances plant survival in low-maintenance and naturalized landscapes.

Plant life
Adding compost to your soil provides essential nutrients, boosting plant yield and water retention while strengthening plant immunity. It also reduces the need for harmful fertilizers and pesticides.

Distribution/consumption
In the U.S., between 30-40% of all food and beverages are wasted. Explore how to make smarter choices with King County's Food: Too Good to Waste program.

Food donation
Donating edible food to hunger relief agencies helps feed families in need. Check if your food is eligible for donation before composting it!

Food waste/yard waste
Putting food and yard waste in the compost bin diverts significant organic material from landfills. Besides a compost bin, check out What do I do with…? to find where else you can properly dispose waste.

Collection/transportation
Haulers collect your curbside compost and transport it to commercial organics processing sites. Visit residential compost services to find info on the collection services in your area.

Composting/processing
Food scraps and yard waste are processed at commercial organics facilities, transforming them into rich compost.

Compost distribution
Processed compost is available for purchase at local facilities, as well as at hardware, garden, landscaping, and general stores in the region.

Soil amendments
Soil amendments improve soil quality, and compost is a key example. It can be made from food scraps, yard waste, or biosolids. Visit King County biosolids to learn more. Other soil amendments include biodigestate and biochar.

Organics Management Law

Washington Organics Management Law (WA Department of Ecology)
The state Legislature passed organics management laws in 2022 and 2024. These laws aim to divert organic materials away from landfills through prevention, food rescue, and organics management facilities. These actions will help Washington achieve its 2030 goal to reduce organic material in the landfill by 75%.

• Washington State Law (RCW 43.19A.150)
  Mandates cities and counties to adopt a compost procurement ordinance and requires a reporting system to track compost purchases in public projects.
• King County Compost Procurement Ordinance
  Ordinance 19552, as required by the Washington Organics Management Law, defines "compost," mandates its use in county projects with certain exceptions, and establishes reporting requirements. This ordinance supports compost diversion and strengthens end markets.

Organics plans and reports

• Ecosystem Services: The Value of Organic Amendments for King County and Seattle (2024)
  This report evaluates the ecosystem service benefits of organic amendments (both biosolids and food/yard waste compost) application across King County and the City of Seattle.
• Organic Materials Management Report (2019)
  Research funded by King County on the regional organic material stream and an organics market assessment.
• King County Organics Market Development Plan (2019)
  A plan requested by the King County Council and submitted by the Executive to expand and enhance the regional compost market.
• Carbon Accounting for Food Scrap Composting in King County
  This report estimates the carbon balance associated with diverting food scraps from landfills to composting, including potential carbon sequestration from compost use.
• Full report
• Executive summary

Organics groups

Washington Organic Recycling Council (WORC)
Supports the reclamation, reuse, and recycling of organic materials through education, research, and advocacy, promoting environmentally and economically sustainable practices. King County is an active member.

Pacific Coast Food Waste Commitment (PCFWC)
A public-private partnership featuring some of the nation’s largest food businesses alongside local, state, and provincial governments – all working collaboratively toward a shared ambition of effective, industry-wide actions that prevent and reduce wasted food along the West Coast. King County is an active member.

U.S. Composting Council (USCC)
Advances compost manufacturing, utilization, and organics recycling to benefit its members, society, and the environment.

Soils for Salmon
Educates on preserving and restoring healthy soil in the Puget Sound region to support environmental sustainability.

Food Waste Prevention Week (FWPW)
Every spring 500+ partners around the world unite to educate and inspire action against food waste. This effort spreads awareness around environmental benefits and the potential for households to save thousands of dollars annually. Find more information and register as a partner.