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CompostWise
Learn about our CompostWise Program, which helps public agencies make better use of compost. Find information on applying compost, the King County universal contract, our technical assistance program, and more.
About the CompostWise program
Applying compost improves environmental outcomes for public projects. It aids stormwater management, supports waste reduction, and cultivates local green jobs.
King County’s CompostWise Program works to bolster the regional compost market. We do this by procuring and using food and yard waste compost. Additionally, we collaborate with other jurisdictions to encourage similar practices.
Compost resources
- King County's Universal Compost Contract
Any King County agency can use this universal contact. The agency can contact the vendor directly and reference the CPA when purchasing. Any regional public agency can piggyback off of this contract, if the jurisdiction has a cooperative purchasing agreement with King County. - King County's Universal Compost Contract Calculator
Calculates amount of compost needed and cost of compost based on rates in King County’s universal compost contract. - CompostWise Technical Assistance Program
The CompostWise program aids both King County agencies and regional jurisdictions on any project or program that would like to use compost. If you need assistance or have questions about compost, reach out to compost@kingcounty.gov. - Compost Procurement & Use Plan
Reporting form for King County consultants, contractors, and program managers to confirm project components and report anticipated compost procurement at 30% Design.
Relevant policies for public agencies
- King County Organics Market Development Plan
As requested by the King County Council, the plan submitted by the Executive to expand and enhance the regional market for compost that is produced using the county's organics stream. - Washington State Law (RCW 43.19A.120)
Use of compost products in projects (RCW 43.19A.120) – Encourages compost procurement and use and public agencies must consider compost for public projects. - Washington State Law (RCW 43.19A.150)
Cities and counties required to adopt a compost procurement ordinance – Report (RCW 43.19A.150) – Updates chapter 43.19A RCW use of compost products in public projects and requires a reporting system to document compost purchases. - King County Zero Waste of Resources by 2030 Goal
Achieve zero waste of resources by 2030 through maximum feasible and cost-effective prevention, reuse and reduction of solid wastes. Recovering organic material is an essential part of reaching this goal. - King County Strategic Climate Action Plan
A five-year blueprint for County action to confront climate change, integrating climate change into all areas of County operations and its work in the community. The 2020 update includes supporting regional compost markets and application. - King County Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan (2019)
Sets strategies for managing solid waste in King County over the next six to 20 years. Recovering organic material is an essential part of reaching this plan.
Other resources
- Organic Materials Management Report (2019)
Funded by King County, research on the regional organic material stream and an organics market assessment. - King County Loop Biosolids
Manages the distribution and use of Loop®, the name for the nutrient-rich organic biosolids product created by recycling the poop in the County's wastewater. - Department of Ecology's Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington
Provides guidance on the measures necessary to control the quantity and quality of stormwater. - King County's Surface Water Design Manual
This manual regulates proposed projects through a mixture of requirements, performance standards, and design. - King County's Compost and Topsoil Calculator
Helps determine the compost and/or topsoil needs for site development projects to meet the post-construction soil standard required by King County's Clearing and Grading regulations KCC 16.82. - Soils for Salmon
Offers best management practices to building healthy soils. - Washington Organic Recycling Council
Supports—via education, research, and advocacy—public and private efforts to reclaim, reuse, and recycle organic materials, process organic materials in an environmentally and economically sustainable manner, and promote beneficial end uses. - U.S. Composting Council
Advances compost manufacturing, compost utilization, and organics recycling to benefit our members, society, and the environment.