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The WORC Legislative Committee has been closely tracking relevant bills during Washington’s 2023 legislative session. With less than 6 weeks until the end of the session, many compost and recycling focused bills have faltered, but several significant bills are still in play.
The deadline for all bills to pass out of their house of origin was March 8, 2023. Any bill that did not pass by then is not moving forward this session. Several bills failed to meet this deadline.
Not Moving Forward This Session
The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) bill, known as the WRAP Act (SSHB 1131), did not pass the House before the March 8 deadline and will not be moving forward this session. This bill garnered huge interest and participation, undergoing numerous amendments. With the input and engagement from this session, it is likely this bill will be reintroduced next session as a more seasoned bill.
Other bills that will not move forward this session include:
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Biosolids: SB 5245, requiring PFAS limits in biosolids and creating tracking and notice requirements.
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Farm and fields program enhancement: SB 5484, supporting Washington’s food production system by providing technical assistance in support of improved voluntary environmental stewardship.
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Cannabis waste: SSB 5376. Allowing the sale of cannabis waste.
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Grants for managing ag waste: SB 5551 / HB 1574, supporting Washington’s crop and livestock farms, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and generating renewable energy by capturing methane.
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Still Active
The compostables stakeholder committee bill, ESHB 1033, has moved forward. The bill would establish a stakeholder advisory committee to address issues related to the use, collection, and processing of compostable products within the state. The goal is to produce a report of findings and recommendations to the legislature by September 2024.
The Battery Recycling bill, ESSSB 5144, passed out of the Senate and is in the House Committee process. Currently, Washington businesses are required to use battery recycling services, but there is no requirement for individual consumers to do so. Despite voluntary options and efforts, battery recycling is not convenient, leaving most of these dangerous and toxic items destined for landfills. This bill would require battery producers to join a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO). The bill will not mandate battery recycling by individual consumer but aims to encourage recycling and provide more convenient disposal options.
The plastic pollution reduction bill, SHB 1085, unanimously passed out of the House. The bill would require all new commercial construction to include a water bottle refill station wherever a drinking fountain is currently required. To reduce direct pollution in state waters, the bill would prohibit manufacture, sale and installation of overwater structures that use plastic foam. Lastly, the bill would ban the use of miniature toiletry products for hotel guests in the state.
The Right to Repair bill, ESSHB 1392 has also passed in the House and moved to the Senate for consideration. The bill would require certain electronics manufacturers to make accessible their product manuals, repair information, parts and special tools required to repair their products to allow consumers access repair services from independent facilities for products that they own.
The regular 2023 Legislative Session officially ends April 23, 2023.
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WORC has a diverse line-up of webinars for 2023. We will host seven one-hour webinars beginning April 12 with “Research to Improve Compost Facility Air Emissions Permitting” presented by Tim O'Neill of Engineered Compost Systems. Tim will provide an update on VOC research being conducted at WSU Pullman with Tom Jobson. Mark your schedule to join us for the following: |
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April 12 | 12:00PM
Research to Improve Compost Emissions Air Permitting
Tim O'Neill, Engineered Compost Systems
May 18 | 12:00PM
Compost Operator Safety
Samantha Winkle, Waste Connections
May Date TBD | 12:00PM
Offal: A Not So Awful Feedstock
Alyssa Jumars, WSDA
Martyn Quinn, Washington Department of Ecology.
Note: This webinar is complimentary in partnership with WSDA
June 6 | 12:00PM
Managing Epidemic Mortalities in Poultry and Livestock with Composting
Lynne Carpenter Boggs, WSU
July 12 | 12:00PM
EPR in Washington and Oregon - Summaries of the WRAP Act and the Recycling Modernization Act
McKenna Morrigan, Seattle Public Utilities
Justin Gast, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
August 23 | 12:00PM
Implementation of HB 1799/Washington's Organic Management Law
Washington Department of Ecology
September 13 | 12:00PM
Lifecycle Implications of the Food System and Food Waste Management
Peter Canepa, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
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Individual Webinars:
- $20 WORC Members
- $35 Non-Members
Bundle of Webinars: (Includes all webinars and registration for up to 3 members of a single organization)
- $60 WORC Members
- $160 Non-Members
Support WORC’s Educational Mission Through Sponsorship.
Help keep these webinars going by helping to sponsor this series, there are several options available, all of which include registration access to the webinar series. Please visit www.compostwashington.org/2023-webinars for additional information.
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USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Funding Opportunity for Producers! |
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NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program and Conservation Stewardship Program funding is available to support small scale producers and producers implementing innovative practices. Washington NRCS has interim practices available for funding including Soil Carbon Amendment (incorporating compost and biochar) and Raised Beds (for use on contaminated soils). These interim practices complement more traditional NRCS practices like cover cropping, crop rotation, prescribed grazing, pasture and hay planting, conservation cover, tree and shrub establishment and more. Contact your USDA Service Center to apply now for the upcoming Fiscal Year 2024 Funding Cycle!
To Apply: Contact your local NRCS Field Office to submit your application to your local NRCS Representative in-person or via email Service Center Locator | Natural Resources Conservation Service (usda.gov).
In the past few years NRCS has increased the program accessibility and financial feasibility for small scale producers to implement practices and receive reimbursement funding. There is no minimum requirement of years or acres farming to participate. NRCS helps backyard gardeners the same way they help large ranches. NRCS is committed to supporting historically underserved farmers/ranchers with up to 90% set rate reimbursements following practice installation. A large number of practices also have a small scale scenarios included in the reimbursement rates, incentivizing smaller acreage producers to implement conservation practices.
Applications are accepted year-round and NRCS encourages people to sign up and get their foot in the door for funding cycles as early as possible. Translation is available in various languages at all USDA Service Centers.
Please share this opportunity widely with others!
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Please Welcome Our New
Board Officers for 2023-2024.
President: Kate Kurtz, Seattle Public Utilities
Vice President: Liv Johansson, Woodland Park Zoo
Treasurer: Scott Deatherage, Barr-Tech
Secretary: Dave Keeney, King County
Past President: Dan Corum, City of Tacoma
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Nominate your Organization for a Member Spotlight!
WORC loves to feature our member organizations or board members.
Not everyone may know about what you do, so let us know and we can feature you.
Let us know if you have a cool new project or awesome staff you want to highlight.
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If you are interested in becoming more involved with WORC this year,
consider submitting a spotlight or even joining a committee.
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City of Tukwila Position Summary
The City of Tukwila is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Solid Waste Analyst to join our team! The successful candidate will be responsible for managing and overseeing the city's solid waste contract and related services, ensuring compliance with all regulations and contractual obligations.
City of Tukwila Values
Caring – We support the diverse community we serve with compassion, empathy and kindness.
Professional – We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards and act with integrity and transparency. We are respectful and courteous with all.
Responsive – We are timely and effective in the delivery of great customer service. We continually strive to find innovative ways to improve.
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