Top: New rulemaking in Washington state will address contamination in food waste feedstocks and finished products. Photo courtesy Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control

Beginning in 2027, a new law requires all local jurisdictions in Washington state to separate yard trimmings from all other waste bound for the landfill, so that it can be collected and processed to reduce its production of methane and other greenhouse gases contributing to climate change. This law expands in 2030 to include the required separation and collection of food waste. On December 10, the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) issued a notice that it is undertaking a rulemaking to update its organic materials management regulations in Chapter 173-350 WAC Solid Waste Handling Standards. The rulemaking will address contamination in food waste feedstocks and finished products such as compost at organic waste handling facilities. Ecology is also considering amendments to cover additional organic materials management practices. Rule development is underway; stakeholder meetings will be scheduled in Spring 2025, with the “File CR-102 Rule Proposal” issued in Spring 2026. A public hearing(s) will be held in Summer 2026, along with a public comment period. According to Ecology, the final rule will be adopted in Fall 2026.