Grocery Stores in Washington State Adapt to New Organic Waste Regulations

SEATTLE (Waste Advantage): Marlene’s Market in Federal Way is among grocery stories that have taken an innovative approach to reducing organic waste after new regulations came into effect in January. As of January 2024, Federal Way businesses that produce at least eight cubic yards of organic material per week are required to have it collected and sent to the right type of processing facility. Organic waste refers to food and yard scraps, and needs to be processed differently from recycling or garbage.

At Marlene’s, they’ve started a community compost system for deli and produce — bagging up rotting fruits and vegetables and deli trimmings, then selling them for 99 cents a pound, according to a representative from WM, which services Federal Way.

The change came as part of House Bill 1799 that includes over 20 law changes related to methane emissions in Washington state. A presentation on Feb. 15, 2023, from Sound Cities Association and Cedar Grove went over the history of the bill and featured speakers who have been through similar policy and practical changes around organic waste disposal in their own communities.

Courtesy: www.wasteadvantage.com