PDFRCW 70A.205.540

Organic solid waste collection servicesFeesExceptions.

(1) Beginning January 1, 2027, in each jurisdiction that implements a local solid waste plan under RCW 70A.205.040:
(a) Source-separated organic solid waste collection services must be provided at least every other week or at least 26 weeks annually to:
(i) All residents; and
(ii) Nonresidential customers that generate more than .25 cubic yard per week of organic materials for management; and
(b) All organic solid waste collected from residents and businesses under (a) of this subsection must be managed through organic materials management.
(2) A jurisdiction may charge and collect fees or rates for the services provided under subsection (1) of this section, consistent with the jurisdiction's authority to impose fees and rates under chapters 35.21, 35A.21, 36.58, and 36.58A RCW.
(3)(a) Except as provided in (d) of this subsection, the requirements of this section do not apply in a jurisdiction if the department determines that the following apply:
(i) The jurisdiction disposed of less than 5,000 tons of solid waste in the most recent year for which data is available;
(ii) The jurisdiction has a total population of less than 25,000 people; or
(iii) The jurisdiction has a total population between 25,000 and 50,000 people and curbside organic solid waste collection services are not offered in any area within the jurisdiction, as of July 1, 2022.
(b) The requirements of this section do not apply:
(i) In census tracts that have a population density of less than 75 people per square mile that are serviced by the jurisdiction and located in unincorporated portions of a county, as determined by the department, in counties not planning under chapter 36.70A RCW; and
(ii) Outside of urban growth areas designated pursuant to RCW 36.70A.110 in unincorporated portions of a county planning under chapter 36.70A RCW.
(c) In addition to the exemptions in (a) and (b) of this subsection, the department may issue a renewable waiver to jurisdictions or portions of a jurisdiction under this subsection for up to five years, based on consideration of factors including the distance to organic materials management facilities, the sufficiency of the capacity to manage organic materials at facilities to which organic materials could feasibly and economically be delivered from the jurisdiction, and restrictions in the transport of organic materials under chapter 17.24 RCW. The department may adopt rules to specify the type of information that a waiver applicant must submit to the department and to specify the department's process for reviewing and approving waiver applications.
(d) Beginning January 1, 2030, the department may adopt a rule to require that the provisions of this section apply in the jurisdictions identified in (b) and (c) of this subsection, but only if the department determines that the goals established in RCW 70A.205.007(1) have not or will not be achieved.
(4) Any city that newly begins implementing an independent solid waste plan under RCW 70A.205.040 after July 1, 2022, must meet the requirements of subsection (1) of this section.
[ 2022 c 180 § 102.]

NOTES:

FindingsIntentScope of authority of chapter 180, Laws of 20222022 c 180: See notes following RCW 70A.205.007.