Using and applying compost improves many environmental impacts and outcomes, while supporting the health of the region's organics waste stream and supporting regional jobs. Through the CompostWise program, King County has committed to supporting the regional market for compost by purchasing and applying food and yard waste compost and supporting other regional jurisdictions to do the same.

CompostWise resources

• CompostWise Quick Guide Download PDF 350 K
  This guide shows how to use compost to grow healthier landscapes, while conserving resources and improving the environment.
• 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 in place.
• King County's Universal Compost Contract Calculator Download Microsoft Excel file 400 K
  Calculates amount of compost needed and cost of compost based on rates in King County’s universal compost contract.
• Technical Assistance Program
  The CompostWise program offers assistance to both King County agencies and regional jurisdictions on any project or program that would like to pursue the use of compost. If you need assistance or have questions about compost, reach out to compost@kingcounty.gov.

Relevant policies for public agencies

• King County Organics Market Development Plan Download PDF 600 K
  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 external link
  Use of compost products in projects (RCW 43.19A.120) – Encourages compost procurement and use and public agencies must consider compost for public projects.
• 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) Download PDF 1 MB
  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 external link Download PDF
  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.
• Soil for Salmon external link
  Offers best management practices to building healthy soils.
• Washington Organic Recycling Council external link
  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 external link
  Advances compost manufacturing, compost utilization, and organics recycling to benefit our members, society, and the environment.