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Organics (compostables) Recycling

This indicator measures the amount of organic materials that are recycled, composted or otherwise diverted from the disposal stream.

“Organics,” also known as “organic materials,” include materials such as yard debris, food scraps from homes and food processors, wood from construction and demolition, and manure. These materials make up over 30% of all wastes that get disposed. Most of these materials could be converted to compost, mulch, new building products, or energy.

     Download data: Organics Recycled, Diverted & Disposed in Washington: 1992-2005.xls

The amount of organic material recycled and diverted from disposal increased steadily from 1992 to 2005. However, the organic material disposed also increased, indicating the need to continue to work to keep these materials out of landfills. The gap is narrowing and we will soon be recycling more organic material than we are disposing. Since Ecology began measuring commercial composting in 1997, this sector has diverted a large amount of organic material from disposal to be converted to compost.  Organic materials that are not composted are diverted from disposal to be used in other markets such as mulch, other kinds of reuse or burning for energy.

The Beyond Waste goal is to use residual organic materials for the highest and best uses possible.

Why should we be concerned about how much organic material is recycled or diverted from disposal?

The amount of organic material recycled is an indication of the amount of value captured through resources recovered and disposal costs avoided.

What are the benefits of reusing, recycling and diverting more organic materials?

• Provides opportunities to improve soils and to create energy
• Conserves water
• Reduces harmful environmental emissions

What are some Beyond Waste Actions being taken to increase reuse, recycling and diversion of organic materials in Washington?

Ecology (in partnership with other organizations) is:

• Expanding home composting programs statewide.
• Developing new uses and markets for organic materials.
• Improving technologies to process organic materials.
• Promoting recovery of organics from state agencies and schools.

Want more information on Organics (compostables) Recycling in Washington?

Department of Ecology's Composting Web Site

Beyond Waste Plan - Increase Organics Recycling