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Introduction

The goal of the Organic Materials Initiative is to expand and strengthen the closed-loop reuse and recycling system in Washington for organic materials. This system will convert leftover or excess organic materials into feedstock for new materials and products such as compost. The list of “organic materials” is extensive but includes substances and products of biological origin that have the potential to be safely returned to the soil, such as yard waste, food waste, manures, crop residues, soiled/low-grade paper, wood and biosolids.

This initiative was selected as one of the keys to Beyond Waste for four main reasons:

1. Organic wastes represent a significant portion, about 30 percent, of Washington’s commercial and residential waste streams. They also are generated in large quantities by agricultural, forestry, and industrial operations.
2. The potential for beneficial use of organics is very high. Many organic materials are easily recycled into new products with demonstrated market value.
3. Washington is already significantly along the way toward establishing a viable organics cycle. A variety of materials including yard waste (in some regions of the state), biosolids, and paper, are currently being recovered for beneficial use.
4. Organics recycling provides significant environmental and human health benefits, in addition to reducing wastes. Practices such as burning crop wastes, storing manures, and landfill disposal have the potential to affect air and water quality.

The ultimate goal is for residual organic materials (most of which are now managed as wastes) to go to the highest and best uses possible. The benefits of a comprehensive organics recycling system include: a reduced demand for landfill space, a reduced need for added chemicals (such as fertilizers and pesticides) to agricultural lands, improved soil structure, water conservation, creation of new jobs, and reduced costs to agricultural producers.

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