16.15.010 Procurement of compost for city projects.
A. Before issuance of a solicitation for bids or proposals under Chapter 3.12 ACC, a determination will be made whether compost products can be utilized in a project. In the event that compost products can be utilized, the bid or other solicitation shall require the contractor to use compost products in the project to the maximum extent economically feasible.
B. The city shall plan for the use of compost products in the following categories:
1. Landscaping projects.
2. Construction and postconstruction soil amendments.
3. Uses to prevent erosion, filter storm water runoff, promote vegetation growth, or improve the stability and longevity of roadways; and
4. Low-impact development and green infrastructure to filter pollutants or keep water on site, or both.
C. Notwithstanding subsections A and B of this section, the use of compost products is not required if:
1. Compost products are not available within a reasonable period of time;
2. Compost products that are available do not comply with existing purchasing standards;
3. Compost products that are available do not comply with federal or state health, quality, and safety standards; or
4. Compost purchase prices are not reasonable or competitive.
D. For any project required to use compost under this subsection, priority will be given to purchasing compost products from companies that:
1. Produce compost products locally;
2. Are certified by a nationally recognized organization; and
3. Produce finished compost products that are derived from municipal solid waste compost programs and meet quality standards comparable to those adopted by the Department of Transportation or adopted by rule by the Department of Ecology.
E. For purposes of this chapter, “compost products” means mulch, soil amendments, ground cover, or other landscaping material derived from the biological or mechanical conversion of biosolids or cellulose-containing waste materials. (Ord. 6892 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.)