New labeling requirements for compostable packaging will make it easier to determine what packaging is and isn't actually compostable.
In March 2024, the Washington State Legislature passed Organics Management Law 2.0 (OML 2.0), including changes to the compostable product labeling standards (“Plastic Product Degradability,” chapter 70A.455 RCW). Below is a summary of key updates that go into effect June 6, 2024. Biodegradable Bag
This bill changes the original Organics Management Law (OML 1.0) passed in 2022, and both will help reach our statewide climate and waste reduction goals. OML 1.0 included labeling standards for compostable products in an effort to support facilities that accept these materials and ease consumer confusion. Consumer confusion adds to contamination, which makes composting more difficult and expensive.
With the goal of diverting organic materials away from the landfill and recovering their nutrients and energy, it is important that organic management facilities can make a marketable product. Contamination from plastics and other non-accepted materials is expensive to the facility and customers. Reducing contaminants, including microplastics, is one of the biggest challenges for organic management facilities, but OML 2.0 adds support.
New produce sticker study: Produce stickers are common and visible contaminants in compost. Together, Ecology and the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) will study produce sticker technologies, including non-plastic or stickers that meet scientific standards for compostability. The report is due to the Legislature by September 2025.
Green, beige and brown on film bags: In OML 1.0, non-compostable film bags were prohibited from using specific color schemes (green, beige, and brown). Organics Management Law 2.0 gives clarity. Film bags that are not certified for industrial composting can use color schemes (green, beige, and brown) in the following ways:
The Organics Management Laws gave authority to Ecology and local governments to enforce the compostable labeling law. Enforcement helps ensure compostable products available to Washingtonians are appropriately labeled. Local jurisdictions who plan to enforce must send a letter of intent to Ecology with:
Coffee Bean Packaging Pouches The Enforcement Guidelines will explain our approach to enforcement, and the observation portal is based on the Bag Ban Reporting tool. Look for Enforcement Guidelines and the release of our public observation portal in the next few months.