Getting Started with Composting at your Business
As of January 1, 2026, any Federal Way business with 96 gallons of food waste weekly must have compost collection.
The City of Federal Way has compiled resources to help local businesses comply with the organics management law. You can also reach out to the City Environmental Services team at recycle@federalwaywa.gov.
The City Can Help!
The City of Federal Way Environmental Services has free programs to help businesses.
Free support includes:
- Indoor compost collection containers (while supplies last)
- Sorting Signs for compost, recycling, and garbage
- Training with compost experts
- Assistance with compost service providers:
- Waste Management: wmnorthwest.com/federalway
- Cedar Grove: cedar-grove.com
- Contact for rates: 877-994-4466 -or- infocg@cgcompost.com.
Email recycle@federalwaywa.gov to set up training and order containers and signs.
Upcoming Training Sessions for Businesses
The City of Federal Way is offering several online trainings with a compost expert. Join us for a brief presentation followed by a Q&A session to help your business. If these dates do not work for your business, you may schedule a training session by emailing recycle@federalwaywa.gov.
Click the date to register for the Zoom training:
Resources
| Business Composting Toolkit |
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Start here- this document includes all info needed to start composting at your business, including setup, training, and general law information. For translations of this document, visit https://uqr.to/ToolkitTranslations
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| Business Composting Postcard Announcement |
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Initial information on the Organics Management Law and contact information for the city programs. For translations of this postcard, visit https://uqr.to/BusinessTranslations |
| Video 1 | Compost for Businesses: Organics Management Law | Start Here. Watch this video to learn about the Organics Management Law and programs that the City is offering. |
| Video 2 | Compost for Businesses: Business Organics Collection Set Up | Watch this video to get started with setting up composting in your kitchen! |
| Video 3 | Compost for Businesses: What Is Accepted | Watch this video to learn about what can go into your compost bin in Federal Way. Please also use the Waste Management guidelines when in doubt. |
| Video 4 | Compost for Businesses: Container Care | Watch this video to learn about how to keep your compost setup clean in the kitchen. |
| Ecology- Organics Management Law | Organics management for businesses - Washington State Department of Ecology | Learn more about the law from the Department of Ecology- including what counts as a business and which areas in the state are required to comply. |
| Compostable Bag Options |
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Looking to purchase compostable bags? Use this guideline from Waste Management to ensure you are purchasing commercially compostable and approved bags. |
| Waste Management Guide |
Use to familiarize with the collection guidelines for Waste Management, what goes in garbage, compost, and recycling. Translated documents are also available on the WM page under "Collection Information" |
RETURN TO MAIN RECYCLE PAGERETURN TO MAIN COMPOST PAGE EMAIL RECYCLE@FEDERALWAYWA.GOV