Organic materials comprise over half of the solid waste generated in Washington, including yard debris, wood materials, biosolids, food and food processing by-products, manure and agricultural residues, land clearing debris, used paper, and mixed municipal organic waste.

In the past, organic materials have been dumped in landfills or burned. These disposal methods can waste valuable resources and contribute to important environmental problems. Our members' contributions assist communities in reaching their recycling goals while producing valuable recycled products.

Everyone benefits when organic materials are recycled into products of value. These products improve the quality of landscape materials. They have a positive impact in our environment by improving soil and plant health, conserving water, reducing erosion, and reducing the use of fertilizers and pesticides. They also replace other sources of wood for paper and fuel production.

We are excited about the many possibilities in organics recovery and processing, and hope you'll join us in promoting organic recycling as a very important component of sustainable community development.