WA HB1497

Beginning January 1, 2028, waste collection containers under 101 gallons must be color-coded: gray/black for garbage, blue for recyclables, and green/brown for organic materials, with corresponding labels specifying accepted materials

Source-separated organic waste collection becomes mandatory on a nonelective basis for single-family residents and businesses generating more than 0.25 cubic yards weekly starting April 1, 2027, with food waste acceptance required year-round by April 1, 2030

Businesses generating at least 96 gallons of organic waste weekly must arrange for organic materials management services by January 1, 2026, with civil penalties ranging from $500-$1,000 per day of violation after warnings

Local solid waste plans submitted after July 1, 2026 must include programs to phase in organic materials collection from multifamily residences, including mandatory collection from all newly constructed or substantially remodeled multifamily buildings

Schools are directed to integrate food waste reduction education, and the farm-to-school program is expanded to help schools procure Washington-grown food that might otherwise go to waste, including grade B produce