Top Composting & Food Waste in Bremerton, Washington Ranked

For Bremerton restaurants and food service businesses, managing organic waste is no longer just an environmental consideration-it's a legal requirement. Washington State's Organics Management Law (SB 1383) mandates that businesses divert food scraps, yard debris, and other compostable materials from landfills. In Bremerton, WMNorthwest (WM) is the primary provider for this essential organics recycling service, offering tailored collection programs to help establishments comply efficiently. Implementing a robust food waste diversion program not only meets regulatory obligations but can also streamline operations and potentially reduce overall waste disposal costs by minimizing the volume of material sent to the garbage stream.

Cedar Grove Composting

21902 76th Dr SE, Woodinville, WA 98072

Cedar Grove Composting is based in Bothell, WA, specializing in food waste and composting services for restaurants and other clients. They recycle large amounts of yard and food waste into compost annually, serving the Puget Sound region with delivery options and retail sales of bulk soil and landscape materials. The company also offers compostable packaging products for commercial and residential use. Delivery services include options for shared pickups within a two-mile radius, with additional blower and slinger truck services available through third parties.

4.2

26 Reviews

Bokashicycle WA LLC

7506 69th Ave SW, Lakewood, WA 98498

Bokashicycle WA LLC is based in Lakewood, WA, and specializes in food waste and composting solutions for restaurants and other industries. They use a patented bokashi fermentation process that is scientifically backed to convert organic waste into valuable soil nutrients. This anaerobic fermentation method reduces odors and greenhouse gas emissions while producing products like AgrowTeaTM and AgrowPulpTM that improve soil and plant health. Bokashicycle WA LLC supports a variety of sectors including residential, agriculture, pet waste, and the marijuana industry with sustainable organic waste management.

5.0

1 Reviews

LRI - SALES ROAD COMPOSTING/RECYCLING

10308 Sales Rd S, Tacoma, WA 98499

LRI - SALES ROAD COMPOSTING/RECYCLING operates in Lakewood, WA, providing food waste and composting services primarily for restaurants and other commercial clients. As part of Pierce County Recycling, Composting, & Disposal LLC, the business focuses on environmentally sound solid waste disposal and recycling solutions within Pierce County. They work closely with local businesses, contractors, and regulatory agencies to manage food and yard waste effectively. The company also offers commercial compost sales and guidance on proper disposal of items such as batteries and appliances. Their services are available to residents and businesses within Pierce County.

2.3

3 Reviews

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Understanding Washington's Organics Law (SB 1383)

A significant shift in waste management is underway across Washington, directly impacting Bremerton's commercial sector. The state's Organics Management Law, SB 1383, establishes clear mandates for businesses to recycle their organic waste. The law phases in requirements, and by 2026, businesses generating more than 96 gallons (one cubic yard) of organic waste per week must have a system in place to divert it from the landfill ¹. This includes food scraps, food-soiled paper, and yard debris. For restaurants, cafeterias, and grocery stores, which are typically high-volume generators, compliance is not optional. The law aims to reduce methane emissions from landfills and put valuable organic material to productive use as compost or soil amendment. Proactively setting up a collection service now positions your Bremerton business ahead of the curve and avoids potential future complications.

Setting Up Commercial Organics Collection in Bremerton

The first step for any Bremerton food service business is to contact WMNorthwest to establish a commercial organics recycling service. WM is the designated provider for the city, handling both residential and commercial waste streams ². When you call, a representative will discuss your establishment's specific needs, including estimated volume, storage space, and pickup frequency. They offer a variety of container sizes, from smaller carts to large bins that are mechanically lifted, ensuring there's an option suitable for the back alley or loading dock of your operation ^{3 4}. Signing up for their "Yard + Food Waste Collection" service is the specific pathway to compliance for businesses covered under the state law ¹.

Container Logistics and Placement

Once enrolled, you'll receive designated carts or bins for your organic waste. Proper placement is key for smooth pickup. Containers must be placed at the curb or in another designated collection area by 6:00 AM on your scheduled pickup day ⁵. Ensure the lid is closed and facing the street, and leave at least two feet of clearance on all sides, away from cars, mailboxes, and overhead obstacles like tree branches ⁵. Keeping the area clear allows the collection truck to operate safely and efficiently. If you have multiple carts-for garbage, recycling, and organics-space them at least two feet apart from each other ⁵.

What Can Go In Your Bremerton Organics Cart?

Knowing exactly what materials are accepted is crucial for a successful program and to avoid contamination. WM provides clear guidelines for what belongs in your green organics cart.

Accepted Food Scraps:

• All leftover food, including fruits, vegetables, meats, bones, fish, and dairy products.
• Bread, pasta, grains, and baked goods.
• Coffee grounds and filters, tea bags (staples removed), and eggshells/nutshells ^{6 7}.

Accepted Food-Soiled Paper:

• Uncoated paper products soiled with food, such as napkins, paper towels, and paper plates.
• Pizza delivery boxes (even greasy ones), paper egg cartons, and paper bags used to collect scraps.
• Paper take-out containers that are not plastic-coated ^{6 7}.

Accepted Yard Debris:

• Grass clippings, leaves, weeds, and garden trimmings.
• Small branches and twigs (less than 3 inches in diameter and 4 feet in length) ⁷.

Important Tip: To manage odors and keep carts clean, many businesses use a small countertop pail lined with a paper bag or newspaper to collect scraps in the kitchen before transferring them to the larger outdoor cart.

What Must Stay Out: Avoiding Contamination

Contamination-placing non-compostable items in the organics cart-can ruin an entire load of material, turning it into landfill waste. It's essential to educate all staff on what is not acceptable. The following items should never go in your Bremerton organics cart:

• Plastics: This includes plastic bags, wrap, film, utensils, and containers. Do not bag your food scraps in plastic bags.
• Liquids & Oils: Cooking oil, grease, soups, and other liquids.
• Other Waste: Pet waste, diapers, glass, metal, rubber, or styrofoam ⁶.

Keeping these contaminants out ensures the collected material can be successfully processed into high-quality compost.

Collection Schedule and Syncing with Other Services

For many Bremerton businesses, organics collection is synchronized with recycling pickup. While garbage is typically collected weekly, yard and food waste collection often occurs on a bi-weekly (every other week) schedule ³. Your specific collection day will be confirmed when you set up your service with WM. It is vital to know your schedule and have carts out on time. Missed pickups can lead to overflow, odor issues, and non-compliance. The Bremerton Collection Guidelines provided by WM outline all scheduling and placement rules in detail ⁵.

The Operational and Financial Benefits for Restaurants

Beyond compliance, a well-run organics diversion program offers tangible benefits. The most immediate operational benefit is often a cleaner kitchen waste system. Separating wet, heavy food scraps from dry garbage can reduce odors in trash cans and minimize the risk of leaks. Financially, diverting a significant portion of your waste stream to the organics cart can reduce the volume-and therefore the cost-of your regular garbage service. Because food scraps are dense, removing them may allow you to downsize your garbage dumpster or reduce pickup frequency, leading to direct savings on your bill ^{3 2}. The exact pricing and potential savings depend on your current service level and organics volume, which is why contacting WM for a customized quote is the recommended next step ².

Building a Sustainable Culture in Your Business

Implementing organics recycling is also a powerful statement about your business's values. It demonstrates a commitment to sustainability that resonates with employees, customers, and the Bremerton community. You can promote your efforts as part of your brand story, showing leadership in environmental stewardship. Many patrons actively seek out businesses that align with their ecological values. Furthermore, you are contributing directly to a circular economy-the food scraps collected from Bremerton businesses are processed into compost, which can then be used to enrich soils in local parks, farms, and gardens, closing the loop right here in Kitsap County.

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