Top Composting & Food Waste in Burien, Washington Ranked

For food service businesses in Burien, managing organic waste is not just an environmental choice-it's a city mandate. Burien has implemented specific regulations requiring all food businesses to use certified compostable serviceware and subscribe to organics collection services. This framework is designed to divert food scraps and soiled paper from landfills, turning them into valuable compost. Partnering with the franchise hauler Recology, the city provides a structured system of separate carts for organics, recycling, and garbage to streamline compliance. Understanding these rules is essential for restaurant owners, cafe managers, and grocery operators to avoid contamination fees and contribute to Burien's sustainability goals.

LRI LANDFILL

17925 Meridian E, Puyallup, WA 98375

LRI LANDFILL, operating under Pierce County Recycling, Composting, & Disposal LLC, provides solid waste disposal and recycling services in Puyallup, WA. The facility focuses on food waste and composting solutions for restaurants and other commercial customers within Pierce County. They offer commercial compost sales and manage multiple transfer stations across the region. LRI emphasizes environmentally sound waste management practices and collaborates with local businesses and regulatory agencies to support sustainable disposal methods.

4.2

356 Reviews

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 Burien's Mandatory Organics Program

The cornerstone of Burien's approach to food waste diversion is its mandatory organics collection program. This ordinance requires every business that sells or serves food or beverages-including restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, and food trucks-to participate. The mandate has two key components: first, you must subscribe to a commercial organics collection service; and second, you must use food serviceware that is certified compostable for all dine-in and takeout items^{1 2}. This law, which took full effect on July 1, 2022, positions Burien as a leader in Washington's efforts to reduce landfill waste and greenhouse gas emissions from decomposing organics³.

The logic behind the mandate is straightforward. When food waste and compostable packaging are kept separate from garbage, they can be processed into nutrient-rich soil amendments. This process recovers resources, reduces methane emissions from landfills, and supports a circular economy. For businesses, proper sorting into the correct carts is the daily practice that brings this city-wide system to life.

Your Partner in Collection: Recology Services

Recology serves as the designated franchise hauler for commercial solid waste services in Burien. This means your business will work directly with Recology to set up and manage your waste collection. The system is built around three distinct streams, each with its own cart:

• Organics Cart (Green): For all food scraps, food-soiled paper (like napkins, paper towels, and pizza boxes), and certified compostable plates and cups.
• Recycling Cart (Blue): For empty, clean, and dry containers like plastic bottles, glass, metal cans, and cardboard.
• Garbage Cart (Gray): For items that cannot be composted or recycled, such as plastic bags, polystyrene foam (Styrofoam), and non-compostable utensils^{1 4 5}.

Recology will provide you with these carts and establish a pickup schedule based on your business's volume and needs. It's important to note that if your business is located in downtown Burien, there is an additional requirement to keep bins locked or within a secured enclosure, unlocking them only during business hours or for scheduled collection times⁶.

The Critical Rule: Avoiding Contamination

Contamination occurs when non-compostable materials are placed in the organics cart. This is a major focus for the city and Recology, as it can disrupt the composting process. Common contaminants include conventional plastic utensils, straws, polystyrene foam containers, and any plastic film or bags^{4 5}.

To prevent contamination and potential fees, your business must ensure that only certified compostable serviceware is used for customers. Look for certifications from the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) or Compost Manufacturing Alliance (CMA) on items like plates, bowls, clamshells, and cups^{1 7}. It's equally important to train your staff thoroughly on what goes into each cart. A simple mistake, like tossing a plastic straw into the organics bin, can lead to contamination issues.

Sourcing Compliant Compostable Products

Finding the right products is key to compliance. The city's law specifically requires that food serviceware be "certified compostable." This is more than a marketing claim; it requires third-party verification that the product will break down safely and completely in a commercial composting facility. BPI and CMA are the most widely recognized certifications in the industry⁷.

When purchasing supplies, check with your distributor for BPI- or CMA-certified options. Many regional and national suppliers now carry full lines of compliant products, from containers and cutlery to hot cups and lids. Remember that exemptions exist for items like straws, produce bags, and pre-packaged foods, but the core serviceware used for prepared meals must meet the standard⁸. If sourcing compliant products presents a significant hardship, the city does have a process for requesting a temporary waiver².

Cost Considerations and Available Support

Commercial waste collection costs in Burien are not fixed; they vary based on your specific service needs. Your rates with Recology will depend on factors like the size and number of carts for each stream (organics, recycling, garbage) and the frequency of pickup required for your operation^{9 7}. To get an accurate quote for your business, you must contact Recology directly for commercial pricing.

The City of Burien is committed to helping businesses succeed under this mandate. They offer a suite of free educational materials to aid with staff training and customer communication. These resources include bin labels, instructional posters, and guidelines that clearly illustrate what belongs in each cart. You can request these materials by emailing the city at environment@burienwa.gov^{4 9}. Utilizing these tools can streamline your internal processes, reduce sorting errors, and help you avoid the fees associated with contamination.

Building a Sustainable Routine

Integrating these practices into your daily operations creates a sustainable routine that benefits your business and the community. Start by conducting a waste audit to understand your output, then set up clearly labeled and color-coded collection stations in your kitchen and customer areas. Consistent staff training is the most effective way to ensure long-term compliance and cost control. By mastering Burien's organics diversion system, your business not only meets legal requirements but also demonstrates a genuine commitment to environmental stewardship, which can resonate positively with customers who value sustainability.

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