Rules & Regulations #6 Update
The Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) has opened Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 173-350: Solid Waste Handling Standards to update language around organic materials management. The goal of this update is to support the Organics Management Law, which was passed to increase diversion of organic materials (e.g. food waste, yard trimmings) out of landfills to organic handling facilities. The updated rule will support organic materials management by addressing contamination in the waste stream. The anticipated adoption date is late Fall, 2026.
The Benton-Franklin Health District (BFHD) adopts WAC 173-350 by reference through local provision Rules & Regulation #6 (RR#6) – Solid Waste, for the purpose of establishing minimum standards for solid waste handling in Benton and Franklin counties. As a result of Ecology opening the rule, the Solid Waste program will therefore be evaluating the RR#6 for any necessary updates.
Rule Update Timeline
| Activity |
Anticipated Completion Date |
Date Completed |
| WAC 173-350 draft language review. |
March 2026 |
March 2026 |
| Initial presentation to BFHD Board of Health: Rule update summary, presentation of timeline. |
April 2026 |
April 15, 2026 |
| BFHD Internal Rule Revision workgroup: review BFHD RR#6 for desired changes. |
Ongoing |
April-June 2026 |
| Presentation to BFHD Rule Revision Workgroup. |
July 2026 |
|
| Public and stakeholder comment period. |
September 2026 |
|
| Community and environmental impact analysis: SEPA. |
September 2026 |
|
| Final draft rule preparation. |
October 2026 |
|
| Public hearing and review of public comment. |
October 2026 |
|
| Presentation to BFHD Board of Health: Rule Revision: Final Draft Language and vote on resolution. |
October 2026 |
|
Recent Activities
The Benton-Franklin Health District Solid Waste program has been reviewing its current solid waste provisions, including an analysis of data and public health rationale to support the local rule and any potential updates. Additionally, the program recently presented to the Board of Health a summary on the draft language proposed by Ecology.
Next Steps
The Solid Waste program will continue to evaluate the current rule and prepare to present recommendations for any updates to the BFHD Rule Revision Workgroup in July.
Comments?
Comments or feedback related to the Benton-Franklin Health District Board of Health Rules and Regulations #6, Solid Waste may be sent to:
Bailey Stanger, Living Environment Supervisor [email protected]
Links
Chapter 173-350 WAC – Organics Management – Department of Ecology
Organics Management Law – Department of Ecology
WAC 173-350
WAC 173-350 - Draft Language
WAC 173-351
BFHD Rules & Regulations #6