Composting in Lake Stevens

♻️ Composting in Lake Stevens

The City of Lake Stevens is committed to protecting our environment, reducing landfill waste, and building healthy, resilient landscapes. Composting is a key part of this effort—and we’re leading by example. 

This page covers:

  • Why composting matters
  • How the City uses compost in public projects
  • Information for property owners and businesses
  • Education and resources for getting started

🌿 Why Composting Matters

Compost is nutrient-rich organic material made from food scraps, yard debris, and other compostable items. Instead of sending these materials to the landfill where they generate harmful methane gas, composting gives them new life.

📉 Reduces Greenhouse Gases 
🌱 Builds Healthier Soil 
💧 Conserves Water 
🛠️ Boosts Local Green Jobs

🏛️ How the City Is Leading by Example

Lake Stevens is integrating compost into our public projects and daily operations to support a cleaner, greener community. The City uses compost in multiple ways, including:

  • Landscaping for parks and public buildings
  • Street tree plantings and median beautification
  • Erosion control and stormwater management projects
  • Soil restoration in public construction areas

Using compost helps improve long-term maintenance, reduces water use, and supports local compost producers. 

🏘️ For Property Owners & Businesses: Get Involved!

You can help grow healthy landscapes and reduce waste by composting at home or in your business. Whether you’re a homeowner with a garden or a restaurant generating food scraps, your actions make a difference.

How You Can Use Compost:

  • Improve your garden or lawn health with local compost
  • Landscape with purpose—ask your landscaper to use compost-based soil
  • Choose compostable products and dispose of them properly

For Businesses:

  • Set up compost collection for food scraps and yard waste
  • Use certified compostable products in your operations
  • Purchase and apply compost in landscaping and development projects
  • Compost collection is required for certain businesses:
    • The City of Lake Stevens is within a BOMA (Business Organics Management Area) where businesses must manage their organic waste using an organics collection service or an alternative method. Per RCW 70A.205.545, starting January 1, 2026, a business within a BOMA that creates 96 gallons or more of organic materials per week must manage their organic waste using organics collection service or an alternative method.

96container

Image Courtesy of WA Department of Ecology of a 96-gallon container.

📢 Let’s Work Together

Do you want to learn more about composting and natural yard care? Reach out to the Environmental Programs Team at environmentalprograms@lakestevenswa.gov to learn more or visit Washington State’s Composting Program for more information.  

🔗 Learn more about Washington State’s Composting Program 

🔗 Why Compost

🔗 Read Lake Stevens Municipal Code 3.55