Wenatchee, East Wenatchee and Leavenworth businesses offered free help with food-waste law

WENATCHEE — Restaurants, grocers, hotels and other businesses in Wenatchee, East Wenatchee and Leavenworth that throw out large amounts of food or yard waste can get free, in-person help through March 2027 to meet Washington's organics law.

The three cities are among seven chosen for the state Department of Ecology's Use Food Well Business Technical Assistance Pilot. The others are Burlington, Everett, Mount Vernon and Tacoma. Spokane consulting firm Resource Synergy is running the visits, according to a news release from the company.

Washington's Organics Management Law requires businesses that generate large amounts of organic waste to arrange for it to be collected and composted or otherwise kept out of landfills, and it sets a state goal of cutting food waste by 50% by 2030.

Businesses that take part get a free walkthrough of kitchens or back-of-house areas to size and place organic-waste containers; staff training on sorting; help setting up collection with a local hauler; containers, compostable liners and signs in the languages spoken on site; and advice on preventing food waste and donating extra edible food.

Grocers, food processors, hotels, caterers, schools, restaurants and landscapers are among the businesses being targeted. Advisers will contact larger generators over the coming months, the company said.

"This state-funded technical assistance comes at a critical time to increase awareness and simplify compliance," said Marlene Farrel, executive director of Sustainable North Central Washington.

Businesses that want to sign up or have questions can email kevin@resource-synergy.com or mariah@resource-synergy.com.