The Washington Organic Recycling Council provides a unified statewide voice on many issues: research, education (through WORC sponsored Operator Training & Certification Programs), product safety and standards, government regulations, environmental planning, trade, marketing, and public education and involvement.

Since 1991, WORC has been recognized as the statewide organization representing organic recyclers, and facilitates communication between the private and public sectors. The Council works closely with state and regional organizations, such as the Washington State Recycling Association, the Clean Washington Center, and the Northwest Biosolids Management Association, to promote and encourage recycling of organic materials. Nationally, WORC coordinates with other state composting organizations and the US Composting Council.

WORC is a nonprofit organization formed in response to demands for increased recycling of organic materials. We are a very diverse group that includes organic waste processors, government officials, vendors, consultants, educators, students, researchers, and private citizens. One thing we all have is common: We all firmly believe in and work to support the organic recycling industry in Washington State.

What are WORC's priorities?

Support organic recycling, create jobs, and provide long-term environmentally safe alternatives to conventional or outmoded waste-handling practices, such as land filling and outdoor burning.

Promote composting, wood sorting and grinding, and other methods of producing value-added recycled products.

Support market development to increase sales of compost, mulch, and wood products.

Foster cooperation among public and private organizations involved in organic recycling, and work for sound and reasonable standards and regulations. WORC provides an active network for all people interested in the organic recycling industry to increase awareness about important issues and events.

Support technical training, scientific research, collection and processing innovation, and new product development.

Encourage education and involvement of Council members and the public about organic recycling. Successfully lobbies at the state-wide level for organics recovery and use including the inclusion and specification of compost products in state programs.

WORC participated in the development and review of the Compost Quality Guidelines written by the Department of Ecology.

WORC developed technical expertise and training programs for composters, regulators, and consultants such as the Compost Facility Operator Training Program and Roundtables.

WORC develops and promotes programs that educate about the benefits of compost, and support the marketing of recovered organics material. The Soils for Salmon Project has been recognized both regionally and nationally as an award winning program.

These goals could not be carried out without the cooperation of all parties interested in the organic recycling industry. Your participation in WORC will help strengthen the voice of Washington's organic recycling industry.

There are many reasons to join WORC beyond the choice to support organics recycling in Washington state. Specific membership benefits include:

• Opportunities to network with others in the organic recycling field at WORC meetings and social gatherings.
  

• Newsletters and announcements containing vital news and information.
  

• Opportunities to attend meetings, demonstrations and conferences (some offer reduced registration fees for members) on issues of interest to Washington organic recyclers.
  

• Technical education through professional operator training and field demonstrations.

• Updates about regulatory issues affecting organic recyclers, including product and facility standards, odor management and surface or ground water permitting requirements.

• Updates about new businesses and opportunities, research developments, and scientific innovations.

• Experienced representation at the state legislature, the Department of Ecology, and local health agencies in support of the needs of all organic recyclers.