Resources
Compost Organizations
Washington Organic Recycling Council 
Find a compost producer in your area  
www.compostwashington.org 
US Composting Council
Seal of Testing Assurance (STA) program 
www.compostingcouncil.org/programs/sta/
Restoring the Soil to Protect our Waterways 
www.soilsforsalmon.org  
Compost amendment and erosion control 
during construction: information for builders 
www.buildingsoil.org  
Natural Lawn & Garden Care, Soils, and Home 
Composting
City of Seattle
www.seattle.gov/util/services/yard
King County
www.kingcounty.gov/soils
Washington State University
www.puyallup.wsu.edu/soilmgmt/  
The Beauty of Your Lawn and Garden 
Blossoms from the Soil
Thank you for your interest in compost.
Compost is a versatile product with many benefits.  It enhances 
soil quality, helps save water, and supports your community’s 
efforts to recycle organic debris.  All this helps to conserve our 
natural resources and reduces the amount of material sent to the 
landfill.
Compost-amended soil also helps break down pollutants and 
absorb stormwater runoff.  By making nutrients slowly available 
to plants and enhancing plant health, compost can reduce the 
need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides.  All these benefits 
help protect our lakes, rivers, and marine waters from pollution 
and excessive runoff.
Compost is a natural amendment for your lawn or garden, and 
can be used regularly to enrich your soil.  This guide is designed 
to help you get the most from the compost that you buy.