The City of Tacoma’s TAGRO biosolids program was recognized in October for its decades-long history of quality, innovation and giving back to the community with the 2011 Excellence in Biosolids award from the Northwest Biosolids Management Association.

“The City of Tacoma was forward-thinking with their decision to use dual digestion, produce Class A biosolids, and turn that product into a retail product that would ‘give back’ to the City residents. They were a trendmaker in that respect,” said Peggy Leonard of King County Wastewater. The Excellence in Biosolids award also honors TAGRO’s continuing efforts to innovate and benefit the community, recognizing the City of Tacoma program’s role in supporting the newly revitalized community garden efforts. “The City of Tacoma’s TAGRO program is a role model for successful, sustainable management of biosolids and in building grassroots support for biosolids recycling,” said Leonard. The City of Tacoma’s wastewater utility began offering free dried biosolids for use in home gardens in the 1950s. The current TAGRO program began in 1991 with the classic TAGRO Mix, a compost-like soil amendment product that made Tacoma-area lawns greener, gardens healthier and trees taller. TAGRO has continued to expand its list of sustainable, cost-effective and adaptable offerings, now including potting soil, many agricultural mixes, and experiments with rain garden and green roof mixes. And you can still get TAGRO Mix for free (if you shovel it yourself).

Short for “Tacoma Grow,” TAGRO premium soils are made from a blend of wastewater byproducts called biosolids and other weed-free gardening components. All-natural TAGRO consistently earns the highest safety rating from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “Class A – Exceptional Quality,” for use in landscaping, vegetable gardens and indoor container gardens. TAGRO products are available for pickup or delivery all year. For hours, directions, current prices and other information, go to http://www.tagro.com or call (253) 502-2150.