Regulations regarding compost production vary from state to state; however, many of them follow related solid waste regulations.
These regulations are designed to protect public health, safety and the environment and can be a significant part of a facility’s operating cost. Keep these factors in mind when applying for a permit:
- The type of material/feedstocks accepted and processed
- The volume of material accepted and processed on site
- Zoning and land use compatibility
- Common regulatory challenges
- Odor issues
- Stormwater violations
- Truck traffic
- Fire
- Dust
- Poor/incomplete recordkeeping
- Land use/zoning violations
See USCC’s State Regulations page for information on your state.
Links and Resources:
Zoning:
US Composting Council: www.compostingcouncil.org/zoning
ILSR: https://ilsr.org/rule/compost-zoning/
Sustainable Develoment Code: https://sustainablecitycode.org/brief/composting-in-agricultural-residential-and-commercial-districts-4/
BioCycle: Compost Facility Permits