Understanding compost regulations
The regulatory environment for food scrap composting can be complex.
You need to understand both agricultural and solid waste regulations.
Some states require a compost facility permit, or you may have to file for an exemption.
There may be zoning approval required with local jurisdictions.
If you want to offer off-farm collection of food scraps, for example, at a farmer’s market, this may require some sort of transport approval.
These are just a few of the things to keep in mind.
It’s important to follow composting best management practices to minimize nuisance and avoid regulatory violations, and - importantly - to be a good neighbor.
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Understanding Regulations (this page)
Asset Mapping (coming soon)
Inviting your community to participate (coming soon)
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As you learn, developing and maintaining a log system to track your materials, recipe, and management activities is helpful. It’s very common to need a little troubleshooting as you build your experience and understanding of the composting process. Learn more
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Now that you’ve started, things might not go exactly as you envisioned. This is totally normal, and it’s time to tweak things. Here you’ll find resources on recipe development, improving system efficiency, addressing contamination, and more. (Coming soon)
Resources for Farmers
Other Resources
State Regulations can include:
Small-scale exemptions
On-farm exemptions
Feedstock restrictions
Product registration requirements
Operator training requirements
Product utilization regulations, including sale of finished products
Where to Find Information:
State Department of Environmental Conservation, Environmental Services, or Environmental Programs
State Solid Waste Programs
State Agency of Agriculture (for on-farm composting)
Your local Solid Waste Management Entity
Your town office
Extension offices
Local Regulations often focus on:
Zoning
Rodent, animal avoidance
Type of composting system
Odor & leachate (run-off) management
Solid Waste Management
Do you know how Solid Waste Rules apply to on-farm food scrap composting in Vermont and New Hampshire? In this recorded Compost “Tea Talk" we discuss the relevant Solid Waste Management rules with guests:
Ben Gauthier from VT Department of Environmental Conservation, and
Mike Nork and Paige Wilson form NH Department of Environmental Services
Resources shared during this webinar:
Summary of Vermont Compost Facility Certification Requirements, including volume thresholds for food scraps.
New NH DES food scrap composting regulations
Many of the Rules cross-reference each other. For easy reference - here is a link to all of the NH DES Solid Waste Management Rules
On-Farm Food Scrap Composting & Solid Waste Regulations in Vermont & New Hampshire
Agricultural Regulations
In this recorded webinar we discuss agricultural regulations as they pertain to on-farm food scrap composting. Guest speakers: Stephanie Smith and Laura DiPietro, from Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM), and Bay Hammond, from Vermont Organic Farmers (VOF).
0:00 Intro
2:47 Stephanie Smith, VAAFM
6:11 Zach Szczukowski, VAAFM
7:04 Laura DiPietro, VAAFM
9:07 Bay Hammond, VOF
11:44 Q&A and discussion
Resources shared during this webinar:
Partnering Farms with Communities - A Regulatory and Start-Up Guide for On-Farm Food Scrap Composting for Vermont
Vermont’s Farm to Plate Food Cycle Community of Practice has developed a resource for farmers looking to expand on-farm composting in collaboration with their local community.
Partnering Farms with Communities - a regulatory and start-up guide for on-farm food scrap composting aims to clarify the regulatory landscape for both organic and conventional farms. It lays out potential options for community-oriented solutions to close regional gaps in the food scrap composting infrastructure currently available in Vermont. The guide also outlines strategies that small farms can utilize to create connections with residents, schools, food shelves, grocery stores, restaurants, and other organizations that manage food scraps and nutrients locally.
We now have a limited number of printed copies of this Guide. If you would like to request one, email Natasha@CompostingVermont.org
Audio file and transcript coming
Audio file and transcript coming