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.

    • Understanding Regulations (this page)

    • Asset Mapping (coming soon)

    • Choosing a compost system

    • Inviting your community to participate (coming soon)

  • 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

  • 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:

(59:44)

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:

(55:22)

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