“The Model Rule Template will assist state regulatory agencies in development and/or revision of their composting regulations,” says Lorrie Loder, USCC President. “Model composting rules, based on science as well as experience, are needed as a foundation for operators and regulators to help in the permitting process and aid in regulatory oversight.”
Rapidly growing interest in creating programs to recycle food residuals streams generated by grocers, restaurants, food service providers, food manufacturers and households has created demand for composting facilities to receive and process those materials.
A key component of the USCC’s Model Compost Rule Template is a tiered regulatory approach intended to facilitate permitting and oversight of composting operations processing source-separated organics, including food residuals, ensuring operations are protective of public health and the environment while producing quality compost and soil amendments.
“The template includes a three-tiered permit structure, with design and operating requirements based on materials composted,” explains Loder. “Tier 1 is for yard trimmings, wood and similar feedstocks. Tier 2 includes source-separated organic residuals like food scraps, food-soiled paper and manure. Tier 3 is for mixed solid waste, municipal biosolids and other feedstocks that have a higher level of risk from physical, chemical or biological contaminants. The USCC’s goal of creating a Model Rule Template is to ensure consumer confidence in compost quality and facilitate development of the nation’s compost manufacturing infrastructure.”
Established in 1990, the US Composting Council (USCC) is the only national organization in the United States dedicated to the development, expansion and promotion of the composting industry. The USCC achieves this mission by supporting the growth of markets for compost products, promoting best management practices, establishing standards, educating professionals and the public about the benefits of composting and compost utilization, enhancing compost product quality, developing training materials for composters, advocating for sensible and supportive public policies, and encouraging, supporting and performing compost related research.
The USCC’s Model Compost Rule Template can be downloaded at: http://compostingcouncil.org/advocacy-resource-materials/. Comments and recommendations for revisions can be submitted via the Comments Page provided.
Full Disclosure Statement: The GREEN (LIVING) REVIEW received no compensation for any component of this article.
This article is for your information only and the GREEN (LIVING) REVIEW does not (necessarily) approve, endorse or recommend the product, service or company mentioned.
