Policy is a major driving factor in enabling and mobilizing composting efforts, especially for farmers and local community sites, by providing financial incentives and supporting expansion of infrastructure. This type of legislation mostly falls under the domain of state and local governments, rather than the federal government. A growing number of cities, counties, and states are recognizing the benefits of composting and, accordingly, enacting policy measures that support the creation and expansion of composting programs and efforts.
Model Policies
Maryland – Right to Compost for HOAs and Condos
Washington, D.C. – Zero Waste Omnibus Act to Encourage Composting & Source Separation
In December 2020, Washington, D.C., passed the Zero Waste Omnibus Amendment Act. This legislation is a crucial foundation for the District’s organics site management and recycling infrastructure. The Act covers overarching requirements such as a uniform recycling labeling scheme, source separation requirements, a requirement that waste collectors address contamination in recyclables and compostables, and requires the Mayor to impose a surcharge on recycling disposed of at District transfer stations when contamination exceeds a threshold..… Read More