In February 2010, Florida adopted Administrative Code 62-709.305, which exempts backyard composting, small-sized composting, and certain on-farm composting from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (FDEP) permit and registration requirements.
Exemptions for Composting
Rule 62-709.305 provides the following composting activities with state permitting and registration exemptions as long as they do not cause public nuisance, adversely affect the environment or public health, or violate other state or local laws;
- Backyard composting and the resulting compost
- On-farm composting meeting the following criteria:
- Composting of wastes generated on the farm (as part of agronomic, horticultural, or silvicultural operations) for use on the farm (as part of agronomic, horticultural, or silvicultural operations)
- Composting of yard waste, manure, or vegetative wastes generated off the farm, for use on the farm (as part of agronomic, horticultural, or silvicultural operations)
- Composting of wastes generated on the farm (as part of agronomic, horticultural, or silvicultural operations) for sale or use off the farm
- Although no permit is required, the generator must meet the requirements of Florida Administrative Code Rules 62-709.530, 62-709.550, and 62-709.600 (detailed below) for any compost that is sold for use by persons other than the generator
- Composting of yard waste, manure, or vegetative wastes generated from off the farm, for sale or use off the farm
- Although no permit is required, the generator must meet the requirements of Florida Administrative Code Rules 62-709.530, 62-709.550, and 62-709.600 (detailed below) for any compost that is sold for use by persons other than the generator
- Composting of solid waste generated on-site or off-site, when there is no more than 100 cubic yards on site at any one time of solid waste to be composted or undergoing the composting process and finished compost being stored for use
Florida Administrative Code Rule 62-709.530 sets testing, recording, and reporting requirements for composting. Rule 62-709.550 adopts compost classifications based on the type of waste processed, product maturity, amount of foreign matter, particle size and organic matter content, and concentration of heavy metals. Rule 62-709.600 establishes criteria for the use of compost.
More Information
- Chapter 62-709 Criteria for Organics Processing and Recycling Facilities – Florida Department of State, Florida Administrative Code & Florida Administrative Register