On November 11, 2022, Baltimore’s County Council unanimously enacted zoning regulations that specifically define and address on-farm composting (Bill 73-22). This dedicated zoning code for on-farm composting facilities, distinguishing them from landfills and dumps, alleviated a major barrier to getting on-farm composting operations up and running.
The bill took effect November 21, 2022.
On-Farm Composting in Baltimore County
This regulation established that on-farm composting facilities are permitted by right as an accessory agricultural use.
The bill text was amended from its initial introduction in October 2022 to avoid unique prescriptive parameters, instead requiring on-farm composting facilities to comply with Maryland’s statewide standards for composting operations (COMAR 26.04.11). This alignment with state code avoids conflicting regulations between the state and local level, providing streamlined requirements for farms to compost organic material.
Baltimore County’s definition for on-farm composting facilities is as follows:
“On-Farm Composting Facility – a facility that is located on a farm where the controlled process of aerobic biological decomposition of organic waste material takes place in accordance with Section 404.5 of these regulations and COMAR title 26, subtitle 4, chapter 11. An on-farm composting facility is not a rubble landfill, a sanitary landfill, or an open dump”
The code also provides flexibility to on-farm composting facilities in regards to storage containers for compost piles. Specifically, the use of a shipping container or truck trailer for storing compost is allowed:
Ҥ 404.5. ON-FARM COMPOSTING
1. A compost pile may be stored in appropriate containers, including a shipping freight container or truck trailer, on the farm where the composting facility is located.
2. The parking or storing of a shipping freight container, tractor trailer, or truck trailer on a farm for the sole purpose of housing a compost pile or storing compost does not constitute a trucking facility, truck stop, or a garage.”
More Information
- Read the full bill text here (including amended text)
- Baltimore County – Compost Organic Materials at Home
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Original post from December 20, 2024