Government agencies, business, and institutions are developing environmental procurement guidelines and policies that require the purchase of compost to enhance their construction and/or landscaping operations. In addition, more and more of these entities are specifying that the compost be purchased locally, which minimizes transportation impacts, creates demand in the local market for a sustainable compost product, and helps “close the loop” by turning waste into a recycled, value-added product (especially by potentially returning it to the same individuals that generated the original material).
Featured Resource
- Model Compost Procurement Policy With Commentaries to encourage or require the use of compost products created by the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Environmental Law Institute.
Model Policies
Duke University – Compost Procurement
Duke University (Durham, NC) has developed an Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) policy that will reduce the collegiate community’s environmental impact, while developing a local market for compost. .… Read More
King County, Washington – Compost Procurement
King County, Washington, has long been recognized as a leader in environmental product procurement in the country. King County Code (KCC) § 10.14.050 mandates public agencies to purchase sustainable products and implement environmental strategies that meet specific stringent standards.… Read More
NYSDOT – Compost Procurement
By requiring the use of compost in construction and landscape projects, the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) is becoming a model for public agencies seeking to improve their environmental stewardship. Governmental agencies throughout the United States can look toward NYSDOT to see how the public sector is adapting its procurement policies to take… Read More