Widespread lack of compost-specific zoning regulations poses a major challenge to community-scale composters across the country. Because many local zoning codes do not include specific language on land use for composting, it gets classified as solid waste, subjecting composters to certain steps that, while necessary for landfills or incinerators, may be unnecessarily prohibitive for small- or medium-sized composting operations.
Zoning code that includes specific language for composting enables composting operations to get up and running more efficiently while also promoting composting that follows best management practices, produces high-quality compost and zoning that protects public and environmental health. Each local jurisdiction determines its own zoning regulations, but local codes should ideally align with any existing state-wide composting requirements to promote regulatory transparency and avoid confusion.
Listing composting as an accessory agricultural activity is one way to ensure the composting may happen on farms across the state or locality regardless of the existence of zoning code explicit to composting.
Featured Resource
- This Model Municipal Zoning Ordinance on Community Composting intends to address zoning and land use barriers to community composting. The resource offers template language with and without commentaries, a background memorandum, and a presentation slide deck. ILSR and community composters contributed to this model, which was released by the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Environmental Law Institute.
- The Ohio EPA provides adaptable model zoning code language that incorporates composting as an acceptable activity at urban farms and community gardens
- ILSR’s Composting for Community map features local and state zoning policies for composting
- (the map automatically selects community composters and all state policies, to see only zoning policies, de-select all categories except “Zoning Policies” under Local Policies and Programs and “Model Zoning Language” under State Policies and Programs.
Model Policies
California – San Diego Zoning for Community Composting
Hawai’i – Zoning for Composting in Agricultural Districts
In 2022, Hawai’i enacted HB1992 HD3 SD1 CD1 (Act 131) to allow composting in agricultural districts by designating it as a permissible land use. The Act also establishes and funds new staff capacity to help eliminate permitting barriers for small-scale compost operations… Read More