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 composting requirements to promote regulatory transparency and avoid confusion.
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)
California – San Diego Zoning for Community Composting
Maryland – Montgomery County Ag Zoning Amendment
