Advocacy Resource Materials

In 2011, the USCC initiated a public-private partnership to develop a model compost rule template (MCRT). The template includes a three-tiered permit structure, with design and operating requirements based on materials composted and technology employed.  The foundation of the tiers is the feedstock categories, which are based on the materials’ potential risks to human health and the environment.  The template also includes siting and testing requirements based on quantity and types of feedstocks processed.  The MCRT is anticipated to be a “living document” that will be periodically reviewed and updated as knowledge and experience in compost manufacturing and regulating continue to mature.

We welcome comments and suggestions.  The Legislative and Environmental Affairs Committee of the USCC will periodically review the comments and update the Model Rules as appropriate.

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The types and volumes of VOCs emitted from properly operated commercial composting facilities are naturally occurring (biogenic) and do not pose significant risk to the formation of ground level ozone.

The USCC seeks to explain the nature and role of compost within the framework of the Farm Bill, offer its own positive experiences and provide specific suggestions for the more effective promotion of compost to the benefit of rural, suburban and urban economies and communities in the U.S.

The following statement supports the inclusion, recognition and promotion of compost manufacturing and compost use within the 2012 Farm Bill.

The US Composting Council wholeheartedly supports Raised Bill 1116, An Act Concerning The Recycling Of Organic Materials By Certain Food Wholesalers, Manufacturers, Supermarkets And Conference Centers.

Email to Composting Council Members and Allies that are in or do business in Connecticut:
HELP IMPROVE FOOD SCRAP SEPARATION AND COLLECTION!  Take action NOW!

In 2011 Connecticut legislature enacted PA 11-217 to start pushing source-separated organics from groceries and other major generators towards composting and anaerobic digestion.  This new bill was introduced to address several of the shortcomings in that legislation.

We support the overall intent of the package of changes, and suggest improvements to:

• Definition of Food Materials.
• Regulatory placement of food materials and vegetative food scraps.
• End Product Quality
• Defining “Digestate”
• One percent limitation on incoming feedstock contamination
• use of TMECC standards

AB 323 presents a package of policies that will drive the recycling of yard trimmings and food scraps, not only
resulting in a reduction of pollution and greenhouse gases, but also creating jobs and supporting a
burgeoning clean tech industry.

This two-page summary explains why the US Composting Council is firmly opposed to landfilling yard trimmings, food residuals and other source-separated organics when viable alternatives are available.

Report from the Delaware Solid Waste Management Authority on the impact of yard trimming bans, which concludes that “states or counties with landfill bans receive significantly less yard waste [at their landfills] on a
per capita basis then those without bans.”

The Bottom Line: The US Composting Council is firmly opposed to landfilling yard debris and other source-separated organics when viable alternatives are available. It is an inefficient way to use our organic feedstocks, wasting resources, reducing recycling, and potentially increasing greenhouse gas emissions.

This is a great presentation developed by JD Lindeberg of Resource Recycling that debunks the claims made by the waste industry on the alleged benefits of repealing the ban on landfilling in Michigan. For a PDF version use the download link. For a Powerpoint version click here.

Letters from two different EPA regions demonstrates that the US EPA supports the continuation of landfill bans for yard debris and sees them as essential to ensuring that these resources continue to find their way into reuse markets, such as composting.

This report documents the link between climate change and unsustainable patterns of consumption and wasting, dispels myths about the climate benefits of landfill gas recovery and waste incineration, outlines policies needed to effect change, and offers a roadmap for how to significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions within a short period. Stop Trashing the Climate provides compelling evidence that preventing waste and expanding reuse, recycling, and composting programs — that is, aiming for zero waste — is one of the fastest, cheapest, and most effective strategies available for combating climate change. The report was authored by Brenda Platt, Institute for Local Self-Reliance, David Ciplet, Global Anti-Incinerator Alliance/Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives, and Kate M. Bailey and Eric Lombardi, Eco-Cycle. Click HERE to visit the Stop Trashing the Climate website.

The report prepared by CM Consulting for the Region of Niagara, Canada, provides the ‘true costs’ or ‘full cost accounting’ associated with the environmental and human health impacts of composting, landfill and energy from waste (EFW) for 47,178 tonnes of organic waste projected to be managed in the Region. The results show that in the case of the Region of Niagara, the ‘True Costs’ associated with managing organics are $(15.76) and $32.18 per tonne for composting leaf, yard and brush waste, and food waste respectively, $75.14 per tonne for landfill with gas flaring, 49.37 per tonne for landfill with gas recovery for electricity generation, and from $62.72 – $142.72 per tonne for EFW.

Though ultimately overridden, this documents the successful drive to have Gov. Crist veto the landfill ban repeal.

Biocycle puts the landfill energy myth to bed

This paper for JD Lindeberg and Mike Csapo explain why MI 864 is bad for the economy and the environment. NOTE: This document is placed for the convenience of our members. The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the USCC or our sponsors.