Composting RulesSource Separated Organics Update

Tim Farnan2013 SWANA/AWMA Landfill Operator Training

Why Compost• Composting Reduces Greenhouse Gas

Emissions.– Organic material in landfills creates methane

and leachate.– Finished compost sequesters carbon and

supports healthy plants.• Composting turns waste products into a

valuable product.• Compost is a beneficial soil amendment that

reduces the need for fertilizers and pesticides and uses water more efficiently.

• Lots of waste is compostable

How much can be composted?

Large portions of the Waste Stream are Compostable

• 14.1% of waste stream is food scraps

• 13.7% is yard waste• ~9.9*% is non-

recyclable paper (napkins, paper towels, etc)

*per 1999 MPCA Waste Composition Study

Materials Generation in MSW, 2009 243 Million Tons (before recycling) - EPA

Recycling Goals• Statute 115A.551 calls for achieving a

50% recycling rate in the metro area and a 35% rate in greater Minnesota

• Minnesota Climate Change Advisory Group (MCCAG) in 2008 recommended a statewide goal of 60 percent recycling and 15 percent organics recycling by 2025.

• MPCA strategic plan: – Goal L.1 Ensure solid waste is managed to

conserve materials, resources, and energy.• L1A - By January 1, 2025, achieve a total

reduction of 75 million metric tons of greenhouse gas attributed to changes in waste generation, materials conservation, and resource management practices.

Composting Programs In Minnesota -- Highlights

Organics recycling increased by 22% in 2011 compared to 2010.

Programs across the state include:• Commercial collection in many

communities– Mandatory Commercial Organics

separation in WLSSD– Walmart– Many others

• Residential collections in: Hennepin County, Carver County, Hutchinson, Elk River and many other communities

• Drop-off collections in: Duluth, St Paul, Carver County, others under consideration

• 150+ schools in Hennepin County• University’s including: U of M Twin Cities,

U of M Morris, Carlton• Facilities in: Dakota County, WLSSD, Swift

County, Blue Earth County, Dodge County, McLeod County

Purpose of Rule Process• Recognize state strategy of

moving organic material management up the hierarchy

• Clarify regulatory requirementsappropriate to SSOM composting facilities

• Provide regulatory relief withoutjeopardizing environmental protection

Current Rule Structure

Backyard

MSW Compost Yard Waste

Exempt Permit By Rule Solid Waste Permit

New Rule Structure

Backyard

MSW Compost

Yard Waste

Source Separated Organics

New Category

• SSO sites will also require a solid waste permit• Definition of Backyard Compost Expanding• No changes to Yard Waste or MSW

Process for stakeholder input

How about contact water instead of leachate?

• Three meetings were held to gather stakeholder input: November 2010, October 2011 and February 2012.

• Two informal requests for comments were sought: July of 2010, October of 2011.

• Accepted and considered email comments to rule team members throughout process.

• A formal public comment period will take place after the publication of the proposed rule and statement of need and reasonableness has been released (Anticipated in October 2013)

Rule Schedule

Critical Dates:

• State Register Public Notice – October 2013

• Estimated Completion – Spring/Summer 2014

Rule process questions: Yolanda Letnes, 651-757-2527, yolanda.letnes@state.mn.us

Goals & Considerations• Source Separated Organic

Material (SSOM) must be source separated at the generator, not picked from Mixed Municipal Solid Waste (MMSW) at a transfer station or a landfill

• Goal is not to develop excessively prescriptive standards, but outcome-based ones that are matched to the needs and any environmental or health risk

Issues under consideration

• Depth to water table• Pad requirements• Best Practices/ operational

requirements• Training• Testing and monitoring

requirements• Small Sites (<80 cubic yards)• Feedstocks

Carver County Research Grant

• Evaluate the impact of composting operations on storm water & groundwater

• Will provide further data to ensure appropriate protective measures are in place.

QuestionsQuestions?Technical questions in the following areas should be routed to:• Rule content — Technical expert on

engineering — Tony Bello, 651-757-2219, Anthony.Bello@state.mn.us

• Rule content — Subject matter expert on operations — Ginny Black, 651-757-2233, ginny.black@state.mn.us

• Rule process questions — Yolanda Letnes, 651-757-2527, yolanda.letnes@state.mn.us

• All other organics recycling related issues – Tim Farnan, 651-757-2348, timothy.farnan@state.mn.us