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Composting Rules

Composting Rules. Source Separated Organics Update. Tim Farnan 2013 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.

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Composting Rules

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  1. Composting Rules Source Separated Organics Update Tim Farnan 2013 SWANA/AWMA Landfill Operator Training

  2. 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

  3. How much can be composted? Materials Generation in MSW, 2009 243 Million Tons (before recycling) - EPA 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

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

  5. Composting Programs In Minnesota -- Highlights • 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

  6. Purpose of Rule Process • Recognize state strategy of moving organic material management up the hierarchy • Clarify regulatory requirements appropriate to SSOM composting facilities • Provide regulatory relief without jeopardizing environmental protection

  7. Current Rule Structure Yard Waste Backyard MSW Compost Exempt Permit By Rule Solid Waste Permit

  8. New Rule Structure Yard Waste Source Separated Organics Backyard MSW Compost New Category • SSO sites will also require a solid waste permit • Definition of Backyard Compost Expanding • No changes to Yard Waste or MSW

  9. Process for stakeholder input • 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) How about contact water instead of leachate?

  10. 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

  11. 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

  12. Issues under consideration • Depth to water table • Pad requirements • Best Practices/ operational requirements • Training • Testing and monitoring requirements • Small Sites (<80 cubic yards)

  13. 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.

  14. Questions Questions? 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

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