1. Composting Rule Update Tim Farnan 2013 Minnesota Composting Council Fall Workshop

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? 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

4. Recycling & Organics 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. Metro Policy Plan calls for organics recovery of 9%-15% by 2030

5. Metro Area Recovery Goals 2010-2030 2008

6. How are we doing currently? 45.1% statewide recycling rate in 2011 – Recycling calculation includes 249,948 tons of organics recovered 4.4% of MSW in MN was recovered through organics recycling in 2011 Organics recycling includes: food to people, food to livestock, composting

7. 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

8. Current Rule Structure Backyard MSW Compost Yard Waste ExemptPermit By RuleSolid Waste Permit

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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 December 2013)

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

13. Rule Schedule Critical Dates: State Register Public Notice – December 2013 Estimated Completion – ~3 months after dual notice without contested hearing – ~ 6 months after dual notice with contested hearing

14. Dual Notice Scheduled for December 2013 Open for minimum of 30 days Comments must be provided in writing to MPCA before the closing date. Substantive changes after dual notice require approval from Administrative Law Judge

15. Stay Informed Sign up for the GovDelivery List at: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNPCA/sub scriber/new Step 1 Step 2

16. 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.

17. 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 Anthony.Bello@state.mn.us Rule content — Subject matter expert on operations – Tim Farnan, 651-757-2348, timothy.farnan@state.mn.us timothy.farnan@state.mn.us Rule process questions — Yolanda Letnes, 651-757-2527, yolanda.letnes@state.mn.us yolanda.letnes@state.mn.us