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. 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, 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 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 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 requirements appropriate to SSOM composting facilities Provide regulatory relief without jeopardizing environmental protection

Current Rule Structure Backyard MSW Compost Yard Waste ExemptPermit By RuleSolid 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 Two informal requests for comments were sought: July of 2010, October of Accepted and considered 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, ,

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.

Questions Questions? Technical questions in the following areas should be routed to: Rule content — Technical expert on engineering — Tony Bello, , Rule content — Subject matter expert on operations — Ginny Black, , Rule process questions — Yolanda Letnes, , All other organics recycling related issues – Tim Farnan, ,