A representative from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) presented an overview of the recently adopted composting and associated permitting requirements to a meeting of county environmental health directors on October 15.  Land Management Administration Special Assistant Kaley Laleker opened her presentation by noting that while food waste is estimated to comprise 30% of all municipal solid waste, only 7% was recycled in Maryland in 2013.

Laleker covered: (1) the background and purpose of the regulations; (2) adoption process and timeline; (3) classification of compost types and composting facilities; (4) permit exemptions for non-farms, such “backyard” residential composting or certain municipal waste acceptance facilities; (5) permit exemptions for farms; (6) general restrictions for all composting activities; (7)composting facility location, infrastructure, and operational requirements; (8) variances and pilot program approvals; and (9) next steps.

MDE Presentation on Composting and Permitting Requirements

Prior Conduit Street Coverage on Composting

Further information can be found on the MDE Composting webpage.