Advocacy Resource Materials

Welcome to our new resource center for materials to assist in advocating for compost-friendly policies.

The Institute for Local Self Reliance maintains an EXCELLENT collection of local and state rules that support the development of a robust composting infrastructure. CLICK HERE to open that collection.

Climate Change
Persistent Herbicide Fight
PFAS (PolyFluoroAlkyl Substances)
Policy--National
Policy--State and Local
Preserving Landfill Bans


Comment Letter to US House Ag Subcommittee on Farm Bill


Template 2018 Farm Bill Letter for House Agriculture Committee

Support the USCC position to keep funding for food scrap diversion pilots in the 2018 Farm Bill. Download this template letter, copy and send to the House Agriculture Committee member from your state:

(ALASKA
ARIZONA
ARKANSAS
CALIFORNIA
DELAWARE
FLORIDA
GEORGIA
ILLINOIS
IOWA
KANSAS
KENTUCKY
LOUISIANA
MASSACHUSETTS
MISSISSIPPI
MISSOURI
NEW HAMPSHIRE
NEW MEXICO
NEW YORK
NEBRASKA
NORTH CAROLINA
OHIO
PENNSYLVANIA
TENNESSEE
TEXAS
VIRGINIA)


USCC Position of Regulating VOC Emissions from Composting

The types and volumes of VOCs emitted from properly operated commercial composting facilities are naturally occurring (biogenic) and do not pose significant risk to the formation of ground level ozone.


Model Compost Rule Template Version 1.1


In 2011, the USCC initiated a public-private partnership to develop a model compost rule template (MCRT). The template includes a three-tiered permit structure, with design and operating requirements based on materials composted and technology employed. The foundation of the tiers is the feedstock categories, which are based on the materials’ potential risks to human health and the environment. The template also includes siting and testing requirements based on quantity and types of feedstocks processed. The MCRT is anticipated to be a “living document” that will be periodically reviewed and updated as knowledge and experience in compost manufacturing and regulating continue to mature.

We welcome comments and suggestions. The Legislative and Environmental Affairs Committee of the USCC will periodically review the comments and update the Model Rules as appropriate.


USCC Comments of the Food Safety Moderization Act’s proposed composting regulations

For compost manufacturers whose product is destined for use on food crops with a potential for compost to be on the final product and whose composts include manures or food scraps, we recommend a two-tier approach.  A stricter level of testing to allow no application-to-harvest restrictions and a standard level that includes the USDA-recommended 45-day separation between application and crop harvest.


Letter in Opposition to EPA Renewable Fuel Standard Rule Revision

The USCC opposes US EPA’s proposal to expand the renewable fuel pathways for landfill biogas-to-electricity to qualify as a renewable fuel.

More info on the proposed standards can be found at http://www.epa.gov/otaq/fuels/renewablefuels/regulations.htm


U.S. Composting Council (USCC) Position Statment: 2012 Farm Bill

The USCC seeks to explain the nature and role of compost within the framework of the Farm Bill, offer its own positive experiences and provide specific suggestions for the more effective promotion of compost to the benefit of rural, suburban and urban economies and communities in the U.S.

The following statement supports the inclusion, recognition and promotion of compost manufacturing and compost use within the 2012 Farm Bill.