Composting

Composting is the controlled aerobic decomposition of organic material such as food scraps, leaves, etc. that creates a nutrient rich product called compost. Common materials that are composted include food scraps, biosolids, yard trimmings, manure, animal bedding, animal mortalities, etc.

Composting Methods

Composting occurs across the state in various forms:

• Onsite/Home Composting
• Vermicomposting
• Windrow Composting
• Aerated Static Pile Composting
• In-Vessel Composting

Learn more about the types of composting and the composting process (link leaves DEC's website).

New York State Regulations

Composting operations in New York State are regulated by 6 NYCRR Part 361-3.2 in one of three ways: exempt, registered or permitted. Regulation of composting facilities depend on the location, quantity and type of material composting.

Summary of Composting Regulations (by quantity and type of material)

How to apply for a composting registration or permit

In accordance with the regulations, regulated composting facilities are required to submit an annual report to the Department by March 1st of every year summarizing their inputs, outputs and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Composting Around the State

NYS Open Data Composting - Solid Waste Management Facilities Map (link leaves DEC's website): A map of NYS regulated composting facilities processing biosolids, yard waste and/or source separated organics.

NYS P2I Organics Resource Locator (link leaves DEC's website): An interactive web based mapping tool of organic waste generators, organics processing facilities and much more.

Cornell Waste Management Institute NYS Compost Facilities Map (link leaves DEC's website): A map of composting efforts across and surrounding NYS.