Composting

Composting

Composting is nature’s way of recycling. It is the natural decomposition of organic material (from plants and animals) such as leaves, yard trimmings, and food waste (e.g., fruit and vegetable scraps). Microorganisms and insects break down this material into compost – a crumbly, dark-colored, earthy-smelling, soil-like material. Compost is a nutrient-rich product that can be used in your garden and flower beds and on your lawn.

How do I start composting at home?

EPD encourages the composting of acceptable organic materials as a means of diverting organics from landfills. Under the Georgia compost rules, backyard composting is exempt from state regulation. If you don't have the space to compost at home, there are businesses that offer pick-up services. Some local community gardens also might accept your kitchen scraps. If you are interested in backyard composting, there are many websites and documents that offer guidance, including:

I want to start a composting business in Georgia. Where should I begin?

The Georgia Rules for Solid Waste Management offers many options for composting operations in Georgia. See Chapter 391.3.4-16 for information on the types of solid waste handling permits and exemptions for composting operations.  

What is composting feedstock and how do I know if I need a solid waste permit?

Feedstock is defined as any organic material used in the production of compost or processed in an anaerobic digester. Feedstock is further broken down into specific categories, such as yard trimmings, agricultural residuals, and sludge, according to the Georgia Rules for Solid Waste Management (Chapter 391-3-4.16(4)). Knowing how your feedstock is categorized is important to determine if you are exempt, need to obtain a Solid Waste Handling Permit (SWHP) or Permit-by-Rule (PBR).

How do I apply for Composting permit or Permit-By-Rule?

The Georgia EPD Online System (GEOS) is the online portal for electronic submissions of permit applications, forms, and reports. 

Sign Up or Login to GEOS

Does our community garden need a permit to accept food scraps?

Yes. If your community garden wants to accept food scraps from off-site, you need a “permit-by-rule” (PBR) under the Georgia Rules for Solid Waste Management, Chapter 391-3-4.16(5)(b). In general, a PBR is a less stringent form of permitting that is used for operations that have been deemed to present a lower risk of harm to human health and the environment. If you accept more than 500 tons of food scraps per calendar month, the operation will need a full solid waste handling permit. Operational information and details on how to submit a PBR Notification can be found here:

Do I need a permit to operate a collection service for compostable food scraps?

Yes. If, either as part of your composting operation or as a stand-alone business, you are collecting food scraps and transporting them to a composting operation, you are required to have a collection PBR. An operation is considered collection if the collector is aggregating or combining materials from multiple individuals or picking up from multiple locations per day. This includes house-to-house pick-up, as well as roll-off/dumpster operations. Operational information and details on how to submit a PBR Notification can be found here:

Where can I find a composting business or compost hauler?

This list is not inclusive of all permitted compost operations, as other permitted facilities (such as landfills) may also compost through their existing permit. Please contact these providers for more information on their operations, whether they accept from the public or not, and accepted feedstocks. Please contact your local waste/recycling provider to determine if composting is available in your area.

Additional Resources