Local Enforcement Agency (LEA) Central

Compostable Materials Initiatives

Compostable materials make up well over one-third of most jurisdictions’ waste streams. State mandated diversion requirements have resulted in an increasing number of compostable material processing operations.

An increased reliance on composting, chipping and grinding, and other compostable material processing operations is expected in order to meet State-mandated diversion goals. The public’s concern with odor threatens existing and future siting of compostable material processing operations. This could negatively impact the State’s ability to meet diversion goals, use up valuable landfill space, and create additional waste disposal problems.

The increased use of compostable material processing in California requires a higher level of involvement by the CIWMB to address odor problems and other concerns. The CIWMB is in the process of developing another set of regulations and/or guidance (Phase II) to address additional issues to assure the safe handling of compostable materials.

In addition to the Phase II regulatory effort, to address odors and other concerns at compostable materials processing operations, CIWMB staff has embarked on two major initiatives and developed a frequently asked questions page with answers from CIWMB staff:

• Frequently Asked Questions
• Comprehensive Compost Odor Response Project (C-CORP)
• Operational Challenges/Concerns Assessment Procedure (OCAP)

Board staff has also developed an Organic Materials Management web site where you'll find information on compost, mulch, grasscycling, and other topics related to the management and use of organic resources.

Past Initiatives

• 2000 Regulatory Initiative
• 1999 Interagency Research Initiative (Cal Poly Contract)
• 1998-99 Compost Odor Management Initiative (SB 675)

Last updated: April 18, 2008