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Nearly 170 businesses in California produce compost and mulch. An
extensive survey conducted in 2000 provided the California
Integrated Waste Management Board with key information on the number of
producers, feedstock sources, products, and markets for compost and
mulch. The Waste Board provides regulatory oversight and marketing
assistance to compost and mulch producers.
Permits and Regulations
Most commercial compost producers are subject to regulation, including
permits, in the State of California. Certain aspects of mulch
operations are also regulated. Local
enforcement agencies (LEA) oversee the permitting and oversight of
composting and mulch operations at the local level. The table on
"Regulatory Tiers for Composting Operations and Facilities"
outlines the levels of regulation for various types of operations. Compost Permit Facts may also be helpful.
Information on regulations
pertaining to composting is also available.
The
composting regulations were recently revised (see the Board's
rulemaking site for other proposed revisions).
Facility Operation Resources
Marketing
The CIWMB conducts compost and mulch outreach activities throughout the
state. These activities include exhibiting at agricultural and
landscaping industry show and workshops. They also include the
sponsorship of demonstration projects and partnerships to demonstrate the
effectiveness and benefits of compost and mulch. These projects
include:
A CIWMB article, "New Trends in Sustainable
Farming Build Compost Use," includes tips for
marketing compost to sustainable farmers (Biocycle magazine, July 2000).
Infrastructure Survey
The Board’s May 2003 report,
Second
Assessment of California’s Compost- and Mulch-Producing Infrastructure,
provides the second comprehensive survey of California’s organics
materials management industry. The survey was conducted to update the
information from the first 2001 report, Assessment
of California’s Compost- and Mulch-Producing Infrastructure. These Board sponsored
reports have helped the Board better understand market dynamics and assist
businesses and local jurisdictions in their efforts to market organic
materials. The 2001 and 2003 reports provide information on the number of
operating compost and mulch producers, quantities and types of feedstock,
product quantities by type and region, and feedstock quality. The 2003
report also compares results to 2001 results. Key findings for 2003
include:
- 170 operating entities: 101 composters and 69
processors/chippers and grinders.
- Over 9.8 million tons of material processed into 18 million
cubic yards of products.
- Major product categories: compost (16%), boiler fuel (21%),
ADC (46%), and mulch (13%).
While California’s
compost- and mulch-producing infrastructure increased in the last decade,
current facilities still handle about one-third of the organic materials
collected in the state.
Compost and Mulch Producer/Supplier Resources
The CIWMB offers free advertising to Compost and
Mulch producers on a web-searchable database and is working to increase the number of
registered producers.
Various research projects and demonstrations are also being supported by the CIWMB
to help research and promote the benefits of compost and mulch.
Links
Contacts:
(916) 341-6809 (LEA support, outreach)
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