California Integrated Waste Management Board

Organic Materials Management

Compost and Mulch Producers

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 can be viewed on the the Board's website.

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).

Product Quality
The quality of a compost product can be determined by testing for specific characteristics, including pH, soluble salts, nutrient content, organic matter, maturity, and stability. Appropriate ranges for specific characteristics depend on the type of application. Several resources are available to assist compost operators and purchasers in determining the suitability of a compost product for a specific type of application.

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)

Last updated: May 20, 2008
Organic Materials Management http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/Organics/ 
Contacts: http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/Organics/Contacts