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.
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: A map of NYS regulated composting facilities processing biosolids, yard waste and/or source separated organics.
NYS P2I Organics Resource Locator: An interactive web based mapping tool of organic waste generators, organics processing facilities and much more.
Cornell Waste Management Institute NYS Compost Facilities Map: A map of composting efforts across and surrounding NYS.
Composting’s Effects on Climate Change
Composting is an effective strategy when tackling the issue of wasted food, which is critical when addressing climate change. About one-third of the world’s arable land has been lost to soil erosion and continues to be lost due to current agricultural practices, triggering a series of effects such as nutrient loss, reduced carbon storage, declining biodiversity, and soil and ecosystem stability. Amending soil with compost will improve the soil’s ability to retain water, increase the organic matter in the soil, and reduce its need for added chemicals like fertilizers and pesticides. Not only can compost protect the climate, build healthy soil, and reduce waste, but it can also create jobs and engage the community.
