HI SB964

Establishes a class of "artisan-scale" composting operations exempt from Department of Health regulations, defined as operations accepting no more than 1,000 pounds or 1 cubic yard per week (whichever is greater), or 3,000 cubic yards of yard trimmings annually.

Requires artisan-scale composting facilities to be located on land zoned industrial or agricultural, not produce vectors/dust/odors impacting neighbors, retain waste no longer than 36 months on-site, and use sufficient bulking agent for proper aeration.

Broadens the definition of "food waste" to include all animal and vegetable solid wastes resulting from storage, preparation, cooking, or handling of food (removing previous language limiting it to food facilities and residences).

Exempts composting facilities designed primarily for organic material (food waste and green waste), on-site school campus food waste programs, and recycling drop-off facilities from the one-half mile buffer zone requirement around disposal facilities.

Takes effect July 1, 2050.