HB3873 Summary

• Adds a new definition of "food scrap" to the Environmental Protection Act as garbage capable of being composted, separated by the generator from other waste, and managed separately, including food containers and packaging that can decompose.

• Exempts composting facilities from "pollution control facility" classification when used for composting food scrap, livestock waste, crop residue, uncontaminated wood waste, or paper waste, provided they meet specified requirements including setbacks of at least 200 feet from potable water wells and one-eighth mile from residences.

• Requires composting facilities to limit livestock waste to 30,000 cubic yards at any one time, process waste daily into covered windrows or piles, maintain a 5-foot distance from the water table, and comply with floodplain and endangered species protections.

• Changes the Agency's authority from mandatory development of composting standards by January 1, 1994, to discretionary authority to draft performance standards and testing procedures for organic waste compost facilities.

• Expands the definition of "organic waste" to include food scrap, livestock waste, crop residue, and paper waste in addition to landscape and wood waste.