California
In the wake of a year of destructive wildfires, CA AB2411 is making its way through the California Assembly with requirements to use compost in post-fire recovery.
The bill requires the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) to develop and implement a plan to maximize the use of compost for slope stabilization and establishing vegetation in the course of providing debris removal services following a wildfire. This bill requires CalRecycle, in consultation with the Department of Transportation (CalTrans) to identify best practices for CalTrans’ 12 districts regarding the cost-effective use of compost along roadways.
The bill (see analyses here) is being supported by the USCC’s California Chapter, the Association of Compost Producers, as well as the Biodegradable Products Institute, Central Contra Costa Solid Waste Authority and Western Placer Waste Management Authority.
Illinois
The Illinois legislature passed HB4790– Increase Compost Use. This legislation increases the use of compost in transportation projects at the state, creates two pilot road construction demonstrations for completion in 2019 using compost amended soil, and helps create a market for the use of compost in Illinois.
Maryland
The HB 171 Study Committee on Yard Waste, Food Residuals, and Other Organic Materials Diversion and Infrastructure met in Baltimore in July to continue reviewing models for compost infrastructure in several northeast states and California (designated in the legislation). Committee members include the Maryland-DC Composting Council; USCC member Institute for Local Self-Reliance, and other stakeholder groups. The Committee, facilitated by the Maryland Department of the Environment, expects this fall to begin developing recommendations after reviewing approaches to provide incentives for compost facility and anaerobic digestion capacity.
For more information, visit www.compostingcouncil.org.