U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Regulations for Compost Production and Use

Composting is an excellent tool for stabilizing and facilitating the subsequent utilization of organic waste materials, (e.g., biosolids, municipal solid wastes (MSW), farm wastes and certain industrial wastes. Associated with compost production and utilization are various concerns. These concerns pertain to the ability, during processing and storage, to minimize odor and bioaerosols and to adequately destroy pathogens; and, prior to utilization, the ability to produce compost with sufficiently low pollutants contents, maturity and stability for intended end-uses.Rules and guidance can help assure good compost processing and the best and fullest use of these compost products. This paper will describe the approach the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) took in developing its 40 CFR Part 503 biosolids rule which includes requirements for composting and use of biosolids-containing composts. The paper will also discuss the applicability of the Part 503 rule to composts that do not contain biosolids.