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Compost rules have been finalized

Three years after the initial consultation, Ontario now has new rules for composting and the use of compost

Composting remains controversial

despite its many benefits, including waste diversion, soil enhancement and water protection. The US EPA notes 

See also the Composting Council of Canada. However, the Ministry of the Environment has struggled to manage odour complaints near composting sites, and issues relating to contaminants in compost, especially when sewage biosolids are used as feedstock. Pulp and paper biosolids have also generated considerable concern in some quarters. The new rules address both issues.

The new rules are found in three parts (1) Ontario Compost Quality Standards (Standards) and (2) Guideline for the Production of Compost in Ontario (Guideline), and (3) supportive amendments to Regulation 347 under the Environmental Protection Act (EPA) and O. Reg. 267/03 under the Nutrient Management Act, 2002 (NMA).

The Standards document includes three new compost standards – AA, A and B:

Category AA

Standards:

Restrictions on Use:

Category A

Standards:

Restrictions on Use:
Category A must include the following labelling information:

Category A compost may be used without an Environmental Compliance Approval (ECA) (both on and off farm).

Category B

Standards:

Restrictions on Use:

Waste or product?

The “retail sale” exception from waste regulation no longer applies to compost. Compost must therefore be handled as “waste” unless it meets specified quality standards, normally Category AA or Category A. Facilities with approvals issued before January 1, 2013 can sell, as a product, compost that meets Category AA requirements for metals, quality of feedstock and pathogens, if its environmental compliance approval sets quality standards for other issues.

Guideline on Composting Facilities

The Guideline on composting facilities includes best practices guidance for composting facilities, including:

Key revisions to the Guideline since consultation include more detailed guidance on odour issues, including:

Existing compost facilities can expect to be pressed to meet the new Guidelines, to the extent practicable.

 

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