Composting

KDHE promotes composting as an alternative to landfill disposal of organics. These organics can include:

  • Yard waste
  • Garden waste
  • Food waste
  • Livestock manure and dead animals
  • Source-separated organics
  • That portion of the municipal solid waste stream that is organic

Composting is defined in Kansas Administrative Regulation (K.A.R.) 28-29-3 as a controlled process of microbial degradation of organic material into a stable, nuisance-free, humus-like product. This term shall not include the following:

  • Manure storage piles, whether turned to stabilize or not turned
  • Yard waste directly applied to agricultural land

Composting Facilities

Composting facilities in Kansas require either a registration or permit depending on the size of the facility. Kansas Statutes Annotated (K.S.A.) 65-3402(y) defines a composting facility as being larger than 1/2 acre in size. Sites under 1/2 acre in composting area are required to register and sites that are 1/2 acre and over in composting area must obtain a permit. 5 types of facilities are recognized in Kansas regulations:

  • Livestock
  • Manure
  • Municipal solid waste
  • Source-separated organic waste
  • Yard waste

Each type of facility has its own regulation beginning with K.A.R. 28-29-25a and ending with K.A.R. 28-29-25f.