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.