Section 250-RICR-140-05-8.3 - Small-Scale Leaf, Yard and/or Putrescible Waste Composting OperationsA. General 1. Registration by the Department is not required. It is the responsibility of the owner/operator to obtain all necessary permits or approvals, if required by federal or local laws and regulations, or if required by other regulations of the State.2. Small-Scale Composting Operations shall only accept and utilize the following wastes in the composting operation; leaf and yard waste, certain food wastes including fruits and vegetables, tea leaves, coffee grounds, eggshells, hair, sawdust, manures from animals that eat only plants, clean (uncontaminated) wood chips/bark, hay, straw and shredded corrugated cardboard.3. The following wastes are specifically prohibited and include, but are not limited to, diseased plants, black walnut tree leaves and twigs (releases possible harmful substances), grease, fats, meat scraps and bones, fish scraps and bones, shellfish, dairy products and eggs, oily foods, pet wastes (from dogs, cats, etc.), diapers, sanitary products, coal ash, and charcoal ash.4. Composting operations shall be in compliance with the following requirements: a. The operation shall not cause or be likely to cause pollution of ground water or surface waters.b. The operation shall not have a significant adverse effect on wetlands.c. The operation shall not create objectionable odors beyond the property line of the facility.d. Operating conditions shall be maintained that are sanitary and are not favorable to the harboring, feeding, and breeding of vectors, including rodents and insects that may cause health hazards or nuisances. In the event of vector control problems, the operator shall employ an exterminator or other means approved by the Department.e. The operation shall not create dust or litter problems.f. Storage of finished compost shall be performed in a manner that will not cause dust problems, runoff problems, or objectionable odors beyond the property line of the facility.5. Finished compost shall meet Class A Compost Standards in accordance with § 8.12 of this Part.6. The composting operation shall provide the Department, its authorized officers, employees, and representatives, and all other persons under Department oversight, an irrevocable right of access to the facility at all reasonable times for the purposes of performing inspections and investigations without prior notice.7. If the Department determines the composting operation does not comply with §§ 8.3(A)(2) through (5) of this Part, the operation shall come into compliance with § 8.3(A) of this Part requirements within thirty (30) days of Department notification. Any operation cited by the Department two (2) times within a six (6) month period shall cease accepting any new feedstock from off-site until the composting operation can verify the operation is in compliance with § 8.3(A) of this Part requirements.250 R.I. Code R. 250-RICR-140-05-8.3
Amended effective4/22/2020