Are there conditions on the size of the compost pile maintained at my institution?

The size of the compost area will generally depend on the equipment and method used. Some methods by design require small, manageable areas for optimal organic breakdown. Other options, usually enclosed, allow for larger areas.

The Ohio EPA offers an exemption that allow anyone to establish a small composting site no larger than 300 square feet. The exemption applies to the footprint area of the pile, but does not set limits on the size (height) of the pile. The 300 square feet limitation includes the footprint of the compost pile and/or equipment as well as the area used for storage of wood chips or other bulking material and the area used for curing the compost. Under this exemption, anyone can compost food scraps, manures, yard waste, wood chips, paper, and other bulking agents from any source. There are no restrictions on how the resulting compost is managed. Testing is not required, but recommended.

Be aware that while Ohio EPA provides a 300 square feet exemption, local rules might restrict the unit to a smaller footprint and restrict the type of waste materials. For example, a municipality might not allow neighbors to bring manure to a small community garden that is surrounded by occupied residences. For more information on these restrictions, please see development.franklincountyohio.gov/projects/chickens-ducks-rabbits/documents/Chicken_Duck_Rabbit_Amendment_7_9_2013_000.pdf

What options do I have for my commercial food scraps?

•    Create waste chart 
•    Divide answers by pre-consumer/post-consumer
•    Sub divide by types of waste
•    Address contamination concerns
•    Off-site: Anaerobic digester, organic composting, direct to farm
•    On-site: Composting, big green

I run a restaurant or commercial kitchen, can I donate my leftover prepared food rather than wasting it?

•    Rules around prepared food donations: 
•    Rules for ingredient donations:
•    Types of food donation organizations: Food banks, community kitchens, shelters
•    Specific organizations: Community Plates, Mid-ohio foodbank, Faith Mission, Van Buren Women’s Shelter

Can I transport food waste from a local school and place them in my backyard composter?

Yes, residents can collect school food waste and compost the waste in their backyard composter or using another method of food waste breakdown. Community gardens can also create such arrangements. You should only transport as much food waste as your backyard system can properly manage. OF NOTE: Prohibitions may exist in local zoning and health codes. In Franklin County, there are few restrictions dedicated specifically to food waste, but general waste regulations exist and could be applied. However, the most restrictive regulations of waste sites are connected to floodways and community gardens. Specific HOA boards may also have restrictions for composting food waste, such as types of permissible containers.

Can my business take food scraps to my school garden or local farm?

Yes, you are permitted to take your personal food waste to a school garden or farm. It is the responsibility of the school or farm to have the required exemptions and proper approvals that will allow them to accept food scraps. Be sure to check with your local school or farm to be sure they are open to accepting the communities food waste, before you show up at their doorstep with a bucket of scraps.

Can I transport food scraps from a commercial kitchen to a compost facility, which is located in a different county?

In Ohio, the state is divided up into solid waste management districts. These districts, which can include a single county or multiple counties, have established rules around what can enter and leave their district. These are called “flow control” rules. These rules may require that any solid waste generated within the district is disposed of or recycled in facilities within the district, unless the transporter has been given approval to move the waste material out of the district. If the district doesn’t have flow control rules, then you can assume the food waste can be transported across county lines.

Below is a list of solid waste management districts reported by Ohio EPA as having flow control rules. Please contact your corresponding district to inquire about waste transport requirements. List of flow controlled districts For a full list of Ohio solid waste districts and contacts, please see the Ohio EPA portal epa.ohio.gov/portals/34/document/general/swmd_chair_list.pdf

What diversion options are available for food scraps generated at businesses or other institutions?

Edible food waste

Donations Food banks Local shelters Food rescue Non-edible food waste animal feed anaerobic digestion composting rendering vermiculture black soldier flies

Can I donate or sell food waste directly to a farm for field usage or livestock feed?

Yes, donations and sales to farms are permissible. It is the responsibility of the farmer or recipient of the food waste to ensure that any permits or approvals required for the chosen recycling or processing method are complete. It is also the responsibility of the recipient to ensure that all accepted food waste is appropriate for the chosen diversion method. This is especially important for animal feed collections. Check on ODA regulations