Compost Policy
Too often, policymaking is done by government bureaucrats, elected officials, and corporate-paid lobbyists; whereas community compost laws and policies should be written with guidance directly from the composters!
Many U.S. cities and states are currently developing landfill diversion plans, meaning that compost policy is being shaped right here and now. Our goal is to help community composters embrace their role as informed compost policy advocates. The following resources describe a few processes in which compost policy is made at varying levels of government, providing examples of how local composters have gotten involved.
Everyone can become a policymaker.
Public policy impacting the composting industry is made at local, state, and federal levels, and it is created through a variety of processes. Most of the time, the instructions for getting involved are published online, so it’s a good idea to frequently visit websites or get on an email list of any state or local agency that deals with agriculture, waste, air, water, or the environment.
Rulemaking
Laws aren’t made only by legislators. Often, legislators require public agencies to make rules, and the agencies follow a special process that involves publishing a draft, then gathering and incorporating public input. Some agencies do multiple rounds of this until they adopt a final rule. Rulemaking proceedings are where some of the most critical details of compost law will be sorted out, so it’s important for composters to get involved and give input through letter writing, phone calls, and attending hearings.
Legislation
Every year, a growing number of state bills and local ordinances are introduced that mention composting. Many will have little impact on community composters, but some do, so it’s important to track such legislation and give input in proceedings. In some cases, community composters may want to spearhead legislation to proactively address their needs. Ballot initiatives are laws that are voted on by the general public. If passed, they operate just like a law passed by a legislative body.
Bids and Contracts
When cities establish systems for collecting and hauling organic waste, they often seek bids from and contract with private hauling companies. Whether or not you want to secure such a contract, it’s important to give input in the bidding and contracting processes, because the process can still have an impact on whether you can independently collect organic matter. The contracting process, itself, can result in changes to local waste ordinances, so it’s effectively a legislative process in some cases.
Host a soil policy party!
It can be challenging for one composter or one farmer to get the ear of legislators and regulators, so it’s important to organize larger groups and coalitions that bring together leaders and organizations impacted by compost policy. Advocacy takes many shapes and requires a range of activities and skills. It may involve learning, problem-solving, communicating, or organizing people. It could involve quiet letter-writing or loud protest.
No matter what shape it takes, there’s room and a need for everyone to participate. The following “Soil Policy Party” curriculum offers suggested ways to you can dig in, learn, and take action with soil avengers in your community.