Bill > SB279

This bill modifies regulations related to composting operations in California by increasing the amount of material that can be considered an "excluded activity" from 100 to 500 cubic yards, and expanding the types of composting activities that can be exempt from full solid waste facility permit requirements. Specifically, the bill allows composting of agricultural materials from large-scale biomass management events (like crop rotation or whole orchard/vineyard removal) to be considered an excluded activity, with provisions for acquiring and using additional agricultural materials. The bill also enables composting operations in the "enforcement agency notification tier" to accept up to 10% food material by volume for up to five years before needing a full solid waste facility permit, provided they have between 500 and 12,500 cubic yards of material onsite and comply with existing regulations. Additionally, the bill increases the annual limit on giving away or selling compost product from 1,000 to 5,000 cubic yards for certain types of composting operations. These changes aim to provide more flexibility for agricultural and small-scale composting operations while maintaining environmental and regulatory oversight.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB279