Composting/Organics Recycling

This program is involved with the recycling of organic solid wastes. The main focus is on the production and use of compost made from solid waste, and on source-separated organic processing facilities.

Activities include rulemaking, providing technical assistance, implementation of organics recycling regulations, providing information on the environmental aspects of compost production and use, and processing the source-separated organics processing facility (i.e., yard trash processing, manure blending or vegetative waste/animal byproduct/manure composting) registration applications.

The Organics program is also responsible for maintaining The Florida Organics Recycling Center for Excellence (FORCE) website which provides a framework and clearinghouse to promote organics recycling, food diversion and research in a statewide effort to streamline compost processing, research, demonstration, marketing and education in Florida.

Beginning in 2010, Source-Separated Organics Processing Facility (SOPF) Registration Applications and Annual Reports may be submitted electronically through the DEP Business Portal. Registrations expire each year on Aug. 1. 

Visit Source-Separated Organics Processing Facilities for more details on the types of facilities and on composting activities exempt from regulation. 

• Chapter 62-709, F.A.C. - Criteria for Organics Processing and Recycling Facilities.
• Source-separated Organics Processing Facilities Database.

Forms

Publications

• Compost Use in Florida
  This document discusses compost marketing in Florida and describes some of the research results that have been observed. It is meant to transfer information to compost producers and potential compost users. By the Florida Center for Solid and Hazardous Waste Management, December 1998.
• Recycling Yard Trash: Best Management Practices Manual For Florida
  These are guidelines for operating yard trash processing facilities in an environmentally sensitive manner developed by industry representatives, May 1996.