COMPOST Act

This bill would treat composting as a conservation practice in USDA farm programs. Farmers could make and use compost on their farms, including organic waste brought in from nearby communities, to improve soil and water retention. USDA must write rules to define what counts as a “nearby” community, and those rules must make sure hauling waste to farms cuts overall greenhouse gases. It also tells USDA to create and update a composting practice standard and expand technical help for farmers. The bill’s purpose includes offering grants and loan guarantees to support composting facilities and programs.

Key points

• Who is affected: Farmers, local communities that supply organic waste, and groups building or running composting facilities.
• What changes: Composting is recognized in USDA conservation programs; USDA and EPA set “nearby community” rules to ensure net climate benefits; USDA creates a composting standard and expands technical assistance; grants and loan guarantees are part of the plan.
• When: After the bill becomes law, with details to follow in USDA regulations.