(1) The following operation requirements apply to all composting facilities.

Ask a legal question, get an answer ASAP!
Click here to chat with a lawyer about your rights.

    (a) The design features pursuant to Fl. Admin. Code R. 62-709.500, shall be properly operated and maintained.
    (b) The facility shall be operated in a manner, with any needed measures taken, to control vectors and odors.
    (c) To insure proper staffing and suitable processing facilities, the following shall be required:
    1. During hours when solid waste is received, an attendant at all facility sites; and,
    2. Communication facilities for use in emergencies at all facilities.
    (d) Measures shall be taken to avoid mixing incoming solid waste with finished compost ready to be used or sold for use to discourage the re-introduction of weed seeds and pathogens.
    (e) More than half of the compost stored at the facility shall be used or sold for use within each year beginning the third year after facility startup. Further, any compost remaining at the facility for three years after it was produced shall be disposed of pursuant to the requirements of Fl. Admin. Code Chapter 62-701, or shall be reprocessed so that it can be sold or used.
    (f) The amount of compost stored at the facility shall not exceed the designed storage capacity.
    (2) In addition to the requirements specified in subsection (1), above, the following requirements apply to composting facilities that process only yard trash or manure.
    (a) Yard trash or manure which will not be made into compost or processed into other usable material shall be removed at least monthly.
    (b) Solid waste other than yard trash or manure received at the facility shall be separated and stored in a manner that prevents vector problems, and shall be removed within 72 hours. However, recovered material which is stored in a manner that prevents vector problems may remain at the facility for up to one year.
    (3) In addition to the requirements specified in subsection (1), above, the following requirements apply to composting facilities that process solid waste, other than only yard trash or manure.
    (a) All waste delivered to the facility shall be confined to a designated delivery or storage area until processed. Any material not processed within 72 hours shall be removed and disposed of pursuant to Fl. Admin. Code Chapter 62-701 Any recovered materials removed from the solid waste stream shall be stored in a manner that prevents vector problems, and shall be removed from the facility at least annually.
    (b) The temperature of the composting solid waste shall be monitored at a depth of two feet into the pile on a daily basis during the initial week of composting and then on a weekly basis until the finished compost is produced. The temperature readings and the length of the composting period shall be recorded. These records shall be kept for at least three years and shall be made available for inspection by Department personnel.
    (4) When a solid waste management facility that produces compost ceases operation, all residuals, solid waste, and recyclable materials shall be removed from the site and recycled, or disposed of pursuant to the requirements of Fl. Admin. Code Chapter 62-701 Any remaining compost shall be used in accordance with the requirements of this rule or disposed of pursuant to the requirements of Fl. Admin. Code Chapter 62-701
Rulemaking Authority 403.061, 403.704, 403.7043 FS. Law Implemented Florida Statutes § 403.7043. History-New 11-21-89, Formerly 17-709.510, Amended 10-22-00.