When it comes to food waste and composting, there are many questions regarding what can be done, and the best way to get it done. There are specifics you should know if you're a restaurant wanting to donate food, a farmer accepting food waste for animals, and especially those wanting to develop your own composting operations.
IWRC's environmental specialists have taken the guess work out of it for you and simplified the rules and regulations. Click below for detailed information that applies to your food waste reduction goals. If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact us.
Information for Compost Facilities
Composting Facility Regulations Permit by Rule - small composting facilities receiving off-premises food/yard waste at a rate of less than 2 tons per week are exempt
Permitted Organic Materials Composting Facilities - IAC 567 Chapter 105 details the requirements for permitted composting facilities as well as the exemptions from the permit
Selling Compost in Iowa - fact sheet that has been compiled to assist those selling compost in Iowa in complying with state regulations
Information Regarding Animal Feed
Animal Proteins in Ruminant Feed and Cattle Materials in Animal Feed - due to risks, there is a federal ban on feeding rendered products to ruminants as well as feeding cattle materials to all animals
Feeding Garbage to Swine - the Federal Swine Health Protection Act and Iowa Administrative Code regulate the treatment and permitting of garbage fed to swine
Information for Donators
Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act - protects organizations from civil/criminal liability when donating food under good faith
General Information
Garden Waste Term Classification - clarification from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources regarding the term "garden waste" as used in defining "yard waste"