Rule 3745-560-320 | Compost product distribution requirements for class III composting facilities.
(A) Compost product distribution. The compost product distribution requirements of this rule are not applicable to the owner or operator of a class III composting facility that uses all compost produced from the composting facility exclusively on property owned by the owner of the facility. Any compost product may be blended with other compost products prior to distribution. The owner or operator shall manage and distribute compost as follows:
(1) Only distribute compost that has been sampled in accordance with rule 3745-560-325 of the Administrative Code that meets the compost quality standards of rule 3745-560-330 of the Administrative Code.
(2) Reintroduce compost that does not meet the quality standards into the composting process, take the compost to another appropriate class of composting facility for further composting, dispose of the compost in a licensed solid waste disposal facility, or distribute the compost for an alternative use after approval by the director in accordance with this rule.
(3) Re-sample and re-test any cross-contaminated compost prior to distribution. If compost product is mixed with any amount of additional feedstocks, bulking agents, additives, or other untested compost, then the compost product is considered to be cross-contaminated and no longer a product.
(B) Product information and availability of test results.
(1) Compost product shall contain the following product information for compost product distributed in packaged form and otherwise made available in writing for compost product distributed without packaging:
(a) Name and address of the composting facility.
(b) A notation or label specifying the compost product as compost.
(2) Upon request, the owner or operator shall provide the customer a summary of results from testing conducted pursuant to rule 3745-560-330 of the Administrative Code.
(C) The owner or operator whose compost has been sampled and tested in accordance with rules 3745-560-325 and 3745-560-330 of the Administrative Code and exceeds any of the applicable concentration limits or microbial counts may submit a written request for approval for land application or alternative use of the compost that at a minimum, includes the following information:
(1) Total quantity of compost and a detailed list of all feedstocks, bulking agents, and additives used to produce the compost.
(2) A copy of the test results of the compost pursuant to rule 3745-560-330 of the Administrative Code.
(3) An explanation as to why the compost is unable to meet the quality standards specified in rule 3745-560-330 of the Administrative Code.
(4) A detailed description of the proposed alternative use, if not requesting land application.
(5) A detailed narrative of how the requested alternative use will not adversely affect the public health or safety or the environment.
(6) A copy of test results for soil from the proposed location of land application that include the same parameters for the standards exceeded by the compost.
(7) The location of proposed land application, total acreage to be utilized, and proposed application rate including justification of specific application rates, safe uses, and any applicable restrictions.
(8) Any other information deemed necessary by the director.
(D) Criteria for approval of a request for land application or alternative use of compost that does not meet applicable standards for compost product. The director may approve and condition a request for land application or alternative use of compost that does not meet applicable quality standards if the director determines the following:
(1) The proposed land application or alternative use does not cause or threaten to cause an adverse impact to public health, safety, or the environment.
(2) The proposed land application or alternative use is in accordance with accepted agricultural, silvicultural, or horticultural practices.
Last updated December 1, 2025 at 9:39 AM
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