What approvals and siting issues can I expect to encounter when planning a centralized composting facility?
Most local governments regard composting sites to be waste management facilities which require formal approvals or licenses. Some councils have exempted some types of composting (such as leaf and yard waste facilities) from the full approval process, but still require that they be properly sited and operated. Municipal governments should also be consulted about by-law and other siting requirements. Most jurisdictions are concerned about issues such as the distance to neighbours, local soil conditions and potential impacts on local water and groundwater. Proponents of composting facilities are strongly advised to consult the provincial environmental department early in the planning stages to discuss siting and other approval requirements.
Most provincial governments regard composting sites to be waste management facilities which require formal approvals or licenses. Some provinces have exempted some types of composting (such as leaf and yard waste facilities) from the full approval process, but still require that they be properly sited and operated. Municipal governments should also be consulted about by-law and other siting requirements. Most jurisdictions are concerned about issues such as the distance to neighbours, local soil conditions and potential impacts on local water and groundwater. Proponents of composting facilities are strongly advised to consult the provincial environmental department early in the planning stages to discuss siting and other approval requirements.
