Delaware2025Passed Legislature

HA1TOHB431

Amendment to Allow Composting on Large Farm Properties

Last scannedAug 24, 2026, 10:01 AM

In one sentence

This amendment requires counties to let people compost organic materials for business use on private properties zoned Agricultural Conservation outside the growth zone that are at least 4 acres in size.

Requires counties to allow commercial composting of yard waste, food residuals, and other organic materials on private land zoned as Agricultural Conservation outside the growth zone.
Applies only to properties that are at least 4 acres in size.
Allows county governments to set limits on how much space can be used for this activity.
Sets a rule that counties must allow at least 5,000 square feet of composting area even if they impose other limits.

Owners of private property zoned as Agricultural Conservation outside the growth zone with 4 acres or more.
People who want to run a business that turns yard waste, food residuals, and other organic materials into compost on these properties.
County governments that make rules about land use.

The official text does not state when this law will officially start taking effect.
It is unclear if counties can charge fees or require permits beyond the square footage limits mentioned in the amendment.
The amendment does not list specific rules for how composting must be done to prevent smells or pests.

Plain language

Agricultural Conservation: Land designated for farming or keeping natural resources with special zoning rules to protect it from development, as referenced in the bill title and text.
Growth zone: An area where new buildings and businesses are allowed to expand; this law applies only outside these areas.
Commercial purposes: Activities done for business or profit, such as selling compost made from waste materials.

Official record

Source attached

This Amendment allows for composting on private property zoned Agricultural Conservation outside of the growth zone.