AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 3 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO COMPOSTING.

Plain English Breakdown

The official source does not provide details on specific requirements for minimum space allocation, only that counties and local governments may limit the area but must ensure a minimum of 5000 sq ft. per 4 acres.

Delaware Composting Law

This law permits composting of yard waste, food scraps, and other organic materials on land designated for agriculture in Delaware.

What This Bill Does

• Allows composting of yard waste, food residuals, and other organic materials on properties zoned for agricultural purposes.
• Requires county and local governments to allow at least 5000 square feet per 4 acres for composting activities.
• Gives the Department of Agriculture permission to make rules about composting.

Who It Names or Affects

• People who own or use land zoned for agriculture in Delaware.
• County and local governments that set zoning laws.
• The Department of Agriculture, which can create regulations.

Terms To Know

Composting

A process where organic waste like food scraps and yard trimmings are broken down into a soil-like material called compost.

Zoning

Rules set by local governments that decide how land can be used, such as for farming or building houses.

Limits and Unknowns

• The bill does not specify what happens if someone wants to compost on property not zoned for agriculture.
• It is unclear when the law will take effect after it passes both chambers of the legislature.

Official Summary Text

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 3 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO COMPOSTING.
This Act allows for the composting of yard waste, food residuals and other organic materials on property zoned for agricultural purposes.

Current Bill Text

Legislation Document

SPONSOR:

Rep. Bush & Sen. Hoffner

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

153rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE BILL NO. 235

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 3 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO COMPOSTING.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE:

Section 1. Amend Title 3 of the Delaware Code by making deletions as shown by strike through and insertions as shown by underline as follows:

§ 108. Composting.

(a) The diversion and composting of yard waste, food residuals, and other organic materials for commercial purposes shall be allowed on properties zoned for agricultural purposes.

(b) County and local governments may limit the square footage for such use but shall allow for no less than 5000 sq ft. per 4 acres of property.

(c) The Department of Agriculture may create regulations for the purposes of this section.

SYNOPSIS

This Act allows for the composting of yard waste, food residuals and other organic materials on property zoned for agricultural purposes.