In its 2023 session, Maryland’s legislature created a new, expanded exemption by passing SB262/HB253, “On-Farm Composting Facilities—Permit Exemption.” This new law requires the MDE to adopt regulations that more than double the area allowed for food scrap composting – from 5,000 sq. ft. for space used “in support of composting,” to 10,000 sq. ft. for “active composting.”  

In its 2022 session, (SB0124/HB0150) “Public Schools – Grant Program to Reduce and Compost School Waste” creates a five-year grant program for county boards and public schools to develop and implement food-waste-reduction and composting programs.

In its 2021 session, MD House Bill 264: Solid Waste Management – Organics Recycling and Waste Diversion – Food Residuals requires large food waste generators (LFWGs) to divert food residuals from disposal if composting or anaerobic digestion capacity exists within a 30-mile radius, this law is intended to encourage the development of close-in capacity.

Maryland Legislation:

• SB262/HB253 on On-Farm Composting Facilities—Permit Exemption.

Maryland Legislation:

• SB0124/HB0150 on school compost grants

• HB566 on school waste diversion and disposal infrastructure

• Baltimore County, MD bill on On-Farm Composting

Maryland Legislation:

• HB0264 on Maryland Organics Recycling and Waste Diversion

• HB0248 on Condos and HOAs rights to composting

• HB0280 on Maryland Recycling to not allow credit to trash incinerator ash

• Montgomery County, MD zoning amendment to allow for more on-farm composting from offsite sources

Maryland Legislation:

• HB0171 on organic materials diversion and infrastructure study