Connecticut Composting Law: Statewide Landscaping Rules Rules (2026)

Key Facts

Threshold: 26 tons annually
Distance trigger: Within 20 miles
Statute: CGS § 22a-226e
Enforcement: DEEP civil penalties
Coverage: Commercial generators only

Full Breakdown

Connecticut General Statutes § 22a-226e requires any commercial food wholesaler, distributor, industrial food manufacturer, supermarket, conference center, or institutional food service establishment generating 26 or more tons of source-separated organic material per year to recycle that material if located within twenty miles of an authorized composting facility. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection enforces the law and maintains a list of permitted facilities. Residential composting is voluntary, but municipalities cannot exempt covered generators. Penalties for non-compliance include civil enforcement under CGS § 22a-6.

Violations & Penalties

Covered generators failing to separate and recycle organics face DEEP enforcement orders and civil penalties under CGS § 22a-6, which can reach thousands of dollars per day of violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Connecticut require households to compost?

No. The state mandate covers only commercial generators of 26+ tons per year. Residential composting remains voluntary, though municipalities and the state encourage it through curbside and drop-off programs.

What facilities count for the 20-mile rule?

DEEP-permitted source-separated organic material composting facilities. DEEP publishes the current list, and proximity is measured between the generator and the nearest authorized facility.

Connecticut Commercial Food Waste Recycling Mandate