Ohio Statewide Rule

Ohio Composting Exemptions Under Solid Waste Law

Few RestrictionsApplies statewide across Ohio (2026)

Ohio Revised Code 3734.02 and OAC 3745-560 exempt small-scale residential and agricultural composting from solid waste facility licensing, while regulating large composting operations statewide.

Key Facts

Statute: ORC 3734.02
Rules: OAC 3745-560
Backyard Compost: Exempt from permits
Class IV: Yard waste exempt

Source: Ohio Laws & Administrative Rules

Full Breakdown

Ohio EPA regulates composting under ORC Chapter 3734. Class IV composting facilities (yard waste only, residential scale) and on-farm composting are exempt from licensing. Backyard composting of household yard waste and food scraps requires no state permit. Larger Class I, II, and III composting facilities accepting off-site material must register or license with Ohio EPA. Local zoning may regulate placement, but cannot prohibit residential backyard composting given the statewide exemption framework.

Violations & Penalties

Operating an unregistered Class I-III facility can trigger Ohio EPA enforcement up to $10,000 per day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an Ohio EPA permit to compost in my backyard?

No. Residential composting of your own yard waste and food scraps is exempt from solid waste facility regulation under OAC 3745-560. Local nuisance rules still apply if odors or pests develop.

What composting requires Ohio EPA registration?

Class I (mixed solid waste), Class II (animal manure plus other), and Class III (off-site yard waste) composting facilities require registration. Class IV residential-scale yard waste composting is exempt.

Sources

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