Regulations and Guidelines

When it comes to food waste and composting, there are many questions regarding what can be done, and the best way to get it done. There are specifics you should know if you're a restaurant wanting to donate food, a farmer accepting food waste for animals, and especially those wanting to develop your own composting operations.

IWRC's environmental specialists have taken the guess work out of it for you and simplified the rules and regulations. Click below for detailed information that applies to your food waste reduction goals. If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact us.

Information for Compost Facilities

Composting Facility Regulations Permit by Rule - small composting facilities receiving off-premises food/yard waste at a rate of less than 2 tons per week are exempt

Permitted Organic Materials Composting FacilitiesIAC 567 Chapter 105 details the requirements for permitted composting facilities as well as the exemptions from the permit

Selling Compost in Iowa - fact sheet that has been compiled to assist those selling compost in Iowa in complying with state regulations

Information Regarding Animal Feed

Animal Proteins in Ruminant Feed and Cattle Materials in Animal Feed - due to risks, there is a federal ban on feeding rendered products to ruminants as well as feeding cattle materials to all animals

Feeding Garbage to Swinethe Federal Swine Health Protection Act and Iowa Administrative Code regulate the treatment and permitting of garbage fed to swine

Information for Donators

Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Actprotects organizations from civil/criminal liability when donating food under good faith

General Information

Garden Waste Term Classificationclarification from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources regarding the term "garden waste" as used in defining "yard waste"