Composting Facility Operations and Compliance Checklist
This comprehensive composting facility operations and compliance checklist ensures regulatory compliance with EPA, State Solid Waste Agency, USCC, 40 CFR Part 503, NEC. Weekly operations audit for municipal composting facilities covering feedstock acceptance, pathogen reduction, temperature monitoring, product quality, and odor management per EPA 40 CFR Part 503 (biosolids), state solid waste composting regulations, and US Composting Council TMECC standards. Composting facilities accepting food
- Industry: Waste Management & Recycling
- Frequency: Daily / Weekly
- Estimated Time: 30 minutes
- Role: Operations Manager / Environmental Compliance Officer
- Total Items: 18
- Compliance: EPA, State Solid Waste Agency, USCC, 40 CFR Part 503, NEC
Feedstock Acceptance and Management
Verify feedstock acceptance per facility permit.
- Are only permitted feedstock materials accepted per facility operating permit?
- Are incoming loads inspected for non-compostables (plastics, glass, metal) before acceptance?
- Is carbon-to-nitrogen ratio of incoming feedstocks managed within 25:1-40:1 target range?
- If accepting biosolids, is Class B material documentation confirming pathogen reduction on file per 40 CFR 503?
- Are all incoming loads weighed, recorded, and tracked per facility record-keeping requirements?
Temperature Monitoring and Pathogen Reduction
Verify pathogen reduction per PFRP requirements.
- Are pile temperatures measured at multiple locations per USCC protocol confirming PFRP temperatures achieved?
- Has windrow composting achieved minimum 55°C for 15 days with 5 turns, or AERATED STATIC PILE 55°C for 3 days?
- Are windrows turned per operational schedule to achieve pathogen reduction and uniform processing?
- Is pile moisture within 50-60% range supporting active biological decomposition?
- Are temperature logs maintained for each batch with dates, locations, and readings documented?
Finished Compost Quality
Verify product quality per USCC STA standards.
- Is finished compost maturity tested via Dewar Self-Heating Test or respiration rate before sale?
- Is compost tested for regulated metals per 40 CFR 503 at required frequency for Class A biosolids compost?
- Is finished compost screened for macroscopic plastic contamination below 1% dry weight per STA standard?
- Is adequate curing time provided after active phase before product is bagged or bulk sold?
Odor Management and Stormwater
Verify environmental controls per permit.
- Are neighbor odor complaints logged, investigated, and responded to with corrective action?
- Is turning avoided during hot, dry, windy conditions maximizing odor transport?
- Is stormwater from active composting areas collected and treated before discharge per facility SWPPP?
- Is leachate from compost piles collected and recycled into piles or treated before discharge?
Related Waste Management Recycling Checklists
- Electronic Waste (E-Waste) Recycling Facility Compliance Checklist
- Medical Waste Management and Treatment Compliance Checklist
- Construction and Demolition Debris Recycling Facility Checklist
- Roll-Off Container Operations and Driver Safety Checklist
Why Use This Composting Facility Operations and Compliance Checklist?
This composting facility operations and compliance checklist helps waste management & recycling teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for operations manager / environmental compliance officer professionals, this checklist covers 18 critical inspection points across 4 sections. Recommended frequency: daily / weekly.
Ensures compliance with EPA, State Solid Waste Agency, USCC, 40 CFR Part 503, NEC. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Composting Facility Operations and Compliance Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 18 inspection items across 4 sections: Feedstock Acceptance and Management, Temperature Monitoring and Pathogen Reduction, Finished Compost Quality, Odor Management and Stormwater. It is designed for waste management & recycling operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed daily / weekly. Each completion takes approximately 30 minutes.
Who should use this Composting Facility Operations and Compliance Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Operations Manager / Environmental Compliance Officer professionals in the waste management & recycling industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.