How to start a large composting site - Ask Extension
I have noticed there is no composting options for the multiple restaurants in Mt. Pleasant. I see this as a great opportunity to help me financially a...
Knowledgebase
How to start a large composting site #878826
Asked July 26, 2024, 12:58 AM EDT
I have noticed there is no composting options for the multiple restaurants in Mt. Pleasant. I see this as a great opportunity to help me financially as well as the environment. What steps do I take.
Isabella County Michigan
Expert Response
Dear Maria,
Thank you for using Michigan State University Extension Ask Extension with your composting business question. To start I point out the most obvious and that is that you should begins with a business plan. Devote a large part to logistics; how you plan to get the raw materials from point A to point B? What equipment will you need? How much will it cost to operate and maintain said equipment? Then make sure that you have done your business analysis and have identified all the potential clients and would they also pay to have the organic waste hauled away. Then include your composting operations.
There are Michigan agriculture regulations regarding on farm composting and taking in organic waste from outside sources. Make sure to be up to date on those MDARD regulations to keep your right to farm protections. If you are just looking at the transportation side, then you can stop here and focus on routes, pick-up timing, (two times per week is recommended for organic waste), and other logistic concerns.
If you are going to go full out establishing a composting facility and intend to package and sell your finished product, I recommend incorporating as a separate business from your farm and rent the land from your farm to the compost business as there are no right to farm protections once you do that. Once you reach certain volumes you need to become registered with EGLE.
Running a composting business is like any other manufacturing business. You create a top-quality product using consistent formulas and good manufacturing practices. Then market and sell your product either wholesale to landscapers and/or retail outlets.
Briefly
Here are some websites that may be of help:
https://www.michigan.gov/egle/about/organization/materials-management/solid-waste
https://www.michiganrecycles.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Compost-Heats-Up-EGLE.pdf
https://www.michigan.gov/mdard/-/media/Project/Websites/mdard/documents/environment/rtf/compost_reg.pdf
https://optimoroute.com/waste-collection-business/
https://www.compost.css.cornell.edu/
https://stepbystepbusiness.com/business-ideas/start-a-composting-business/
https://www.machinerypartner.com/blog/how-to-start-a-composting-business
https://www.compostingcouncil.org/page/growyourcompostbusiness
Thank you for using Michigan State University Extension Ask Extension with your composting business question. To start I point out the most obvious and that is that you should begins with a business plan. Devote a large part to logistics; how you plan to get the raw materials from point A to point B? What equipment will you need? How much will it cost to operate and maintain said equipment? Then make sure that you have done your business analysis and have identified all the potential clients and would they also pay to have the organic waste hauled away. Then include your composting operations.
There are Michigan agriculture regulations regarding on farm composting and taking in organic waste from outside sources. Make sure to be up to date on those MDARD regulations to keep your right to farm protections. If you are just looking at the transportation side, then you can stop here and focus on routes, pick-up timing, (two times per week is recommended for organic waste), and other logistic concerns.
If you are going to go full out establishing a composting facility and intend to package and sell your finished product, I recommend incorporating as a separate business from your farm and rent the land from your farm to the compost business as there are no right to farm protections once you do that. Once you reach certain volumes you need to become registered with EGLE.
Running a composting business is like any other manufacturing business. You create a top-quality product using consistent formulas and good manufacturing practices. Then market and sell your product either wholesale to landscapers and/or retail outlets.
Briefly
- do your homework/research
- check local zoning
- master the composting process
- develop your business plan including a budget and marketing plan if you are going to sell your product.
- fund your business
- do you need equipment (trucks, loaders, turners,etc)
- get started
- make your product
- market your product
- keep accurate business records
- keep accurate production records
Here are some websites that may be of help:
https://www.michigan.gov/egle/about/organization/materials-management/solid-waste
https://www.michiganrecycles.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Compost-Heats-Up-EGLE.pdf
https://www.michigan.gov/mdard/-/media/Project/Websites/mdard/documents/environment/rtf/compost_reg.pdf
https://optimoroute.com/waste-collection-business/
https://www.compost.css.cornell.edu/
https://stepbystepbusiness.com/business-ideas/start-a-composting-business/
https://www.machinerypartner.com/blog/how-to-start-a-composting-business
https://www.compostingcouncil.org/page/growyourcompostbusiness
