ARTICLE 2. Compost Market Program [42240. - 42246.]

Cal. Public Resources Code - PRC 2.

in effect

Cal. Public Resources Code - PRC § 42240. Section 42240.

The Department of General Services and the department, in consultation with other affected state agencies, shall maintain specifications for the purchase of compost by the State of California. The specifications shall designate the state minimum operating standards and product quality standards. The specifications shall be designed to maximize the use of compost without jeopardizing the safety and health of the citizens of the state or the environment.

Cal. Public Resources Code - PRC § 42241. Section 42241.

The Department of Transportation shall use compost in place of, or to supplement, petroleum-based commercial fertilizers in the state’s highway landscape maintenance program.

Cal. Public Resources Code - PRC § 42241.3. Section 42241.3.

(a) On or before December 31, 2019, the department, in coordination with the Department of Transportation, shall do both of the following: (1) Identify best practices for each of the Department of Transportation’s 12 districts regarding the cost-effective use of compost along roadways. The best practices shall reflect the highest and best use of compost, taking into consideration the circumstances particular to each jurisdiction. (2) Develop a plan to implement the best practices identified pursuant to paragraph (1) in each of the Department of Transportation’s 12 districts. (b) The department shall review the best practices identified pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) at least once every five years, and update the best practices as necessary.

Cal. Public Resources Code - PRC § 42241.5. Section 42241.5.

The department may develop a program to increase the use of compost products in agricultural applications. The program may include, but shall not be limited to, either or both of the following: (a) Identification of federal, state, and local financial assistance. (b) Cooperative efforts with appropriate federal and state agencies.

Cal. Public Resources Code - PRC § 42243. Section 42243.

The Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Department of General Services shall initiate programs to restore public lands that use compost, co-compost, rice straw, and chemically fixed sewage sludge and shall use those products or materials wherever possible.

Cal. Public Resources Code - PRC § 42243.5. Section 42243.5.

On or before December 31, 2019, the department shall develop and implement a plan to maximize the use of compost for slope stabilization and for establishing vegetation in the course of providing debris removal services following a wildfire.

Cal. Public Resources Code - PRC § 42244. Section 42244.

The department shall evaluate compost, co-compost, and chemically fixed sewage sludge for use as solid waste landfill cover materials or for use as extenders for currently used cover material. Compost, co-compost, and chemically fixed sewage sludge products, when used as a substitute for or mixed with currently approved cover material, shall possess all the physical characteristics required in the definition of a cover material.

Cal. Public Resources Code - PRC § 42244.5. Section 42244.5.

On or before January 1, 1994, the board shall evaluate rice straw for use as a solid waste landfill cover material or for use as an extender for currently used cover material. Rice straw or rice straw materials, when used as a substitute for or mixed with currently approved cover material, shall possess all the physical characteristics required in the definition of a cover material. The results of the evaluation shall be included in the report required pursuant to Section 40507.

Cal. Public Resources Code - PRC § 42245. Section 42245.

Based on the results of the evaluation conducted in accordance with Section 42244, the department may, on a case-by-case basis, approve the use of compost, co-compost, and chemically fixed sewage sludge, that meet the performance standards for cover material, for up to 25 percent of landfill cover materials or landfill cover extenders.

Cal. Public Resources Code - PRC § 42246. Section 42246.

Any procuring agency that prepares a request for bid for commercial fertilizers or soil amendment products shall document its determination that the use of a compost, co-compost, or chemically fixed sewage sludge would jeopardize public health or safety or would jeopardize the intended result of the project.

Source: CA Legislative Counsel Bulk DataURL: https://downloads.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/pubinfo_2025.zipFetched: 6/27/2026