633-CPS-1

NRCS, NHCP

October 2017

NRCS reviews and periodically updates conservation practice standards. To 

obtain the current version of this standard, contact your Natural Resources 

Conservation Service State office or visit the Field Office Technical Guide.

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Natural Resources Conservation Service

CONSERVATION PRACTICE STANDARD 

WASTE RECYCLING

Code 633

(No.)

DEFINITION

The on-farm agricultural use of nonagricultural waste by-products, or the off-farm nonagricultural use of 

agricultural waste by-products.

PURPOSE 

This practice is applied to—

 Improve soil health.

 Reduce contamination of surface and ground water resources.

 Reduce emissions of air pollutants.

CONDITIONS WHERE PRACTICE APPLIES

This practice applies where waste by-products can be reused to prevent a resource problem and provide 

a conservation benefit. Where the intended waste recycling activity is to be used on-farm, this practice 

should be included in the nutrient management plan.

Waste recycling applies where there is a need to protect and improve the quality of natural resources and 

the environment by properly using nonagricultural waste by-product material that would otherwise be 

discarded, and will instead be imported into a farm operation. Proper marketing for the export of 

agricultural waste by-products off-farm, leads to the responsible utilization and reuse of by-products to 

protect natural resources.

This practice does not apply to the on-farm agricultural use of manure or waste generated by-products 

that are produced on that farm. For on-farm reuse of farm generated waste, use Conservation Practice 

Standard (CPS) Nutrient Management (Code 590).

CRITERIA

Comply with all Federal, State, Territorial, Commonwealth, Tribal, and local laws, rules, and regulations.

The owner or operator must secure all required permits or approvals related to the waste recycling

operation, and maintain components and equipment in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Perform at least one sample analysis of the waste by-product annually, or more frequently if needed to 

account for operational changes, to determine the characteristics that are critical to its use. Base the use 

of the waste on the analysis. Perform further analysis as needed as the waste is processed or 

undergoes changes. Use a laboratory certified by a State-recognized program that considers laboratory 

performance and proficiency to assure accuracy of testing results.
633-CPS-2

NRCS, NHCP

October 2017

When composting is required for processing nonagricultural waste by-products for on-farm use, use the

CPS criteria for Composting Facility (Code 317) and criteria for Animal Mortality Facility (Code 316) if 

appropriate.

Use the criteria from Conservation Practice Standard (CPS) Nutrient Management (Code 590) for any 

materials imported to provide plant nutrients. Sample tests must include analyses pertinent to monitoring 

or amending the annual nutrient budget, e.g., pH, electrical conductivity (EC) and sodicity where salts are 

a concern, soil organic matter, phosphorus, potassium, or other nutrients and test for nitrogen where 

applicable. Follow land-grant university guidelines regarding required analyses.

When nonagricultural by-product wastes are used on-farm for animal feed, use the criteria in CPS Feed 

Management (Code 592). 

Manage residuals generated by waste processing and reuse activities in a manner that prevents 

degradation of natural resources and the environment.

CONSIDERATIONS

Consider alternatives to handling agricultural waste by-products to make a product that adds value for an

accessible off-farm market. One example would be biodegradable seed starter pots.

Consider recycling used containers by returning them to the suppliers or manufacturers that have a 

recycling program.

Consider using off-farm organic by-product wastes for bedding, feed, mulch, energy production, or soil 

quality improvement. Criteria in CPSs Composting Facility (Code 317), Mulch (Code 484), Anaerobic 

Digester (Code 366), or other practices may apply.

Consider pathogen management. If the recycled product is to be used on food crops or as food for 

humans or animals, make sure that pathogen levels have been reduced to acceptable levels (reference 

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food Safety Modernization Act at www.fda.gov/FSMA). If the 

recycled product has come from another farming operation, consider biosecurity measures and the 

possibility of pathogen transfer that could cause plant or animal diseases.

PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS

Prepare plans and specifications that describe the requirements for applying the practice to achieve the 

intended purpose. Account for the use or disposal of all by-products produced or received by the 

agricultural operation. For additional requirements for plans and specifications refer to the appropriate 

associated conservation practice standard.

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

Keep records for a period of at least 5 years, and include, when appropriate—

 The dates and quantities of by-product material imported to, or exported from, the agricultural 

production system.

 Analysis of by-product material and test results for critical characteristics.

 A description of how the by-product materials are reused and the conservation benefit achieved.

 Include the dates of periodic inspections and maintenance of equipment and facilities required for 

the utilization of the by-product material. List the specific equipment to be inspected or maintained 

and a general time frame for preventive maintenance.