Agricultural Programs Maryland Department of Agriculture Diane Relf Associate Professor and Extension Specialist Consumer Horticulture Department of Horticulture Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Cooperative Extension can play a significant role in addressing the problems of diminishing landfill space by targeting yardwaste composting. However, composting is a highly efficient means of converting organic waste into useful materials and has been used for thousands of years. An important part of the study was a survey of local Extension agents throughout the state. Extension agents are in the unique position of having firsthand knowledge of how Virginia nursery operators, farmers, and home gardeners use yardwaste compost.
Some agents are also involved in, or are aware of, local programs for municipal composting.
The results of the survey were instrumental in formulating recommendations regarding needed public educational programs and pilot projects identified in the feasibility study. As a result of the feasibility study, four bills were introduced and two bills have been passed in the Virginia legislature. One of the approved bills grants municipalities the authority to ban yardwaste from their landfill, providing they have a composting program in place. The other allows farmers to accept yardwaste from municipalities for on-farm composting. In addition, the Department of Waste Management authorized funds for VCE to prepare and publish the Virginia Yardwaste Management Manual.