Manure Composting

If you have the capacity, composting your manure can make a great use of your waste. The process of composting gets rid of many unattractive parts about raw manure, like foul odors, diseases, bulky size, and immediate threat of nutrient pollution. After the manure has turned into compost, it can be spread back on fields and gardens or used in landscaping as a slow-release fertilizer.

General Information

Considerations

Composting manure takes a little more consideration than regular backyard composting. The chemical makeup of horse manure & bedding can look different than from regular food scraps or yard waste. Because of the unique Carbon to Nitrogen ratio of manure, piles might need to be treated differently, or other materials might need to be added to make sure the chemical ratios are ideal for effective composting. Additionally, the volume of manure on a farm is also something to consider. While composting will help reduce the amount of manure that has to be disposed of, it likely won’t replace it.

Manure composting regulations

Finished compost can be used on your land as a soil amendment, slow-release fertilizer, mulch, or even as growth media for a small nursery. But, if you want to sell or move the finished compost off-site, you MUST follow OEPA Compost Facility guidelines.
For more information, visit the OEPA Composting Site.

Resources

General tips

Hamilton County Resource
If you think a composting operation would work at your site but need assistance with acquiring more material for your pile or finding funds, Hamilton County Resource might be able to help. Resource offers Waste Reduction Innovation grants aimed to reduce landfill waste within Hamilton County and can provide funds for small-scale composting infrastructure. For more information, visit their grant page.

Have questions or concerns about composting horse manure?

Contact our agriculture specialist