USCC Releases Positioning and Guidance Statement on PFAS
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The compost industry faces detrimental economic impacts from per- fluoroalkyl compounds (PFAS) found in all consumer products. USCC is calling for bans on use of the chemicals and immediate research to study their impacts on plant uptake.
The document notes the negative impact of PFAS, used historically in everyday materials, such as cookware, cosmetics, packaging, and outdoor clothing, has on compost manufacturers. Our industry is the passive receiver of the chemicals through the products brought into facilities through food waste, biosolids and to a lesser extent, green waste.
"Products containing PFAS and similar chemical make-up of products, must be removed from circulation. We support immediate need for government peer reviewed research to determine scientifically based levels of harm of PFAS in soil”. These research impacts are needed for the compost industry to take the right actions to mitigate any proven harmful impacts., said Frank Franciosi executive director of the USCC.
You can take action in a number of ways. The USCC has seven policy recommendations that will protect the compost industry while addressing PFAS. To work towards seeing these enacted, the USCC is funding industry lobbying efforts through our new Legislative Action Fund. With more than $70,000 already raised, the USCC's Board of Directors and our Legislative and Environmental Affairs Committee (LEAC) plan to raise $250,000 to be used to take actions to protect the industry as we combat PFAS. Only through the combined actions of these policies, increased funding for compost, and greater public awareness will we be able to ensure composting continues to provide climate, soil health, and ecosystem benefits for our environment.
