UPDATE: Frederick County Board of Appeals Approves Composting Facility Site Plan

June 27, 2025 (Frederick, MD) The Frederick County Board of Appeals has unanimously approved the site plan for a composting operation at Utica Bridge Farm, a project led by regional food scrap composting company Compost Crew. This is a significant step forward for local sustainability efforts. The Board acknowledged the importance of responsible composting in helping Frederick County meet its climate goals and reduce food waste. The decision followed thoughtful deliberation and referenced the many letters of support submitted by community member. You made a real impact.

Next Steps and Timeline:

• Roadway Widening, Grading & Building Permits
  Necessary permits for site preparation, roadway widening and construction of an on-site administrative building are expected to be pursued over the next year.
  Estimated timeline for site work: Mid-2026

• Administrative Updates to Site Plan
  Minor administrative adjustments to reflect board conditions are currently underway.
  Timeline: In process

• Other Small Site Upgrades
  Initial work to implement other minor improvements on the site is expected to begin immediately.
  Timeline: Immediate

The approval allows the project to move forward under county oversight and with ongoing community engagement. Updates will continue as the project proceeds through permitting and early site activity.

Why Composting Matters:

·       Contributes to Frederick County’s climate and sustainability goals.

·       Supports local farmers with high-quality compost for healthier soils.

·       Provides a convenient option for residents who want to participate in composting.

·       Reduces landfill waste and cuts greenhouse gas emissions by composting locally.

·       Creates jobs in Frederick County.

·       Aligns with Maryland’s Organics Recycling and Waste Diversion Law (HB 264)