Alternatives to Burning

Thinking about burning? Try alternatives first!​​​​​​​

Finding other ways to manage agricultural waste helps protect air quality and can even improve the soil. Many materials can be reused or processed without burning, and it's often better for the land and environment.

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✔️ Mulching, Chipping & Grinding

Instead of burning, you can:

• Uproot the waste material
  
• Chip or grind it down
  
• Use it as mulch onsite for healthier soils

Important to Know: You might need special equipment like a tub grinder, excavator, or transport truck. This equipment may need a permit from the Sac Metro Air District or be registered with the state (CARB Portable Equipment Registration Program).

Also note: If you must send mulched material offsite, not all landfills or biomass facilities accept every type of waste — check first!

✔️ Composting

​Composting turns ag waste into healthy, nutrient-rich soil.

• Reduces the amount of waste
• Adds organic matter to your soil
• Helps retain moisture and support healthy microbes
• Improves soil health over time
  

✔️ Air Curtain Burners

These machines burn waste more cleanly than open piles by using a high-velocity air “curtain" that traps and re-burns smoke and particles.
They:

• Reduce pollution compared to open burning
• Burn more efficiently and quickly
• Burn onsite instead of having to transport material offsite

Important to Know: Before hiring someone for this, make sure their equipment has an Air District permit.

Additional Resources:

Compost and Mulch Use Toolbox - CalRecycle Home Page

Healthy Soils for a Healthy California- UC Agriculture and Natural Resources​

​​Turn Ag Waste I​nto Energy​

Did you know your ag waste can be used to create clean energy and useful bioproducts? Why let it go up in smoke when it can be made into valuable products.

Waste from crops, trees, and pruning can be sent to biomass facilities where it's turned into electricity, heat, biofuels, or bioproducts like biochar. Technologies for small-scale biomass facilities and mobile biomass units are being developed that could support local biomass industries. We'll update this page as new opportunities for alternatives to burning become available.

Learn more about biomass utilization and alternatives to burning:

California Energy Commission - Bioenergy

California Forest Produc​ts and Biomass Power Plant Map | UC Agriculture and Natural Resources