As it is shown in scientific literature and "since the beginning of Time" reality, compost is the essence of healthy soil. Amongst its many benefits, compost provides nourishment for plant growth, helps to restore and enhance soil vitality, reduces water usage as well as prevents soil erosion, run-off and improves water quality. And as it is recognized by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment that compost is "the essence of healthy soil. Amongst its many benefits, compost provides nourishment for plant growth, helps to restore and enhance soil vitality, reduces water usage as well as prevents soil erosion, run-off and improves water quality." http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/en/land/wastedisposal/index.php We are very surprised to hear that any organization would propose that *Compost with N-P-K claims as well as Composted Manure* are to be included in a program designed for the management of municipal hazardous & special waste. We respectfully request that the Ontario Minister of the Environment, the Honourable Minister John Gerretsen, and his staff at the Ministry of the Environment use their good judgment and remove Compost with N-P-K and Composted Manure from the currently proposed Municipal Hazardous Special Waste plan whose stated primary purpose is ..."to divert hazardous household wastes from landfills or sewers." Minister Gerretsen and Government of Ontario, you now have the choice as to compost’s future, declare it a hazardous special waste by approving its inclusion in the proposed Municipal Hazardous or Special Waste plan or reject its inclusion, acknowledging compost’s environmental benefits that both your Ministry and our composting efforts value. We ask that you vote to reject the notion that compost should be classified as hazardous special waste and retain compost's environmental integrity.