This study tested shortening thermophilic composting of university kitchen waste from 30 days to 10–15 days, finishing the process with vermicomposting (worms) or millicomposting (millipedes). Results show that this hybrid approach reduces processing time by ~40% while maintaining or improving nutrient extraction and bio-stimulant activity. Vermicomposting after 10 days provided the most balanced fertilizer, while… Continue reading SCI.215-Hybrid Composting of Institutional Food-Prep Waste: Early …-AC26.USCC
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POL.246-From Promises to Payment: Powering Composting with Produce…-AC26.USCC
This session shares insights from California’s SB 54 compost infrastructure needs assessment, highlighting facility capacity gaps, contamination challenges, and priority investment areas. It explores how Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs can support composters and offers guidance on engaging in EPR rulemaking to secure resources and strengthen composting infrastructure. The content of this course is covered… Continue reading POL.246-From Promises to Payment: Powering Composting with Produce…-AC26.USCC
POL.250-Closing Keynote – Industry Outlook – Zoe Heller – Director…-AC26.USCC
CalRecycle Director Zoe Heller opens the conference with a keynote highlighting California’s leadership in organics recycling and the growing national momentum for composting. She will discuss the benefits of a circular system for soils, agriculture, and climate, while addressing challenges like contamination and behavior change. Attendees will gain inspiration and practical perspective on sustaining and… Continue reading POL.250-Closing Keynote – Industry Outlook – Zoe Heller – Director…-AC26.USCC
VIS.230-California – Commercial Composters and Community Composter…-AC26.USCC
This panel explores collaboration between commercial composters and community-based composting programs in California to meet ambitious organics diversion goals. Panelists will share strategies for aligning missions, resources, and expertise to improve feedstock quality, reduce contamination, expand processing capacity, and support localized soil-building. Real-world examples will cover partnerships, funding, permitting, and outreach, showing how small- and… Continue reading VIS.230-California – Commercial Composters and Community Composter…-AC26.USCC
USE.327-Monetizing Carbon Farming with Carbon Credits -AC26.USCC
Most of the attention on organics in the carbon accounting world is focussed on diverting food waste from landfills, and rightly so – but using compost, especially to sequester carbon is also an important part of the equation. This talk will describe efforts to monetize applying compost to rangeland (65% of compost in CA goes… Continue reading USE.327-Monetizing Carbon Farming with Carbon Credits -AC26.USCC
BUS.251-Carbon Credits and Composting – Yes Please-AC26.USCC
This case study highlights how a composting facility processing 35,000 metric tons of organic waste annually from 180 hectares of greenhouse tomatoes generated 40,000 verified carbon credits over two years (2022–2023). Eighteen thousand tons of feedstock, mainly fresh trimmings and discarded produce, qualified under rigorous carbon accounting protocols. The session will cover the full process… Continue reading BUS.251-Carbon Credits and Composting – Yes Please-AC26.USCC
EQU.114-How to Optimize and Fine Tune your Equipment-AC26.USCC
This intermediate session features a panel of experienced experts who have worked across dozens of composting sites and equipment setups. Attendees will learn practical strategies to optimize trommel drum speeds, feed hoppers, screen sizes, equipment placement, and overall material handling workflow to improve production and efficiency. Dedicated speakers will cover core composting processes, site layout,… Continue reading EQU.114-How to Optimize and Fine Tune your Equipment-AC26.USCC
USE.326-Long-Term Field Trial of Compost Application in a Corn-Whe…-AC26.USCC
A six-year field trial in Northern Italy (2018–2024) compared three compost types—FGC (food + green waste), FGCdig (anaerobically digested food + green waste), and BGW (biosolids + green waste)—against chemical fertilization and an unfertilized control. Two strategies were tested: annual compost application (Carbon Sink Trial) and compost every three years with mineral nitrogen in between… Continue reading USE.326-Long-Term Field Trial of Compost Application in a Corn-Whe…-AC26.USCC
DIV.301-Best Practices in Organic Waste Collection in Italy-AC26.USCC
Italy serves roughly 90% of households with dedicated organic waste collection, making it a top EU performer in diverting organics to composting and anaerobic digestion. The system separates food waste (high diversion, >80%) from garden waste (supporting local composting initiatives) and includes tailored tools like kitchen caddies, compostable liners, and feedback mechanisms. Frequent collections, optimized… Continue reading DIV.301-Best Practices in Organic Waste Collection in Italy-AC26.USCC
BUS.250-On-Site Composting at the Largest Sustainable Resort in th…-AC26.USCC
The Puntacana Resort and Club in the Dominican Republic implemented an on-site composting system to process food and yard waste from its 2,000+ homes, hotels, and airport. By combining in-vessel and aerated static pile (ASP) composting, the hybrid system, operational since winter 2025, initially handles 1,400 tons per year with potential to expand to 3,000+… Continue reading BUS.250-On-Site Composting at the Largest Sustainable Resort in th…-AC26.USCC