This presentation highlights how the Lower East Side Ecology Center has used arts-based initiatives—murals, installations, workshops, and gallery exhibits—to engage the community around composting. Over five years, these creative approaches have made composting more visible, approachable, and culturally relevant, reaching new audiences and boosting participation. Attendees will gain practical examples, lessons learned, and strategies for… Continue reading VIS.125-The Art of Composting – Creative Tactics for Community Eng…-AC26.USCC
Blog
USE.244-Topsoil as a Value Added Compost Product-AC26.USCC
This presentation explores how compost facilities can move beyond producing STA-certified compost to creating value-added products, using manufactured topsoil as a case study from the Hudson Valley, New York. It will cover soil characteristics, cost structures, and practical dos and don’ts for developing topsoil products. While based on Northeast research, the concepts and lessons apply… Continue reading USE.244-Topsoil as a Value Added Compost Product-AC26.USCC
VIS.229-Nutrient Cycling – The Cornerstone of a Sustainable Future…-AC26.USCC
Abe Sandquist will present how restoring nutrient cycling through composting and organic waste management supports sustainable agriculture. His “quadruple win” model connects livestock producers, crop farmers, composters, and by-product generators to create circular, regional nutrient economies. By converting manure and organic residuals into locally produced fertilizers, his companies support over 90,000 acres, reduce carbon intensity,… Continue reading VIS.229-Nutrient Cycling – The Cornerstone of a Sustainable Future…-AC26.USCC
USE.243-Soil Biology for Drought Resilience – Reducing Irrigation …-AC26.USCC
This two-year study in Irvine, CA, examined whether biologically active compost and compost extracts could improve soil health and reduce irrigation needs in a retail landscape The content of this course is covered by Copyright and Licensing, Privacy and Terms of Service and Use and shall not be reprinted, reused or re-sold. For full terms… Continue reading USE.243-Soil Biology for Drought Resilience – Reducing Irrigation …-AC26.USCC
SCI.314-On site Greenhouse Gas Emissions Analysis in Composting Pi…-AC26.USCC
This presentation highlights a study on greenhouse gas emissions from composting high-nitrogen materials like slaughterhouse sludge and hatchery waste. Using continuous monitoring with SmartCompost sensors, researchers tracked CH₄, NH₃, H₂S, and VOCs across nine piles. The content of this course is covered by Copyright and Licensing, Privacy and Terms of Service and Use and shall… Continue reading SCI.314-On site Greenhouse Gas Emissions Analysis in Composting Pi…-AC26.USCC
SCI.216-Using Digestate as a Feedstock-AC26.USCC
This presentation covers a pilot project in Howard County, MD, exploring the co-composting of food waste digestate from Bioenergy Devco (BDC) with local wood waste and other feedstocks at the Alpha Ridge Landfill composting facility. Using Aerated Static Pile (ASP) systems, the goal is to develop an STA-certified compost while evaluating optimal processing, timeline, costs,… Continue reading SCI.216-Using Digestate as a Feedstock-AC26.USCC
DIV.300-Otay Sustainability Park-AC26.USCC
This session highlights Republic Services’ solar-powered Gore ASP compost facility and commercial food waste transfer station in Chula Vista, CA, processing up to 300 and 100 tons per day, respectively. The talk covers the six-year permitting process, processing equipment, and operational strategies. It also showcases the San Diego Padres’ sustainable two-bin diversion system at Petco… Continue reading DIV.300-Otay Sustainability Park-AC26.USCC
FAC.234-Operating Large-Scale Composting Operations in California-AC26.USCC
This session highlights the operations and expansion of Northern Recycling LLC in Woodland, CA. The facility grew from processing nearly 100,000 tons per year with four employees to managing 260,000 tons annually with 30+ staff after opening a state-of-the-art CASP facility in 2022. The presentation covers system design choices, including CASP, green waste processing, screening,… Continue reading FAC.234-Operating Large-Scale Composting Operations in California-AC26.USCC
VIS.124-Growing the California Composting Industry Past Present…-AC26.USCC
This session traces the 35-year evolution of California’s composting industry, from early biomass power and waste diversion efforts to pioneering agricultural uses, market development with CalTrans, and advances in carbon sequestration and compost quality. Using photos and historical data, it highlights achievements, ongoing challenges like contamination and low participation, and a forward-looking vision for compost-driven… Continue reading VIS.124-Growing the California Composting Industry Past Present…-AC26.USCC
POL.247-New York State Takes Action-AC26.USCC
This session covers New York State’s evolving food scraps and donation laws, including expanded requirements for businesses generating 1 ton (2027) and 0.5 tons (2029) of food waste per week and increased service distances. It highlights lessons learned, early data on food donation and recycling, and the statewide compost market assessment examining production, pricing, and… Continue reading POL.247-New York State Takes Action-AC26.USCC