CompostNow addressed the challenge of balancing accessibility and contamination in municipal compost drop-off programs. Their 2024 case study, CompostHere in Durham, North Carolina, features tech-enabled, access-controlled cart housing stations paired with an app. The session highlights program development, station design, and best practices for integrating such systems to make composting more accessible while maintaining low… Continue reading DIV.238-CompostHere – A Tech Forward Approach to Expanding Compost…-AC26.USCC
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POL.244-Potential Changes to California Legislation SB 279-AC26.USCC
Mapping feedstock availability in California revealed about 65 million tons of underutilized agricultural and forestry materials annually. This data supported policy changes allowing agricultural composters to accept off-site materials during biomass surges. By aligning composting capacity with when and where materials are generated, the approach increases organics processing capacity, reduces hauling distances, strengthens local economies,… Continue reading POL.244-Potential Changes to California Legislation SB 279-AC26.USCC
VIS.228-Central California Compost Crisis-AC26.USCC
New composting facilities in California’s San Joaquin Valley face a financial crisis due to skyrocketing air emission offset costs within the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJAPCD). Offset prices have increased more than 40-fold since 2020, making new projects largely unaffordable. This paper proposes a secondary VOC control method—adding a tarp and “polishing”… Continue reading VIS.228-Central California Compost Crisis-AC26.USCC
POL.132-California Statewide Study on Small and Medium Composting …-AC26.USCC
In 2024, CalRecycle commissioned HDR to conduct a statewide study to support small and medium-sized composting operations in California. The study identified permitting and operational challenges, surveyed key regulatory agencies and industry stakeholders, analyzed costs, and developed Best Management Practices (BMPs). The goal is to provide practical guidance and tools to help streamline siting, permitting,… Continue reading POL.132-California Statewide Study on Small and Medium Composting …-AC26.USCC
USE.241-Nitrogen mineralization dynamics of California composts in…-AC26.CREF
This session evaluated how different California-produced composts perform when replacing 30% of mineral nitrogen in tomato production. Results showed that nitrogen availability varied by compost type, largely due to C/N ratios, and that substituting compost for inorganic fertilizer significantly reduced nitrous oxide emissions. The findings highlight compost’s potential to improve nitrogen use efficiency and lower… Continue reading USE.241-Nitrogen mineralization dynamics of California composts in…-AC26.CREF
USE.240-Impacts of Compost on Urban Soil Profile Health and its Cl…-AC26.CREF
This session examined the impacts of compost application in urban parks in California under state organic waste diversion requirements. After two years of compost use and comparisons with parks that had 30 years of applications, researchers found increases in soil carbon, nitrogen, and microbial biomass—especially at long-term sites, where carbon gains extended up to one… Continue reading USE.240-Impacts of Compost on Urban Soil Profile Health and its Cl…-AC26.CREF
PRO.117-Microbial assessment of finished compost from composting f…-AC26.CREF
This session evaluated the microbial safety of finished compost from facilities across California following expanded composting under SB 1383. Researchers analyzed 184 samples from commercial, community-based, and vermicomposting sites for foodborne pathogens and fecal coliform levels. Pathogens were rarely detected—Salmonella was found in one sample, Listeria monocytogenes in four, and STEC was not detected. However,… Continue reading PRO.117-Microbial assessment of finished compost from composting f…-AC26.CREF
USE.122-Basics of Product Registration Labeling and Certification…-AC26.USCC
This session explains state regulations for registering and marketing compost products as soil amendments or fertilizers. It covers product registration, labeling requirements, fees, allowable claims, and compliance challenges, including changing interpretations by state Control Officials. Attendees will learn the steps for registration, common pitfalls, typical costs, and how to list products for organic use through… Continue reading USE.122-Basics of Product Registration Labeling and Certification…-AC26.USCC
BUS.140-Financing Fundamentals for Composters – Understanding and …-AC26.USCC
This session helps compost manufacturers understand how to finance and grow their operations. It covers the basics of business financing, including assessing capital needs, choosing the right funding sources for different growth stages, and blending options like philanthropy, debt, and equity. Attendees will also learn how to tailor their pitch to different investors and confidently… Continue reading BUS.140-Financing Fundamentals for Composters – Understanding and …-AC26.USCC
HEA.115-Make it Home for the Holidays: Compost Facility Safety-WEB.USCC
In this webinar, you’ll hear from peers about their safety practices and walk away with practical steps you can use at your site. Let’s learn from each other and make sure we all make it home for the holidays.Speakers: Landrum Eillis, Rita Meiergerd, Erin SkellyDuration: 60 minutesCredits: 1.0Member Price: $60.00Non-Member Price: $105.00Purchase Course Now