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
Category: Advanced
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
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
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
USE.325-Compost Without Compromise: Maintaining Crop-Available Nit…-AC26.CREF
This study examined co-application of compost and urine-recovered ammonium sulfate in short-season vegetable systems. Compost alone caused nitrogen immobilization, but combining it with medium or high fertilizer rates provided net plant-available nitrogen while doubling soil carbon storage in high compost treatments. Results suggest that pairing compost with recycled fertilizer can enhance nitrogen availability and sequester… Continue reading USE.325-Compost Without Compromise: Maintaining Crop-Available Nit…-AC26.CREF
ALT.300-Expanding Composting Processing Capacity with Heat Recover…-AC26.USCC
This case study describes the March 2025 opening of a 5,000 sq ft covered compost pad in Brattleboro, Vermont, designed to meet increased food scrap demand and state composting regulations. The facility uses an aerated static pile system with heat recovery, cutting composting time from 6–8 months to 3–4 months. Funded with USDA and Vermont DEC grants… Continue reading ALT.300-Expanding Composting Processing Capacity with Heat Recover…-AC26.USCC
FEE.315-Using Coated Paperboard as a Compost Feedstock – Assessing…-AC26.CREF
This study tested using coated paperboard as a 10% supplement in aerated pile composting with yard waste. Results showed rapid fiber degradation, significant loss of tensile strength, and no negative impact on composting process or final compost quality. Pretreatments like surfactant or presoaking did not significantly affect outcomes, demonstrating that coated paperboard can be safely… Continue reading FEE.315-Using Coated Paperboard as a Compost Feedstock – Assessing…-AC26.CREF
SCI.313-Lessons Learned While Providing Technical Assistance to On…-AC25.USCC
Northern Tilth, LLC has been providing nutrient management planning services to livestock operations in the northeastern U.S. Their recent grant from the USDA-NRCS in Connecticut focuses on offering technical assistance to improve on-farm composting operations. The grant project aims to enhance composting outcomes, particularly for soil and water quality. This presentation will discuss the lessons… Continue reading SCI.313-Lessons Learned While Providing Technical Assistance to On…-AC25.USCC
SCI.312-Exploring the Compostability of Agrochemicals-AC25.USCC
This presentation covers the EPA’s compostability studies on agrochemicals to assess their environmental impact. It includes experimental design, feedstock analysis, sampling strategies, and evaluating compost quality, including pesticide residue breakdown and plant growth effects. The aim is to ensure pesticides are used safely for human and environmental health. The content of this course is covered… Continue reading SCI.312-Exploring the Compostability of Agrochemicals-AC25.USCC