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
Category: Intermediate
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
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
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
POL.249-State-mandated Procurement Implementation Insights from Ci…-AC26.USCC
This session provides an overview of California’s SB 1383 organics diversion and procurement requirements, including updates from AB 2346 (2025). It shares survey results from composters, cities, and stakeholders on how these requirements are affecting markets, feedstock, contamination, compliance strategies, and funding. Attendees will learn about implementation challenges and discover lessons from cities and composters… Continue reading POL.249-State-mandated Procurement Implementation Insights from Ci…-AC26.USCC
POL.248-How Composters are Meeting SB 1383 Supply and Demand Requi…-AC26.USCC
This session examines how California’s SB 1383 has reshaped the compost market through mandatory organic waste diversion and procurement requirements. It will explore industry challenges and opportunities, including strategies for increasing organic waste supply despite limited facility capacity. The session will highlight innovative compost and mulch distribution approaches—such as free residential giveaways, farm incentives, and… Continue reading POL.248-How Composters are Meeting SB 1383 Supply and Demand Requi…-AC26.USCC
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