This session highlights how Green Mountain Compost, Vermont’s largest food scrap facility, reduced contamination following the 2020 Universal Recycling Law. Strategies include clear material acceptance messaging, a formal contamination policy with load checks and reporting, in-house hauling, and equipment upgrades. Attendees will learn practical lessons from incremental implementation, resulting in cleaner compost, better hauler communication,… Continue reading PRO.238-Contamination Control from the Ground Up – Practical Strat…-AC26.USCC
Category: Intermediate
PRO.237-Compost Testing Trends and Insights from the Compost Analy…-AC26.USCC
This session reviews compost analysis proficiency and the STA Program’s role in supporting lab quality. It includes an overview of the CAP Program and insights from Dr. Bob Miller on testing trends, laboratory consistency, method reliability, and common challenges in compost analysis. The content of this course is covered by Copyright and Licensing, Privacy and… Continue reading PRO.237-Compost Testing Trends and Insights from the Compost Analy…-AC26.USCC
DIV.242-Scaling Composting Access Through Smart Tech and Strategic…-AC26.USCC
This session highlights Washington, D.C.’s successful expansion of food waste drop-off through smart, app-secured bins and community partnerships. From early farmers market programs to a citywide rollout, the initiative diverted over 80 tons of food waste in four months. Attendees will learn lessons in strategic site selection, program design, and community engagement, offering a replicable… Continue reading DIV.242-Scaling Composting Access Through Smart Tech and Strategic…-AC26.USCC
PRO.235-STA Program Year in Review – Key Projects and Future Plans-AC26.USCC
This session reviews the past year of the STA Program, highlighting accomplishments, key lessons, and upcoming improvements. Updates include enhancements to the USCC Gateway, refinements to the Chain of Custody and CTDS processes, and overall efforts to strengthen and advance the program. The content of this course is covered by Copyright and Licensing, Privacy and… Continue reading PRO.235-STA Program Year in Review – Key Projects and Future Plans-AC26.USCC
USE.242-Compost Biochar and Combined Applications Improve Soil Mo…-AC26.CREF
This study in Maine wild blueberry fields found that compost and compost-plus-biochar applications improved soil nutrient levels (boron, calcium, magnesium, potassium) and increased soil moisture by up to 12 percentage points during dry periods. Foliar nutrient levels also increased, though no yield changes were observed in 2024. The results suggest that compost and biochar enhance… Continue reading USE.242-Compost Biochar and Combined Applications Improve Soil Mo…-AC26.CREF
SCI.213-The Gold Beneath – Compost Amendments for Carbon Storage a…-AC26.CREF
This three-year study in California’s Central Valley found that combining annual compost applications with cover crops in nut orchards significantly improved soil health and carbon sequestration. Results included increased labile carbon, doubled microbial biomass, improved nitrogen retention, stronger soil structure, and nearly doubled total soil organic carbon in the upper 30 cm. The findings demonstrate that… Continue reading SCI.213-The Gold Beneath – Compost Amendments for Carbon Storage a…-AC26.CREF
ALT.214-Compost Aeration and Heat Recovery Systems in the US and C…-AC26.USCC
This session highlights Agrilab Technologies’ (AGT) compost aeration and heat recovery (CAHR) systems, installed across eight U.S. states and Ontario, with a pending project in Quebec. President Brian Jerose will share examples—including Millson Forestry Services in Ontario and Windham Solid Waste Management District in Vermont—demonstrating how CAHR systems improve compost site efficiency, reduce labor and… Continue reading ALT.214-Compost Aeration and Heat Recovery Systems in the US and C…-AC26.USCC
ALT.213-Inside the Pile – A Practitioners Historical Tour of Compo…-AC26.USCC
This presentation explores the evolution of compost heat recovery, from pioneering innovations in the 1970s and 1980s to modern applications like compost-heated greenhouses and water heaters. Through historical context and case studies, attendees will learn practical insights and inspiration for integrating compost-powered energy into their own operations. The content of this course is covered by… Continue reading ALT.213-Inside the Pile – A Practitioners Historical Tour of Compo…-AC26.USCC
DIV.244-Municipal Composting Programs Come in All Shapes and Sizes-AC26.USCC
This session shares Compost Crew’s experience partnering with over 20 local governments in the D.C. area to start or expand residential food scrap composting programs. Case studies highlight diverse program sizes, collection methods, funding models, and lessons learned, offering practical guidance for municipalities and composters to grow local participation and strengthen community composting efforts. The… Continue reading DIV.244-Municipal Composting Programs Come in All Shapes and Sizes-AC26.USCC
DIV.243-Synergy between Local Composters and Governments Sows Success-AC26.USCC
This presentation reviews the Institute for Local Self-Reliance’s report Keep Compost Local, highlighting how local governments can partner with community composters to advance organics recycling. Based on case studies of 15 U.S. cities and surveys of nearly 200 composters, it offers recommendations on financing, policy, contracting, land access, economic benefits, and social equity to support… Continue reading DIV.243-Synergy between Local Composters and Governments Sows Success-AC26.USCC