This study used life-cycle assessment to evaluate the climate benefits of diverting organic waste from U.S. landfills. Diverting 75% of organic waste—similar to California’s SB 1383 goal—could cut 28 million metric tonnes of CO₂e annually, including 1.1 MMT of methane, while compost application to working lands could sequester 2.82 MMT CO₂e and reduce synthetic fertilizer… Continue reading DIV.241-Organic Waste Diversion Can Substantially Reduce Landfill …-AC26.CREF
Category: Intermediate
FAC.232-How to Get the Most Out of Your ASP – Techniques to Optimi…-AC26.CREF
This study examined how airflow speed during loading affects aeration efficiency in sparger-style aerated static pile composting. Using controlled tests and simulations, researchers found trends in airflow resistance that offer guidance for optimizing aeration floor design and operation in compost facilities. The content of this course is covered by Copyright and Licensing, Privacy and Terms… Continue reading FAC.232-How to Get the Most Out of Your ASP – Techniques to Optimi…-AC26.CREF
BUS.249-From the Ground Up – How Composters Are Financing Sustaina…-AC26.USCC
This session presents real-world case studies of how composters have financed their operations using traditional and non-traditional methods. Attendees will gain practical insights, lessons learned, and inspiration for securing funding, from first loans to larger capital raises. The content of this course is covered by Copyright and Licensing, Privacy and Terms of Service and Use… Continue reading BUS.249-From the Ground Up – How Composters Are Financing Sustaina…-AC26.USCC
DIV.240-Finding Solutions for Edible Food Recovery-AC26.USCC
This presentation examines California’s regional edible food recovery programs under SB 1383, highlighting successes, challenges, and future opportunities. It explores strategies to support food recovery efforts that divert organics from waste while feeding communities and advancing statewide diversion goals. The content of this course is covered by Copyright and Licensing, Privacy and Terms of Service… Continue reading DIV.240-Finding Solutions for Edible Food Recovery-AC26.USCC
DIV.239-Local Farms Local Solutions – The Role of On-Farm Compost…-AC26.USCC
This presentation highlights how rural farms can turn food waste into high-quality compost, improving soil health, reducing synthetic fertilizer use, and supporting local food systems. Insights come from a USDA-funded project with 13 farms in Vermont, New Hampshire, and New York, offering technical assistance, training, and a practical on-farm composting toolkit. The approach promotes community… Continue reading DIV.239-Local Farms Local Solutions – The Role of On-Farm Compost…-AC26.USCC
DIV.238-CompostHere – A Tech Forward Approach to Expanding Compost…-AC26.USCC
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
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
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