This intermediate session features a panel of experienced experts who have worked across dozens of composting sites and equipment setups. Attendees will learn practical strategies to optimize trommel drum speeds, feed hoppers, screen sizes, equipment placement, and overall material handling workflow to improve production and efficiency. Dedicated speakers will cover core composting processes, site layout,… Continue reading EQU.114-How to Optimize and Fine Tune your Equipment-AC26.USCC
Category: Introductory
MAR.127-Compost-ag-Revolutionizing Access to Compost Through Digit…-AC26.USCC
Compost.ag is a digital marketplace for the compost industry, akin to “Hotels.com” for compost. It connects producers with end users, standardizes product information, and expands marketing opportunities beyond traditional networks. Features include producer-managed profiles, real-time updates, and analytics on customer inquiries. By increasing visibility, transparency, and efficiency, the platform reduces transaction costs and builds consumer… Continue reading MAR.127-Compost-ag-Revolutionizing Access to Compost Through Digit…-AC26.USCC
OTH.114-Results of the UCSC Compost Engineering Challenge for Urba…-AC26.USCC
The UCSC Compost Engineering Challenge is an annual student competition, in partnership with the San Mateo Resource Conservation District and supported by the California Climate Action Initiative, focused on designing affordable, DIY, rat-proof home composting systems. The program aims to break financial and knowledge barriers to urban composting by harnessing student creativity, sharing designs and… Continue reading OTH.114-Results of the UCSC Compost Engineering Challenge for Urba…-AC26.USCC
OTH.113-Bolstering the Regional Compost Market – King County Compo…-AC26.USCC
This presentation outlines King County’s CompostWise Program, launched in 2019 to strengthen the regional compost market and support organics diversion under Washington State’s Organics Management Laws. Over seven years, the program has evolved from a static resource into a hub for public sector engagement, training, and technical assistance. The session highlights strategies in market development,… Continue reading OTH.113-Bolstering the Regional Compost Market – King County Compo…-AC26.USCC
VIS.125-The Art of Composting – Creative Tactics for Community Eng…-AC26.USCC
This presentation highlights how the Lower East Side Ecology Center has used arts-based initiatives—murals, installations, workshops, and gallery exhibits—to engage the community around composting. Over five years, these creative approaches have made composting more visible, approachable, and culturally relevant, reaching new audiences and boosting participation. Attendees will gain practical examples, lessons learned, and strategies for… Continue reading VIS.125-The Art of Composting – Creative Tactics for Community Eng…-AC26.USCC
VIS.124-Growing the California Composting Industry Past Present…-AC26.USCC
This session traces the 35-year evolution of California’s composting industry, from early biomass power and waste diversion efforts to pioneering agricultural uses, market development with CalTrans, and advances in carbon sequestration and compost quality. Using photos and historical data, it highlights achievements, ongoing challenges like contamination and low participation, and a forward-looking vision for compost-driven… Continue reading VIS.124-Growing the California Composting Industry Past Present…-AC26.USCC
BUS.142-Legacy in the Pile: Best Practices from a Second-Generatio…-AC26.USCC
This session presents a case study of Earth Care Farm, a multi-generational composting operation in Rhode Island. Jayme Merner shares nearly 50 years of experience, highlighting Best Management Practices for scaling production, navigating permits, sourcing diverse feedstocks, daily operations, community engagement, and staff succession. The session demonstrates how sustainable infrastructure, consistent standards, and education create… Continue reading BUS.142-Legacy in the Pile: Best Practices from a Second-Generatio…-AC26.USCC
VIS.123-Scaling Community Composting-AC26.USCC
Rust Belt Riders has evolved from a small bicycle-powered food scrap hauler into a large-scale composting operation processing thousands of tons annually with over 30 employees. The presentation highlights the challenges and lessons learned while scaling the business without compromising its community-centered composting values. It also introduces a new growth strategy through The Hyphal Network—a… Continue reading VIS.123-Scaling Community Composting-AC26.USCC
FAC.121-Trial by Fire – Hard-Earned Lessons in Compost Facility Growth-AC26.USCC
This session offers a candid, story-driven look at building and scaling a composting business. Bill shares lessons from early challenges—including a fire—key investments that boosted operations, and the importance of collaboration with other composters and food waste partners. The talk also covers navigating operational constraints, embedding safety culture, and practical strategies for resilient growth, offering… Continue reading FAC.121-Trial by Fire – Hard-Earned Lessons in Compost Facility Growth-AC26.USCC
FAC.120-Targeted Strategies to Remove Contaminants from the Compos…-AC26.USCC
This session presents San Diego’s pilot program at The Greenery to address increased contamination in residential organics following the city’s mandatory green bin rollout. Strategies include front-end handpicking, route-level analysis, targeted outreach, lid-flip inspections, and a citywide marketing campaign. Attendees will learn how operational changes, data-driven evaluation, and community engagement can reduce contamination, control costs,… Continue reading FAC.120-Targeted Strategies to Remove Contaminants from the Compos…-AC26.USCC