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
Category: Composting Purpose and Vision
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.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
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
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
VIS.122-Lessons Learned by Emerging Composter Winners (2018-2025)-AC26.USCC
This panel highlights the USCC Young Professionals Group’s Emerging Composter Challenge, which has awarded over $47,000 in seed funding to composting innovators since 2018. Past winners share their experiences, project evolution, and lessons in navigating contamination, compliance, financing, and scaling operations. The session offers practical insights on de-risking innovation, forming partnerships, attracting investment, and engaging… Continue reading VIS.122-Lessons Learned by Emerging Composter Winners (2018-2025)-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
VIS.120-From Hunger to Harvest – Empowering Communities Through Co…-AC25.USCC
Jasmine Crowe-Houston, award-winning social entrepreneur, will deliver a keynote on tackling food waste and hunger while promoting environmental sustainability. Drawing from her leadership at Goodr, she will highlight the role of composting in the circular economy, connecting soil health, food production, and community building. Jasmine will share success stories, strategies, and a call to action… Continue reading VIS.120-From Hunger to Harvest – Empowering Communities Through Co…-AC25.USCC
VIS.225-Everything You Want to Know About Every Step of a Successf…-AC25.USCC
Compo-Haut-Richelieu Inc. (CHR), a public-private partnership in Québec, has successfully built and commissioned the province’s first fully enclosed compost facility. This project navigated regulatory, financial, and operational challenges to create a state-of-the-art 50,000-metric-ton-per-year facility. The presentation will cover planning and orientation, including CHR’s strategic PPP structure and collection programs, as well as the design and… Continue reading VIS.225-Everything You Want to Know About Every Step of a Successf…-AC25.USCC
VIS.224-Whole System Strategic Planning – Finding Cross-Sector Com…-AC25.USCC
This presentation discusses the Improving the Circularity of Compostables and Compost initiative, a nationwide strategic effort to optimize the U.S. composting system. Representatives from key stakeholder groups will share insights from a 3-day Future Search event, where a common agenda and action plan were developed. Participants will explore ways to align with industry workstreams and… Continue reading VIS.224-Whole System Strategic Planning – Finding Cross-Sector Com…-AC25.USCC