Insider Tips From Compost Operation Experts
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Register for the USCC's Next Webinar: Insider Tips from Compost Operation Experts
Time: October 21, 2021, 3 p.m.
Each step of the compost operation process can bring both expectations and obstacles. Compost facilities, both small and large, can learn to overcome these challenges, by researching new strategies and gaining fresh perspectives. In the upcoming USCC webinar "Insider Tips From Compost Operation Experts,” on October 21 at 3 pm, four industry professionals from various size operations will dive into important experiences that helped drive their successes.
This webinar will be moderated by the USCC’s Associate Director, Cary Oshins, who plans the annual conference program, runs our professional credential program and works to advocate for the compost industry at the state and national levels. He is also Education Director for the Compost Research and Education Foundation, where he runs the Composter Training Program. Cary has taught at over 40 Compost Operator Training Courses and to date has trained over 1000 individuals on the fundamentals of industrial compost manufacturing.
Our first panelist is Lauren Clarke from Turn Compost. Lauren is a certified Master Gardener with Texas A&M AgriLife (Class of 2013), composting specialist with Texas A&M AgriLife, Compost Operations Manager (CCOM), and has also received a culinary certification with the American Culinary Federation. Although Turn Compost may be one of the youngest organizations on this webinar, Lauren brings a wealth of knowledge from the past three years of operating as a Woman-Owned Business (WBE) in the Dallas and Fort Worth area.
Our second panelist is Dustin Montey, Assistant Manager at SMSC Organics Recycling Facility, one of the largest composting facilities in the state of Minnesota. Since opening in 2011, thousands of tons of materials like paper, food, and yard waste have been collected and transformed into high-quality compost, compost blends, and mulch. Dustin has worked with SMSC for the past seven years, managing compost operations, colored mulch production, off-site wood grinding, sales, and delivery of products. In his position, Dustin has coordinated the production and sale of hundreds of thousands of cubic yards of compost to residential and commercial customers. Before Dustin joined SMSC he served as a combat engineer in the United States Marine Corps.
Our next panelist is Suki Janssen, the Solid Waste Department Director for the Athens Clarke County Solid Waste Department. Suki has been at the head of the solid waste department for seven years and has worked for Athens Clarke County for 17 years. In addition to other tasks, she plans, directs, and controls the day-to-day operations of the department including landfill, compost, recycling, refuse collection and disposal services, leaf and limb services, and billing functions.
Our final panelist is Jim Davis, VP of Strategic Development at Atlas Organics. In the past seven years, Atlas Organics has made significant strides in expanding organics recycling throughout the Southeast and into Texas. With that expansion, Atlas has grown into a team of over 120 at multiple facilities and sells a variety of products. Jim Davis joined Atlas Organics in April of 2016. Bringing 25 years of experience in sales and marketing, Jim leads the strategic business and partnership development of Atlas Organics and plays a key role in identifying both public and private partnership opportunities, assessing feasibility and viability for diversion projects, building and managing relationships through transition, and advocating for organics policy.
