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| Past Issues | Subscribe | Send to a Friend | compostingcouncil.org | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 From the Top of the Pile
By Frank Franciosi, Executive Director
This week, the USCC attended the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) Conference in Washington, D.C. Hosting a session on Tuesday, Oct. 8, titled, “Get the Dirt on Soil-Level Strategies for Climate Resilience and Carbon Drawdown,” the session showcased how compost, specifically STA Certified™ Compost, can be a transformative tool for both landscaping projects and climate change mitigation. This is in tune with ASLA’s Climate Action Plan.
The session underscored the vital role soils play – not only in supporting plant growth but also in addressing climate change. With climate impacts becoming more severe, landscape architects and environmental professionals need soil solutions that can both restore degraded landscapes and sequester carbon. Compost, particularly when tested and verified for quality through the USCC’s Seal of Testing Assurance (STA) Program, is emerging as a key strategy for building climate-resilient landscapes. Dr. Sally Brown and Ron Alexander authored a free whitepaper titled "Compost & Soil Improvement: Tools for Climate Resilient Landscapes," specifically targeting landscape architects and seeking to supplement and improve on the ASLA member Climate Action Field Guide.
USCC NEWS
Join us for COMPOST2025: Thirsty for Solutions in Phoenix, Jan. 27-30, 2025! This premier event brings together composters, industry leaders, and sustainability experts from across the nation. With seven interactive workshops, three tours, 75 inspiring speakers, an equipment demonstration day, and 100+ exhibitors, COMPOST2025 is the can't-miss event of the year for everyone in the composting industry!
Be sure to reserve your spot early and take advantage of early bird pricing. Stay tuned for more details about speakers, exhibitors, and special events. We can't wait to see you in Phoenix! Members, please be sure to login with your USCC membership credentials to get the member rate!
The USCC is happy to welcome Eric Ohman as our new association data manager. With more than 15 years of experience in the financial technology industry, Eric previously was an associate director with S&P Global, overseeing data management services. His background includes expertise in data management practices, data quality and integrity, automation tools, leadership, and data-driven strategic initiatives. Eric graduated from George Mason University with a bachelor’s degree in finance.
Please join us in welcoming Eric, and we hope to continue growing our staff as the USCC and the industry as a whole grows!
Ever encountered a compost feedstock so strange it made you question whether you should even take it? Join us for "Freaky Feedstocks," a webinar that delves into unusual and rarely heard of materials that compost producers may come across. We will discuss fall pumpkin smash events, handling animal mortalities in cold climates, and pee-cycling experiments. Don’t pass up this chance to discover the unconventional side of industrial composting and how these unusual feedstocks can be converted into high-quality compost!
The webinar takes place on Thursday, Oct. 31, at 1:30 p.m. ET. Register today to secure your spot and join the conversation!
Voting is currently underway for the USCC's six open seats for its board of directors. There are five compost manufacturer seats and one affiliate seat up for election. 
ADVOCACY AND PUBLIC POLICY BRIEFS
This is a system-wide event with a goal of system-wide agreement on how to more successfully include compostable packaging in composting emerged with 10 areas of focus, including compost use, infrastructure building through funding and food waste composting initiatives, and national education. The recommendations also include packaging-related initiatives addressing contamination, EPR, and labeling. The group also voted to keep the all-system collaboration platform in action to move forward the projects.
The work was done as part of a model called Future Search, used by industries, communities, and cross-functional stakeholder projects to bring disparate players in a system to a place of consensus on best ways to solve problems and move forward obstacles stuck in silos. More than 120 people from all along the supply chain for compostables and compost production and use attended. For three days in a structured and rigorous process, small groups of like-minded stakeholders – as well as mixed-group stakeholders – labored to build mind maps, group theory presentations on consensus-derived priorities, an all-system quantification and refinement of priorities, voting to narrow priorities, and action planning.
This is the US Composting Council's Compost Policy Pulse update for September 2024.
It's – almost – all about PFAS for September's update. We discuss the USCC's trip to Capitol Hill for a hearing on Superfund, also known as the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, and other relevant news on PFAS. We also share our results and insights from our member survey regarding the National Organic Standards Board's eventual decision on the petition by BPI to allow compostable packaging as a feedstock in compost for organic agriculture. These updates are brought to our members from our Public Policy and Lobbying Program, and the Legislative and Environmental Affairs Committee – a member committee that meets monthly to discuss legislation, regulation, issues, and programs.
STATE CHAPTER NEWS
The Texas Chapter of the U.S. Composting Council (TXCC) proudly presents TX COMPOST SUMMIT 2024! Whether you're a seasoned compost professional, new to the industry, or simply curious about the growing excitement around organics and composting, these three days in San Antonio are sure to be the best you can spend. TX COMPOST SUMMIT 2024 gathers composting professionals from municipalities, private industry, equipment dealers, manufacturers, and consultants. This summit offers a platform for collaboration, education, and networking as we work together to advance composting in Texas.
Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with experts and exhibitors, gaining valuable insights and knowledge. Click the link below to reserve your spot today!
Attend Summit Interested in sponsoring this event or demonstrating your equipment to Texas composters? Click the link below to view our options!
Become Vendor/Sponsor The Summit will take place Nov. 13-15, 2024, in San Antonio. Click the button below for more information on key summit highlights, accomodations, and demo day.
The Association of Compost Producers, the USCC's California state chapter, is currently seeking nominations for three board of directors seats. Eligible candidates are individuals from organizations of ACP Supporting Members who represent either Medium/Large Composters (2 positions) or a Composter of any size (1 position).
Click the button below to access the form for more information on nomination requirements, board member responsiblities, the code of ethics and confidentiality policy, and how to nominate yourself or another individual for a board seat.
The Ohio Organics Council (OHOC) Annual Conference is back! Join industry professionals, innovators, and policymakers for a day filled with insightful presentations, engaging breakout sessions, and valuable networking opportunities. This is a must-attend event for anyone passionate about advancing organics recycling, and composting in Ohio.
The conference takes place Nov. 1, 8.30 a.m - 3:30 p.m. ET at the Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4H Center at The Ohio State University. OHOC members and non-members are welcome.
Click the button below for more information on the conference agenda and to register today!
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
Meet Celia Darling, October's Young Professional of the Month!
Celia is the sustainability coordinator at Skidmore College. In her role, she works with three super-star student compost managers who together oversee the food waste diversion in dining facilities, residence halls, and academic buildings, which are composted offsite. They also run a backyard compost program that takes food scraps from on-campus apartments.
Celia is a recent Young Professionals Membership Scholarship Recipient and is a part of the YP Mentorship Committee.
Click the button below to learn more about Celia and how she got started in composting.
Earlier this summer, the Young Professionals Group welcomed 11 new members who were selected as the 2024 YP Scholarship Recipients. These new members bring a lot of knowledge and experience to the group and we are looking forward to having them on our six YP Subcommittees!
Click the button below to see the full recipient list.
The USCC and the Young Professionals Outreach Committee want to hear from you about your involvement and satisfaction with the Young Professionals Group. Please take our short survey using the button below. Your feedback shapes our future initiatives and we look forward to seeing how we can continue to best serve the needs of our members!
We're pleased to announce the Emerging Composter Challenge (ECC) is back at COMPOST2025 in Phoenix, AZ! This competition is a great chance for new compost entrepreneurs and innovators to pitch their ideas, with the chance to win cash prizes and connect with industry leaders.
Our goal is to raise $10,000 for this year’s top finalists, and we need your help to make it happen. Every dollar raised will go directly to support the future leaders of the compost industry.
Click the button below to learn more on how to get involved and register.
Are you a passionate young professional looking to connect with like-minded individuals in the composting industry? Look no further! We invite you to join our vibrant and engaging Slack community.
By joining our Slack, you'll have the opportunity to:
- Connect with fellow Young Professionals across the country
- Share ideas, insights, and resources - Network with industry leaders and experts - Stay up-to-date with the latest news, events, and opportunities - Participate in dynamic discussions and collaborative projects It's easy to get started! Simply click on the button below to join our Slack community and start connecting with fellow young professionals today.
MEMBER NEWS
Rotochopper is proud to announce the completion of its newly expanded facility, a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing commitment to innovation, customer-focused solutions, and growth. With the finishing touches complete, the ribbon-cutting ceremony, held in late August, celebrated the opening of the new Research and Development Innovation Center.
This 12,000 square foot expansion includes a state-of-the-art production space, significantly increasing the company’s manufacturing capabilities, along with an office area to enhance collaboration and efficiency. Additionally, the new facility features a dedicated space for research and development. This space will allow Rotochopper’s engineering and R&D teams to continue driving innovation, ensuring they remain at the forefront of technological advancements. As a factory-direct company, Rotochopper has a deep understanding of the unique challenges its customers face, and this R&D space will be essential in creating the tailored solutions that businesses need.
BPI is part of the Environmental Protection Agency's Ecolabel Program, providing federal purchasers with guidance on eco-friendly products. BPI is listed for PFAS prohibition and for compostability attributes, and now includes cafeteria ware and the new category for Bags & Liners for Compostable Organic Materials, which was previously part of the Trash Bag category.
For more information, click the button below and search for BPI.
Better Earth, a leader in sustainable foodservice packaging solutions, today announced its acquisition of Betterbin, a Software as a Service (SaaS) platform that optimizes recycling and composting education for consumers, retailers, and businesses. This acquisition bolsters Better Earth's mission to create a regenerative circular economy by providing seamless, tech-driven solutions that divert food packaging waste from landfills, improve compliance with solid waste regulations, and meet local sustainability goals.
Liz McLaughlin, WRAL News
RALEIGH, N.C., Oct. 4, 2024 — On Saturday, Oct. 5, the NC State Wolfpack football team took on the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, narrowly losing 34-30. The game was part of the university’s zero-waste initiative, aimed at drastically reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills.
"Big events like this create a lot of waste," said Meredith Smith, with NC State’s Waste Reduction and Recycling Office. "We’re here to take small steps toward a more sustainable game, and we’re making improvements along the way to increase efficiency."
OPPORTUNITIES, JOBS AND GRANTS
Table to Farm Compost (T2F) is seeking a director of operations that oversees the businesses’ day-to-day operations of on–farm compost management, including equipment maintenance and procurement, as well as compost route logistics including residential and commercial routes. The director of operations will also work with administrative staff to integrate software and systems into the day-to-day logistics of the operation. This position provides direct oversight to the farm manager and drivers and reports directly to the management team of the company. This is a new position for Table to Farm Compost.
TOOLS & RESOURCES
Following the devastation of Hurricane Helene and the expected strength of Hurricane Milton as of Tuesday, Oct. 8, we would like to share our storm and hurricane resources. Click the button below to access the EPA’s guide on planning for natural disaster debris and the USCC’s hurricane and storm readiness planning document.
CREF NEWS
The Compost Research & Education Foundation is excited to share information about several advancements on our research efforts. Following a generous $10,000 contribution from USCC last month, we are nearing our funding goal for the Test Methods for the Examination of Composting and Compost (TMECC) revision project! Can you help us bridge the final $8,000 gap? Even better, an anonymous donor will match your contributions. You can learn more about the revision project here and make your donation here. Next up, here’s a link to the final report for our most recent research grant, Compost Use in Post-Construction Stormwater Practices: A Systematic Review & Results from Listening Sessions by Andy Erickson, Ph.D., et al., University of Minnesota St. Anthony Falls Laboratory. Finally, the results of our Compostable Field Testing Program will be going live in the coming weeks on an open-source public platform. This project has been in the works since 2016 and represents the largest public release of compostable product field testing results worldwide. You can join the mailing list here to be among the first notified when we go live. IN THE HEADLINES
Waste Advantage
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla., Oct. 9, 2024 — On Tuesday, Oct. 1, an unprecedented agreement was reached between the fresh produce industry and composting organizations to accelerate the transition to certified compostable price look up (PLU) stickers. This intent was reached at a first-ever worldwide meeting in Niagara Falls, Canada, with the discussions leading to the agreement to develop a multi-phase framework to support this transition through the development and adoption of a global standard for compostable PLUs. The planned transition to certified compostable PLUs in the European Union by 2028 provides the added momentum to accelerate a worldwide adoption to this collective goal. Additional meetings within the fresh produce and composting sectors are planned in the coming months to expand engagement and finalize the action plan by the end of 2024.
DARTMOUTH, Mass., Oct. 4, 2024 — The Food Waste Drop-off Program at the Dartmouth Transfer Station has diverted 7,100 pounds of food waste in its first three months. This program helps participants reduce waste and purchase fewer orange SMART program trash bags.
Dartmouth residents dropped off 1,980 pounds of food waste in July, 2,720 pounds in August, and 2,400 pounds in September. This food waste was composted.
“About 20% of what residents dispose of is food waste. This program helps residents reduce waste at home, save money by using fewer orange SMART program trash bags, and keep food waste out of the Crapo Hill Landfill,” said Timothy Barber, director of the Town of Dartmouth’s Department of Public Works.
ALBANY, N.Y., Oct. 3, 2024 — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation today announced $2.5 million in new grant funding is available to assist not-for-profits that provide emergency food relief in New York State and municipalities seeking to start or expand existing food scraps recycling programs and facilities. New York State’s nation-leading food donation and food scraps recycling programs help reduce waste and climate-altering emissions caused by landfilling.
CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct. 7, 2024 — Zero waste is an ambitious goal that Charlotte’s Office of Sustainability is achieving through the Zero Waste Stadium initiative with help from volunteers, including students from the Honors College.
Zero Waste is based on diverting as much waste as possible from going to the landfill, and promotes source reduction, reuse, recycling, and compost as alternatives to landfilling waste. Charlotte’s Zero Waste Stadium initiative, coordinated by facilities management, business services (and contractor Chartwells) and athletics, covers all home football games, plus the day after sorting events.
Upcoming Events
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