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 From the Top of the Pile
This past winter, the USCC launched a survey aimed at estimating the environmental impact of USCC member compost producers including universities and municipalities. The survey data was used to calculate greenhouse gas (GHG) avoidance, carbon sequestration, and fertilizer value, helping us gain a clearer understanding of the environmental impact of composting activities within our membership.
The 2023 Compost Throughput and Environmental Impact Survey was a voluntary assessment distributed to 730 US Composting Council (USCC) members, including compost producers, haulers, researchers, advocates, public agencies, and other stakeholders in the composting industry. Of those invited, 142 respondents completed the survey, representing more than 263 composting facilities across 40 states.
USCC NEWS
By Eric Hudiburg
The US Composting Council has grown rapidly during the past few years, in large part due to the growth in the industry and our members. In 2020, when I started at the USCC as our Membership and Marketing Manager, the USCC was beginning to pivot from a staff of four into what it has become today. Through five conferences – including one virtual show – I have been honored to be a part of such a dedicated and passionate group of individuals. It is not often that USCC staff get a byline in the Compost Communicator, and we chose to make an exception to the rule this time as this will be my last newsletter as a staff member. I will be departing from my role at the USCC at the end of May. Working for the USCC has been an incredible privilege, and I cherish the time I have had with all my coworkers and the larger compost community. I will be shifting my focus and will be taking an operations position at a local organics hauler in Raleigh. Though there is never an easy time to leave, I do so knowing full well that the staff and leadership team at the USCC has a steady hand on the wheel. In addition to my departure, there are a number of staffing changes and promotions that deserve recognition.
Teri Sorg-McManamon, Director of Professional Development and Certification, Conference Program Director, has been named the USCC’s Deputy Director effective July 1. Linda Norris-Waldt, Incoming Executive Director of the US Composting Council, said: "As the industry and USCC's staff have grown, so has the need for a role to contribute to overseeing daily operations, championing programs and policies, managing staff, and representing USCC. With Teri's decades of work in the compost industry and her time here, she is a great choice for this position."
The US Composting Council invites professionals in compost manufacturing, organics recycling, research, education, and related fields to submit presentation proposals for COMPOST2026, the premier in-person industry conference and trade show.
The conference program includes two main types of presentations: Concurrent Sessions and the CREF Research Track. Concurrent Sessions consist of 90-minute blocks made up of individual 20-minute presentations grouped around a common theme. These sessions are ideal for sharing best practices, case studies, how-tos, emerging trends, technologies, advocacy insights, marketing approaches, and new perspectives. The CREF Research Track, developed by the Compost Research & Education Foundation, is reserved for presentations that focus on scientific findings and research. These proposals are reviewed for scientific validity by members of the CREF Board.
 Join the US Composting Council (USCC) on Thursday, May 29, at 2 p.m. ET for an essential webinar: “PFAS and the Compost Industry – A 2025 Update.” This webinar will provide critical insights into the evolving landscape of PFAS regulations and their impact on composting operations.
Featured Speakers:
State Senator Jeff Wilson (Washington) – Discussing recent legislative efforts, including SB 5033, aimed at assessing PFAS levels in biosolids to safeguard public health and agriculture.
Dr. Youn Jeong Choi (Purdue University) – Presenting the latest scientific findings on PFAS presence in compost, building upon her research in environmental science. Jess Anderson (A1 Organics) – Sharing industry perspectives on managing PFAS challenges within composting operations. Linda Norris-Waldt (USCC) – Providing an advocacy update on EPA risk assessments, state-level PFAS legislation, and strategies to protect the composting industry from undue liability. Moderator: Noel Lyons (McGill Compost) This webinar is crucial for compost manufacturers, policymakers, and environmental professionals seeking to navigate the complexities of PFAS in the composting sector. Stay informed and engaged with the latest developments.
 Membership renewal launched last week – please look for an email from uscc@compostingcouncil.org with the subject line “Renew Your USCC Membership By July 1st.”
Thanks to your support, the US Composting Council continues to be the voice of the compost industry, driving national policy, supporting members, and advancing composting as a key solution for environmental and waste challenges.
During the past year, USCC staff, board members, and volunteers have advocated for PFAS Superfund liability exemptions and celebrated the passage of the Recycling and Composting Accountability Act in the US Senate. These efforts, along with our education, outreach, and industry support, are powered by your membership.
As part of the US Composting Council’s upcoming Salary & Benchmarking Study, we are gathering critical data on compensation and benefits to help our members make better-informed hiring decisions. To ensure we capture the most accurate information for your organization, we would greatly appreciate your help identifying the best human resources representative or relevant point of contact on your team.
Here is what we need from you:
• Share HR Contact Details: Please share your HR contact’s details (name, email address, phone) using this quick form: https://forms.gle/sTYUkhcduJ7iBUgA8.
• Forward the Survey: Once the survey is launched, we will reach out directly to your HR contact to invite them to participate. Why Your Organization Should Participate:
• Benchmarking & Fair Pay: Gain unbiased insights into industry compensation, ensuring fair salaries and competitive hiring practices.
• Retention & Growth: Discover trends in incentive structures, benefits, and perks to help attract and retain top talent. • Customized Insights: Find out how your compensation and benefits stack up against similar organizations. Thank you for taking a moment to fill out the form. Your help will shape a robust, high-quality data set for the organic waste management and composting industry. If you have any questions, feel free to let us know.
Thank you in advance for your assistance, and we look forward to working with your HR representative soon!
ADVOCACY AND PUBLIC POLICY BRIEFS
Engaging your state legislators is the best way to get your congressperson to understand and support composting. Give them a summer tour of your facility!
For the third year, USCC is looking for members willing to host tours of their compost facility this spring and summer, when legislators are out of session. USCC's lobbying efforts have indicated that with federal funding paused and cancelled, getting legislators at the state level to see compost facilities is the number one way to increase success for you AND the industry.
Reaching out to your local legislator may sound challenging, which is why the USCC has provided a step-by-step guide on how to do so! Click the button below to access our full guide.
If you are considering hosting a visit, click the button below to sign up on our website. We will keep you updated with more information for your planning purposes and the day of your tour.
Effective PFAS regulation must be science-driven, source-focused, and consider the broader context of exposure. We are concerned that the flaws in the current risk assessment will fuel unsubstantiated public concerns rather than promoting practical solutions.
We urge you to comment using our Compost Action Center about the inadequacy of this assessment and the damage its flaws could cause in securing real action on dealing with PFAs in a realistic way.
This is the USCC Compost Policy Pulse update for April 2025. 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.
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.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Consider a personal learning strategy and create a blueprint for yourself
Certification, continuing education, and career path goals all strengthen you, your company, and the state you live in. How so? Having trained and knowledgeable people working in composting businesses on the local, regional, state, and national levels helps consumers and communities feel confident about composting programs and the people who run them. That’s why utilizing USCC Professional Development Programs is in your direct interest and those around you.
Not sure where to start on a personal learning strategy? Get a little inspiration by taking a closer look at the broad range of high-value, career-focused opportunities and resources the USCC offers on our Professional Development page.
Get the chance to watch and listen to recorded sessions at COMPOST2025 by purchasing our Conference Recordings Package!
Get access to all our education sessions from our annual conference in Phoenix. Videos include the speakers' presentations with audio. PowerPoint files are not included with the recordings package.
Compost University™ is sponsored by Vermeer. Click their logo in the Diamond Sponsors section below to learn more.
STATE CHAPTER NEWS
The formation body of a potential state chapter in Indiana is pleased to announce its first compost facility tour.
Please find the tour details and RSVP link below:
Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Time & Locations: · 10:30 a.m. – Integrated Elements Compost
· 1:30 p.m. – Caldwell's Inc.
RSVP: Kindly confirm your attendance by RSVPing through the link below.
RSVP link: https://forms.gle/Jy5Re57EFhCaFojq9
 Join the Association of Compost Producers for their third annual ACP Workshop and Demo Day, where policy meets practice. This year, ACP is combining its signature Demo Day with a behind-the-scenes tour of the Atlas Organics facility in Gonzales, CA, offering a unique, real-world lens on the biggest challenges facing the composting industry today.
The day will feature panel discussions with compost industry professionals from across California, tackling topics such as SB1383 implementation, contamination reduction strategies, and compost market development. Attendees will be transported by bus from the Steinbeck Museum to the Atlas site. Space is limited – reserve your spot soon!
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
The Young Professionals Mentorship Program is back for 2025-2026 – and applications are now OPEN!
Whether you're an aspiring professional eager to learn, or an experienced pro ready to give back – we want YOU! Mentees will be able to learn from industry pros, build their network, and take their career to the next level. Mentors can share their knowledge, inspire future leaders, and shape the future of composting.
This year, the Mentorship Committee is going to create a “Mentorship Magazine” where we present mentors and mentees. It will serve as a contact sheet and overview for all of those who want to connect and learn to strengthen the composting industry.
Applications are due May 30, so don’t wait and apply now!
More information about the mentorship program and registration is here.
We are thrilled to highlight Victor Romero as May’s YP of the Month! Victor currently works for Aldea Verde as a Project Development Engineer!
Victor started working in the compost industry in 2016. Since then, Victor has collaborated in the design and development of more than 20 compost-related projects. The projects Victor has been a part of have been primarily in Mexico, but he has also worked on projects all over the Americas and Europe!
Victor first got involved in the USCC Young Professionals Group in 2019 and his involvement significantly picked up in 2021. In 2024 Victor became the YP Emerging Composter Competition Committee Chair. As the committee chair, Victor is responsible for helping plan and host the Emerging Composter Competition that is held at the COMPOST conference each year!
Congratulations to Victor for his outstanding contributions to the composting industry and his dedication to the YP Group as the chair of the Emerging Composter Competition Committee!
On April 8, the USCC Young Professionals Group and the NYSAR3 Young & Emerging Professionals Committee co-hosted a Young Professionals Meet & Greet at the 2025 NYS Organics Summit. The event was a success with so many young professionals from New York as well as other areas of the state connecting and learning about what both groups offer!
Are you a Young Professional interested in hosting a YP event in your state? Please feel free to reach out to the YP Outreach Committee! We would be happy to help you brainstorm ideas for your event and get you USCC YP materials to share at your event!
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:
It's easy to get started! Simply click the button below to join our Slack community and start connecting with fellow Young Professionals today. MEMBER NEWS
On April 10, the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio, also known as SWACO, unveiled a new and improved version of its Business Recycling Champion program at a special screening of the movie “Beyond Zero,” in conjunction with the Columbus Chamber of Commerce. The film focuses on the efforts of a billion-dollar business to reduce its environmental impact to nothing and, eventually, to even less than that. SWACO’s Business Recycling Champion program provides free education and recycling containers, and reimburses local businesses for the costs of starting up or improving their existing programs to divert waste from the landfill.
Click on the button below to read the full press release.
OPPORTUNITIES, JOBS AND GRANTS
Supervisory level work overseeing the operation of natural wood waste operations, composting facility, and organics screening activity located at county landfill property. Oversees the planning and operation of those systems and the collection of samples and field measurements necessary to monitor environmental conditions. Oversees and performs a variety of duties including equipment operation and maintenance. Work includes operating equipment, equipment maintenance, product management and sales, compliance monitoring, and other site duties as assigned.
CREF NEWS
We’re thrilled to introduce two new team members who will be playing instrumental roles in a major upcoming project here at the Compost Research & Education Foundation. Please join us in welcoming Shelby Hoglund, Ph.D., and Michele Francis, Ph.D., to the CREF community! Together, they will be facilitating much-needed revisions in the Test Methods for the Examination of Composting and Compost (TMECC) that laboratories use throughout the world.
The TMECC is a critical resource that provides standardized, science-based protocols for evaluating the quality, safety, and maturity of compost and the composting process. By offering consistent testing procedures, TMECC helps ensure that compost products meet environmental and performance standards, making it a trusted guide for compost producers, researchers, regulators, and end-users alike. These methods support transparency, credibility, and comparability across the composting industry – ultimately promoting best practices, protecting soil and plant health, and reinforcing public confidence in compost use.
CREF is excited to be bringing the COTC back to New York for the first time since 2019. The newly scheduled training will take place July 21-25 in Dutchess County, just outside Poughkeepsie. Historically, more COTC attendees have come from New York than any other state except California, so we hope this provides a convenient learning opportunity for those in NY’s vibrant composting community. You can learn more and register for the New York COTC here. We also have a few spots remaining in our Lincoln, NE, COTC happening in June.
The COTC is one of the composting industry’s most renowned trainings, providing top-tier instruction on the art and science of commercial-scale compost production and marketing. Led by nationally recognized instructors, the course combines in-depth lectures with hands-on activities, such as team-based pile building and monitoring. You can learn more about the COTC program here.
CREF’s next webinar, scheduled for June 12, will take a look at plastic contamination in compost and how biodegradable plastics can offer an alternative. Our featured speaker is Dr. Markus Flury of Washington State University, an expert on the fate and transport of plastic particles in the environment, and the webinar will be moderated by Kate Kurtz from City of Seattle Public Utilities.
The webinar will dive into the challenges presented by compost contaminated by microplastics, why biodegradable plastics are a promising alternative for conventional plastics, and composting as an end-of-life scenario for biodegradable plastics. You can learn more and register for the webinar here.
IN THE HEADLINES
As part of a push to bridge knowledge gaps and offer greater understanding of the PFAS challenges that affect passive receivers, the Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF) is broadening its PFAS educational materials to incorporate more than 1,500 resources. The newly expanded offerings will provide industry professionals with peer-reviewed research, additional resources, and much more.
Upcoming Events
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