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 From the Top of the Pile
In a few recent meetings and calls, it’s come up from both members and people outside the industry that there is no official definition of compost. So, we realize that it’s time, with the growth and expansion of the industry since USCC’s work with AAPFCO (American Association of Plant and Food Control Officials) to refresh our members on this work and the definition!
Two years ago, Ron Alexander, a longtime member, compost use expert and USCC’s representative on AAPFCO’s board, undertook the task of educating the organization’s committees and board about the specifics of compost as a product. This is critical for three reasons:
1) This group is made up of the officials around the U.S. who determine how and by whom compost can be sold.
2) More and more claims about non-compost like products have been and are being made.
3) With the upsurge in state and federal legislation around composting in recent years, the definition needs to be technically accurate for use in legal terminology.
USCC NEWS
A new USCC white paper released today identifies grant funding and other financing mechanisms for the growing U.S. compost manufacturing industry and makes recommendations for entrepreneurs and policymakers on expanding and using these methods.
“Financing Industrial Composting Facilities: Challenges and Opportunities” outlines equity, debt financing, grants, public-private partnerships, bonds and new types of funding to give compost manufacturing businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs a blueprint for financing options. Interviews with compost business owners are included for insights on best practices.
We are excited to reunite with you all in Austin, Texas, for our 30th Annual Conference and Tradeshow. On behalf of our Board of Directors, we want to affirm our commitment to providing a safe environment for everyone who attends COMPOST2022 in light of the current COVID situation.
To maximize the safety of our conference participants, we are sending you this email to review our current safety plans. The safety of each individual depends on the conduct of all participants. In particular this means you will need to mask and maintain social distance. While we have not mandated proof of vaccination, we know that vaccinations are the cornerstone to the safety and well-being of you and your community. We urge you to get vaccinated if you have not already done so.
 We are committed to continuing to update our guidelines below as local conditions evolve to maintain the highest level of compliance and safety at COMPOST2022. Please bookmark this link so that you can check in for changes as updates are made: Thank you in advance for your help in ensuring that our meeting is safe and productive for everyone.
Frank Franciosi
Executive Director
Started in September of 2018, Compost Queen is the brainchild of Jamie Blanchard-Poling, a long time environmental steward and nature lover. Inspired by her passion for renewable energy and zero waste, Jamie started Compost Queen to provide Northern Colorado with an achievable option to home composting. It all began with two years of failed backyard tumbler composting that blossomed into a bootstrap business idea. Growth was slow at first, but diligence and hard work paid off.
Why did you choose to become certified through the USCC Certification Commission?
After breaking 200 customers, it became obvious that Compost Queen's growth was going to become an obstacle that needed to be solved. I found the USCC and their incredible set of resources, and was met with open arms of support. After attending the Composting Operations Training Course in Fort Collins, I knew I had all the resources I needed to become a certified Composting Operations Manager for our small facilities to improve and produce quality finished products. I pursued this professional credential through the USCC so I could be seen as a professional, and advance my career in the composting industry.
A group of volunteers made up of both members and industry allies has begun work on diversity, equity and inclusion issues in the compost industry with its first meeting in December.
The group discussed a Statement of Purpose, which is being finalized by a subgroup this month, and has begun drilling down into observations and ideas from the Diversity Town Hall in October to form action items for carrying out its work. The group will be seeking to leverage work done by other groups and USCC members already.
Members of the DEI Working Group are:
Eileen Banyra, Community Compost Company; Amy Bartucci, Seven Generations Ahead; Nevin Brittain, Spaceday; Leilani Ching, WeCycle; Meredith Danberg-Ficarelli, Common Ground Compost; Kristine Ellsworth, NYDEC; Sergio Garcia, Evergreen Compost; Shelby Hoglund; Matt Karmel, Riker & Danzig; Janet Thoman, Compost Manufacturing Alliance; David Velez; Renee Wallace, Food Plus Detroit; Muriel Williman, Durham County; Samantha Winkle, Waste Connections; Doug Womack; Jill Wu, Goodr.
STATE CHAPTER NEWS
USCC’s chapters – 12 of which are supported by or created as independent fiscal entities – received nearly $23,000 in support funding for 2021 to invest in their expansion. Currently, about 250 of USCC’s 750 members are in chapter states.
The Support Funding Program, which has been in place since 2016, provides chapters with a 10% of the membership payment per renewing member in their state. Chapters that recruit members receive 20% per new member in their first year.
Chapters have used the support funding for advocacy, education, and other needs at the chapter level.
USCC is rolling out a suite of services during the next few years after a 2020 consulting study, Chapters Beyond 2020, recommended investments in training courses in the developing USCC Learning Management System, a Chapter Training Track and networking sessions showcase chapters at annual conferences (see article below!) and direct/grassroots advocacy tools to help chapters activate their activist networks for which USCC support funding will be a source.
To learn more about your state chapter or investigate starting a chapter in your state, visit https://www.compostingcouncil.org/page/StateChapters.
On Day 2 of COMPOST2022, we invite you to a “sweet” networking break to learn about USCC’s chapters with an Austin City Limits-inspired Networking Soiree over the lunch hour! Mark your COMPOST2022 calendar for 12:45-1:45 p.m. on Wednesday, January 26.
Visit any or all 13 of our Chapters’ Leadership Tables to discover the events, projects and work they are doing in their states, and prepare to get involved with your own state or learn what it takes to form a new chapter. We’ll have some sweet treats for lunch and some high-quality music to hear as well!
Thank you to Texas Organic Soils for sponsoring the Soiree!
Don’t miss it!
For the first time, a full day of speakers will train current chapter and future chapter leaders and anyone else thinking of forming future chapters for USCC.
Wednesday morning, January 26, starts out with Jairo Gonzalez, president of the New Jersey Composting Council, who in his non-volunteer life is a business consultant with background in non-profit, tax and finance. He will help chapter leaders understand how to organize their books, their committees and their records. Bring your questions about how to run your chapter, be it election of officers and financial issues.
Later that morning, Teri Sorg-McManamon, who we all know from her many years in the compost industry securing sponsors and advertisers, will give you the low-down on how to raise funds and get sponsors to support your chapter. Then, Claire Bruch, who runs the stellar social media program for Rust Belt Riders of Cleveland, will give you a tutorial on using Canva, the free graphic design software, for which USCC is opening accounts for all chapters in February.
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
Community Volunteer Project: January 24 at Sustainable Food Center (SFC)
Volunteer Project in Austin on Monday, January 24 from 12:30-3:30 p.m., including the commute: Get your hands dirty in this urban gardening project. A collaboration between SFC and USCC Young Professionals to build raised bed garden. Volunteers are first come first serve basis. Save your seat by emailing Jana Pearce, Volunteer Committee chair. Emerging Composter Challenge
Be ready to cast your vote – January 26, 12:30-2:00 p.m. Be on the lookout for the poster’s displayed in the USCC/ YP quad booth hallway at the convention center. Vote for your favorite poster, the topic that interests you the most. Voting is made easier this year. QR code technology is used. Only COMPOST2022 attendees can vote and will be verified against your conference registration badge. The prize money total worth $6,000 will be given to three winners. Prize money sponsors Rubicon Global, Honeycomb Credit, McGill. Please reach out to committee chair Antoine Abou Moussa regarding the competition. Happy Hour – Focused Career and General Networking
The most popular YP networking event that happens every month, this month lets gather in person at Austin’s popular Shiner’s Saloon on January 26 at 7:30 p.m. Grab complimentary drink, food and chat with industry experts on career perspective. Don’t forget your business card or use the digital business card app of COMPOST2022. Contact Coryanne Mansell and Leilani Ching to know more about this interactive YP happy hour. Thanks to our generous sponsors Republic Services. Crowd Funding Appointments
Planning to start your own composting business? Looking for financial institutions? Schedule your appointment with Dora Rankin, Director of Partnership, Honeycomb Credit here P.S: Don't forget to meet this enthusiastic group at the conference. See you at booth #418. MEMBER NEWS
December 2021 saw substaintial growth in the USCC's membership.
The USCC is excited to welcome the following individuals and organizations to our membership.
Veransa Group, Inc., a newly-formed company that specializes in transforming urban wood and yard waste into valuable commodities on an industrial-scale, announced its launch today. The company operates in the Tampa Bay region of Florida.
Veransa Group, Inc., a newly formed company that specializes in transforming urban wood and yard waste into valuable organic commodities on an industrial scale, has acquired Consolidated Resource Recovery, Inc. (“CRR”) and Florida Organic Solutions, Inc. (“FOS”). Veransa operates in the Tampa Bay region of Florida. CRR is the largest and oldest yard waste collection and recycling network in Florida. FOS is a leading Florida-based organic compost manufacturer.
RFPS AND PROPOSALS
NextCycle Michigan has two Innovation Challenge Tracks that are currently accepting applications to accelerate material management ideas into investable ready projects. Intergovernmental Initiative & Public Private Partnership (I2P3) Innovation Challenge: Communities are challenged to bring forward initiatives which will accelerate recycling and composting in their communities to support the growth of regional circular economies through collaboration and partnerships
Recycling Supply Chains (RSC) Innovation Challenge: Private sector teams are challenged to develop innovative projects that improve or expand the collection, processing, or end markets for recyclable materials in Michigan – especially plastics, textiles, glass, fibers, and C&D debris.
OPPORTUNITIES, JOBS AND GRANTS
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as part of its Science to Achieve Results (STAR) program, is seeking applications proposing cutting-edge transdisciplinary research (integrating diverse disciplines such as behavioral science, psychology, economics, public health, and sociology) to develop, apply, and test innovative and creative community-engaged approaches/methods to reduce household food waste through prevention (i.e., not redistribution) in the United States (U.S.) in real world settings. Prevention of household food waste means that the amount of food available for consumption in a household that is not ultimately eaten by the household is reduced. Applicants should propose a community-engaged research project that addresses at least one of the following three pathways to reduce household food waste through prevention:
♦ Changing the U.S. food environment to discourage waste by consumers.
♦ Strengthening consumers’ motivation, opportunity, and ability to reduce food waste. ♦ Leveraging and applying research findings and technology to support consumers in food waste reduction We will be accepting applications until February 9.
Get your hands on the latest in compost and sustainability jobs by taking a look at the job postings from our member organizations on our website. Plus, your membership gives you the benefit of posting jobs on our Career Center for free. It's easy, so why not take advantage of it?
How to post a job on the USCC website: Step 1: In your membership account go to Account Settings Step 2: Click Content & Features Step 3: Submit an Opening Have questions? Contact Gowri Sundaram at gsundaram@compostingcouncil.org.
Title: SENIOR DIRECTOR OF PROUCT SALES – COMPOST – VERANSA GROUP
Type of Position: Full-Time
Salary: $100,000 yearly
Veransa Group, Inc is looking for a dynamic Sales Director with specific industry experience in agriculture, nursery growers, landscapers, and other markets in need of compost and blended soils. Direct of Sales will grow our team of sales professionals and external agents and advisors who will sell our compost and blended soils direct to nursery and other growers in the agriculture sector, landscapers, and other markets in need of compost.
CREF NEWS
In 2020 during the COMPOST2020 conference, many people and organizations donated generously to fund this recently completed research project. The goal of the project was to research current literature and studies documenting ROI and then create specification use factsheets (spec sheets) that provide specific instructions for use and explain the ROI for very specific applications. While organic diversion has increased, market demand for compost has not kept pace. One reason for this is that it has been difficult to educate the market on the economic benefits of applying compost. These 10 factsheets have been created to help with that education process. All of the factsheets are now available for download on the CREF website HERE.
The ICAW Committee is looking for more volunteer ICAW coordinators to help grow ICAW during 2022. There are two upcoming opportunities to learn more about being an ICAW volunteer. During COMPOST 2022, there will be an ICAW breakfast on January 25 at 7 a.m. for anyone who wants to learn more about ICAW and how to get involved. Then on February 28 at 12 p.m. (EST), there is going to be an online ICAW Coordinator training where information on what coordinators have done in the past and plans for this year will be shared. To learn more about volunteering or to attend either of the meetings, contact Beth Simone, bethsimone@compostfoundation.org.
The Composting Handbook is now published and is available for sale on the CREF online store. The Composting Handbook, is available in both paperback and electronic versions. As the much-expanded sequel to the On-Farm Composting Handbook, this book is the authoritative, all-in-one guide to composting principles and practices for commercial-scale composting. You can purchase your copy HERE. You can also purchase the book at COMPOST2022 where Bob Rynk, the lead editor of the book, will be holding two book signings.
The CREF Board of Trustees has announced that two new trustees have recently joined the Board, starting their three-year terms on January 1, 2022. The Board of Trustees are thrilled to welcome Charles Duprey and Monica Ozores-Hampton, bringing with them a wealth of experience and knowledge on the compost industry. Charles Duprey is the founder and president of Naturcycle LLC, He also served as Vice Chair of the USCC Market Development Committee, and currently serves on the Seal of Testing Assurance Advisory Committee, and Monica Ozores-Hampton has her Ph.D. in Horticultural Sciences from the University of Florida, Gainesville, FL. and owns TerraNutri, LLC., a consulting company that specializes in research and development in agriculture. Dr. David Weindorf stepped down from the board after finishing his term and is now a CREF Advisor. The Board of Trustees thank him for all he did for The Foundation during his term.
IN THE HEADLINES
Hot on the heals of our most recent hybrid Conference in October, we have already begun to prepare for our 2022 event. Mark your calendars for May 11-13, 2022 at the Kellogg Center in East Lansing. This event is being planned as a hybrid event like our Conference in October. We have seen and will continue to see that the recycling industry is collaborative, essential, and resilient, and we hope you'll plan to join us as we celebrate 40 years of being the place where recyclers from across Michigan can meet to network with and learn from each other.
By Sam Allard
Photo by Peter Larson
Rust Belt Riders, the local composting and soil company founded in 2014, has become a worker-owned co-op. The Land reported Tuesday that the organization finalized its transition this month, meaning that any worker who has logged more than 3,000 hours with the company – that's 75 40-hour weeks – can become a part-owner, eligible to earn a share of the profits and to participate in decision-making.
Jenny Grant, head of organics and natural capital at the Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA), discusses more about the recently formed International Compost Alliance (ICA).
Soil is not only is the source of almost all of the world’s food, but it is also an important store of carbon and provider of ecosystems. While it can take many thousands of years to form, it can be destroyed very quickly. It also has a crucial role in fighting climate change. Using compost brings many benefits to soils.
Jenny Grant, head of organics and natural capital at the REA
The recycling of organic materials into high-quality compost and digestate has significant positive social, economic and environmental benefits. Despite organics recycling being an affordable and proven solution to the climate change mitigation and methane emission reduction goals, it remains an underutilised and undervalued technology.
Upcoming Events
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