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 From the Top of the Pile
By Frank Franciosi, Executive Director
The compost industry has come a long way in the 35 years since I have had the privilege of being involved. I remember back in the early 2010's where the USCC had limited conversations with the EPA related to persistent herbicides and other issues. Now, since September 2023, the USCC has been in talks with a number of lobbyists including Carpi & Clay. At the annual conference, the USCC board of directors voted to contract lobbyist Carpi & Clay to represent the compost industry in Washington! As a lobbying firm, Carpi & Clay provides full-service, bipartisan federal government relations services. I am heartened to see the compost industry grow to collectively represent itself in DC. Each month, Carpi & Clay will update the USCC about movement and progress regarding legislation.
Congress Completes FY 2024 Appropriations
This month, at nearly the halfway mark of the new fiscal year, Congress successfully avoided a shutdown by passing two minibus packages. These measures provide funding for the remainder of Fiscal Year (FY) 2024. The first package (H.R. 4366), comprising of six bills and totaling around $459 billion in discretionary spending, was signed into law on March 9. Two weeks later, the second package (H.R. 2882) encompassing the remaining six bills and totaling approximately $1.2 trillion in discretionary spending, was signed into law on March 23. With all 12 spending bills now enacted, the federal government's funding is secured through the FY 2024 which ends on Sept. 30, 2024. Congress has now shifted its focus to the funding for FY 2025, with members currently accepting requests for programmatic and community project funding.
President Biden Submits FY 2025 Budget to Congress
Following the State of the Union Address, President Biden submitted his FY 2025 Budget Proposal to Congress for consideration. The budget includes funding priorities for the Biden administration for Congress to consider when drafting FY 2025 appropriations bills. The budget details $7.2 trillion in spending for FY 2025 and protects a deficit reduction of two percentage points by FY 2034. A list of fact sheets on programs included in the budget can be found HERE.
USCC NEWS
I want to express my gratitude for your continued support of the US Composting Council. The USCC is stronger today than we have ever been, and the composting industry is stepping onto the national stage! The US Senate recently passed the Recycling and Composting Accountability Act, and over the past year, USCC staff, members, and board members met with congressional offices and committees to request PFAS Superfund liability exemptions. All the collective organizing, networking, advocacy, and developments in the compost industry are made possible by the tireless efforts of our volunteer committees, industry partners, staff, board members, and members like you! It is through our combined voices in the Compost Action Center, state chapters, committee meetings, and endeavors on Capitol Hill that we can affect the necessary changes for our industry to flourish. Thank you for being a part of the membership of the USCC. We are honored to be trusted with representing you! Your USCC membership not only supports the advocacy work above, but also gets you access to 10 free webinars a year, 12 industry newsletters a year, member-only resources, networking, and much more. Our Professional Certification discounts, additional discounts such as $100+ off conference attendance and COTC trainings, and member rate discounts for the Seal of Testing Assurance program can save you hundreds of dollars. Please renew now to take advantage of your membership benefits and discounts! Frank Franciosi
Join us for our upcoming webinar “From Bud to Blend: Compost Opportunities in Cannabis Cultivation” on Wednesday, April 22 at 2:00 p.m. ET! This event is your gateway to discovering the latest insights in composting cannabis waste.
This webinar will help you explore best practices and technology in processing cannabis waste, uncover potential opportunities in this flourishing field, and learn about successful marketing strategies. Additionally, you will hear experts discuss current regulatory frameworks around cannabis waste disposal, particularly in key states like Colorado and California.
Featuring industry leaders, including Van Calvez from Green Mountain Technologies, Nathan Rutz from Rust Belt Riders, Mark King from Maine Department of Environmental Protection (MEDEP), and Bob Yost from A1 Organics, this webinar offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with those at the forefront of composting methods, marketing, and advocacy.
Click the link below to register today to secure your spot and join the conversation!
ADVOCACY AND PUBLIC POLICY BRIEFS
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Tom Carper (D-Del.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Ranking Member of the EPW Committee, and John Boozman (R-Ark.), also a member of the EPW Committee, celebrated Senate passage of two pieces of bipartisan legislation focused on improving our nation’s recycling and composting systems.
“Most Americans want to do their part to reduce waste and harmful pollution,” said Chairman Carper, co-chair of the Senate Recycling Caucus. “Yet, roughly two-thirds of recyclable materials still aren’t being recycled, resulting in more and more waste polluting our land, air and oceans. These two bipartisan bills will help address several of the challenges plaguing our nation’s recycling and composting systems—including reliable data collection and improving access to recycling programs. I am pleased to see these two bills pass the Senate, and I thank Senators Capito and Boozman for once again working with me on a critical issue for our nation and our planet, because there is no Planet B.”
In response to a document published by the National Organic Standards Boards’ Crops Subcommittee, the USCC submitted comments focused on questions about compost production for the NOSB’s upcoming meeting from April 29 to May 1 in Milwaukee, WI. The feedback was provided for NOSB questions on production practices for potential organic-use compost, including the advance of technologies since standards were last set; carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, contamination, and inspection practices.
The USCC is arguing that best-practice contamination reduction policies practiced by compost manufacturers currently making product for organic use are significant and protective, and that inspections are unwarranted. In addition, the USCC is proposing that the STA CertifiedTM Compost testing program is a useful tool for evaluating compost for organic use with its rigorous tests for metals and pathogens.
COMPOST USE
Spring is finally here, and the sweet earthy smell of STA Certified™ Compost is in the air. This special time of year also signals the start of the Seal of Testing Assurance Program's 2024-2025 annual renewals. Beginning on May 1, you can renew by navigating to your STA Gateway Database dashboard and following the instructions for renewing your product participation. You’ll notice that the gateway and our STA program has a new look, logo, and brand: STA Certified™ Compost. Once your annual renewal is complete, you’ll then have access in the STA Gateway to all versions of our new logo and product badge along with an updated branding guide that will detail how to use these assets for your product, webpage, social media, and more. Please be on the lookout for renewal reminders and for continued program updates throughout the 2024-2025 cycle! STATE CHAPTER NEWS
Source: Waste Advantage Magazine
The Lincoln-based Nebraska Recycling Council (NRC) has received grant funding from both the Nebraska Environmental Trust (NET) and the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) to complete projects in 2024. Grant funding from the NDEE will continue NRC’s public education and communications programming. Examples of these activities include managing the Nebraska Online Recycling Guide, hosting an annual conference, providing technical assistance, speaking at events, and developing and sharing educational materials.
NDEE also awarded funds to NRC to support developing Municipal Waste Diversion Toolkits. These resources will supply communities across Nebraska with the tools they need to improve waste diversion from the landfill and create sustainable programs such as recycling and composting. A wide range of stakeholders will influence the content to ensure a comprehensive, implementable, and appropriate resource.
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
Wondering how you can leverage the resources offered by the USCC Young Professionals Program? Look no further than the YP Mentorship Program, now accepting applications for the upcoming year. Applications close April 26, 2024. The Young Professionals Mentorship Program is a yearly initiative designed to bridge the gap between students and beginner composters and seasoned experts within the compost industry. Become a Mentor! Are you a seasoned expert in the composting industry, eager to share your knowledge and pass the torch to the next generation of leaders? Join us as a mentor in our YP Mentorship Program! Click here to apply. Become a Mentee! Are you an ambitious individual ready to grow and thrive in the composting industry? Join the Young Professionals Mentorship Program as a mentee! Connect with passionate professionals who are committed to sharing their insights and supporting your journey. Click here to apply.
We are thrilled to highlight Charlie O’Connell as April’s Young Professional of the Month! Charlie is the founder and owner of Compost Bowling Green (CBG), a YP Scholarship recipient and a member of the USCC YP Outreach Committee. Compost Bowling Green is a compost hauling company based in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Established in March of 2022 as an offshoot of a farm business, CBG is focused on raising pigs, cattle, and goats. With plans to open a commercial compost facility in 2024, Charlie is dedicated to expanding sustainable practices in the community. Before diving into entrepreneurship, Charlie earned a degree in Civil Engineering and gained experience working on a soil monitoring network at Western Kentucky University. With a deep passion for soil health, physics, and agricultural sustainability, Charlie is making a meaningful impact in the field of composting. Congratulations to Charlie O’Connell for his outstanding contributions to the composting industry and his dedication to the YP Group!
Join us for the USCC YP Virtual Happy Hour on Wednesday, April 24 at 4:00 p.m. ET. We'll be delving deeper into the role of compost in the cannabis industry. Feel free to bring any questions you have from the webinar happening on Monday, April 22 titled "From Bud to Blend: Compost Opportunities in Cannabis Cultivation," or simply join the conversation to explore the latest insights into composting cannabis waste. Attendance at the webinar is not required to join the Happy Hour. 📅 Date: Wednesday, April 24 ⏰ Time: 4:00 p.m. ET Meeting ID: 999 1045 3133 📞 Join via phone: +1 669 444 9171 US 💻 Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/99910453133 Stay ahead of the curve! 📆 Be sure to visit the USCC Community Calendar to stay in the loop with all the latest event updates and RSVP for upcoming gatherings. Click here to access the calendar and don't forget to bookmark the page. By doing so, you'll always be on the forefront of exciting announcements and connected with the USCC Young Professionals community.
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 link below to join our Slack community and start connecting with fellow Young Professionals today.
MEMBER NEWS
In the Winter of 2023/24, the USCC Membership Committee contracted out a membership needs assessment to help our entire organization understand the needs of our members. From Early January until COMPOST2024 in Daytona, the survey was open and collected a record number of responses (459) from members, nonmembers, and former members. These results have already helped the membership committee and board of directors make crucial decisions regarding plans related to advocacy and lobbying.
March saw steady growth in the US Composting Council (USCC) membership post conference, with 14 new members, including two students, one non-profit, one equipment company, and 10 compost manufacturers. Please welcome the March cohort of new & returning members and reach out to them in the membership portal. New March Soilbuilder Members:
Source: Charles Ashby, The Daily Sentinel
Mesa County is going in with the City of Grand Junction in looking at the feasibility of expanding its composting facility at the landfill so it can take in far more than just yard waste. The commissioners agreed Tuesday to spend more than $139,000 to “piggyback” on a contract the city has with Carollo Engineering, which was contracted by the city for a Master Plan Development Project at the Persigo Wastewater Treatment Plant.
FORT COLLINS, Colo., March 7, 2024 – Compost Queen, a leading advocate for sustainable waste management, is proud to announce the grand opening of its newest facility and headquarters in Fort Collins, Colorado, at 1505 North College Avenue, home of Back Gate Farm. This milestone event marks the fourth location in Fort Collins for Compost Queen and a significant step forward in the company’s mission to provide local composting solutions for the Northern Colorado community.
Compost Queen, a woman-owned Public Benefit Corporation, is dedicated to reducing organic waste, minimizing emissions, and enhancing soil health. With a strong focus on education, innovation, and community engagement, Compost Queen aims to create a future where composting is seamlessly integrated into daily life, powering the circular economy and closing the carbon cycle.
SCS Engineers, a leading environmental engineering firm, proudly announces the appointment of its new executive leadership team subsequent to its semiannual Board of Directors meeting, under the guidance of Chairman Jim Walsh and CEO Doug Doerr.
Curtis Jang assumes the role of President, leveraging his extensive 30-year tenure in financial management and organizational improvement. Mr. Jang will spearhead strategies aligning with the overarching goals set forth by the CEO and Board.
OPPORTUNITIES, JOBS AND GRANTS
The sustainability supervisor will assist in the sorting, recycling, and composting of waste materials during and after the event, participate in the post-show sorting process of all recycling, composting, and landfill materials from the venue, and assist in employee and fan engagement in order to help them understand their role in achieving the venue's sustainability goals. They will also work with the management team to formulate action plans for reaching venue goals and engage fans and encourage them to participate in our sustainability programs through activities or education.
TOOLS & RESOURCES
The USCC Market Development Committee has developed a brand-new resource titled Compost and Soil Improvement: Tools for Climate Resilient Landscapes. This guide is meant to provide a primer in soils, soil testing, and to show how compost can enhance any and every landscaping project, large or small, to quantify the benefits that you can expect when you use compost. Specifically, this guide was created to submit to the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) in consideration of their organization’s Climate Action Plan, an opportunity that presented through our continued organizational partnership. Additionally, this resource includes specifications, helpful tips, and useful information for project owners, planners, engineers, and all other parties interested in how compost provides an effective and sustainable means to fight climate change and to increase the resilience against the climate changes we are already experiencing.
Make sure your compost facility is ready for hurricane and tropical storm season by planning ahead. Check out the Storm Planning resources provided by the USCC and recently updated by the Young Professionals Webinar and Education Committee. The updated resources are specifically designed for compost manufacturers and municipal solid waste planners.
Visit the webpage to learn how to protect your facility from damage and support your employees during severe weather. Do not wait for a disaster to strike; be prepared for any storm that comes your way.
CREF NEWS
Ginny Black, long-term CREF Board of Trustees Chair, officially stepped down as the chair. Black will continue serving as a member of the CREF board. She is resigning from CREF chairmanship to better focus on composting leadership in her home state of Minnesota, where Black is also the board chair for the Minnesota Composting Council.
Black has served as the CREF board chair for over a decade, guiding the organization from a relatively latent period to where it is today, with a full-time executive director, dedicated staff, and multiple ongoing programs and projects. Over the years, Black dedicated time, energy, and support to CREF, becoming the face of the Foundation for the compost industry. CREF will continue to grow its impact and outreach due to the care and commitment she gave to the organization.
International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW) is the best time of year to share the many benefits of composting our yard waste and food scraps and using compost to build healthy soils. This year’s theme is "COMPOST…Nature’s Climate Champion." ICAW 2024 is when we can all show that we are climate champions by participating in ICAW. With ICAW 2024, May 5-11, coming up soon, this is a great time to start making your plans, and the CREF staff and ICAW Committee are available to help. If you would like help promoting ICAW on your social media, the ICAW Committee created an ICAW 2024 Social Media Toolkit, offering day-to-day posts you can use or modify. If you need help coming up with ideas on what to do, go to the ICAW event page "How to Get Involved & Upcoming Events" where you’ll find a list of what other people across the country are doing. If you already know your plans, go to the event page and take a minute to fill out the event form to share your exciting activities with others. If you need any help getting ready for ICAW, get in touch with Beth Simone at bethsimone@compostfoundation.org.
Part-time CREF staff member, Jamie Blanchard-Poling, is also owner of Compost Queen, and she has exciting news to share. She has recently opened a new headquarters and facility in Fort Collins, CO!
This milestone marks the fourth location in Fort Collins for Compost Queen, a sustainable waste management company, and a significant step forward in the company's mission to provide local composting solutions for the Northern Colorado community.
"We are thrilled to bring our business to North College and serve as an icon of the change we can make to food recycling in Fort Collins," said Jamie. "This facility represents a significant investment in sustainable waste management and underscores our commitment to serving the community while protecting the environment."
In January, CREF’s first webinar in a two-part series on composting human remains became one of our best-attended webinars to date. With such evident interest from the composting community and the actively unfolding nature of this topic, CREF has expanded this into a three-part series with guidance from our collaborators Jean Bonhotal and Bob Rynk.
The second part of the series, titled "The Current State of Affairs," is scheduled for Thursday, April 18 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. EST. While the first part of the series focused on the unique composting process, this session will move into the business and legal aspects of the topic.
IN THE HEADLINESSource: Matthew Bossons, Yukon News
Preliminary data from the City of Whitehorse’s winter waste audit reveals an impressive 17% reduction in organic matter in industrial, commercial, and institutional (ICI) waste. This decline is in comparison to the findings of the city’s 2018 waste audit. Additionally, there has been a six percent reduction in organic waste in the residential waste stream compared with 2018.
“With more people of course, waste production increases. So even with knowing the population has increased, we’re still seeing that decline in our organic waste being in the waste stream. So that’s good news,” Sara Bos, an environmental coordinator with the City of Whitehorse, told the News.
Source: Maine Deparment of Environmental Protection
The Maine Department of Environmental Protection is soliciting grant proposals to support the development, implementation or improvement of programs, initiatives or activities designed to increase the diversion of solid waste from disposal. In the Fall of 2023, the Department funded ten waste diversion projects around Maine with a total of $128,326.07 in awards. These grants are supporting efforts to increase food scrap recovery and composting activities in the Central and Southern Maine areas, allowing a small Maine business to continue efforts to collect and refurbish outdated personal computers and laptops, supporting backyard composting programs, increasing recycling efforts at several Maine communities, and helping to promote educational awareness at a Maine school district by immersing students and staff in a hands-on, sustainable educational program that will help promote sustainability programs throughout the district.
Source: Arlene Karidis, Waste360
About nine U.S. states have enacted laws around composting in the past decade, from rules around compostable product labeling and specifications to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Programs that include these processing methods, leveraged to divert food and food packaging from landfills, reduce methane emissions and enhance soil and plant health.
In this Q&A, Rhodes Yepsen, executive director of the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) World and Alex Truelove, BPI’s legislation and advocacy manager, jointly provide insight to catch us up on evolving composting regulations.
Source: Milwaukee Independent
New York is among a growing number of states targeting food waste over concerns it is taking up diminishing landfill space and contributing to global warming as meat, vegetables, and dairy release the greenhouse gas methane after being dumped in a landfill. Rescuing unwanted fruits and vegetables, eggs, cereals and other food also helps to feed hungry families.
“Years ago, everything went in the garbage… to the landfills, the compactors or wherever it was,” said Sean Rafferty, store manager for Shoprite of Elmsford-Greenburgh in New York who has 40 years in the industry. “Now, over the years, so many programs have developed where we’re able to donate all this food… where we’re helping people with food insecurities.”
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