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 From the Top of the Pile
Frank Franciosi It has been my honor to lead the US Composting Council through significant evolution and growth during the past eight years. This position has been my legacy job in every way. During my tenure, we have been able to significantly expand how the USCC helps its members and the composting industry. The Council is now financially secure, with restricted reserves invested in keeping the organization intact for years to come. Our organization and industry are now poised for growth. Thanks to our membership and vendor contributions, we now have a staff of ten dedicated employees who are committed to serve you all. These past several years have brought seismic shifts to the industry in terms of new issues and regulations impacting our industry both on a national and state level. No other organization offers the level of support, particularly on public policy advocacy, that the USCC provides to the entire composting industry. I am very grateful to have been part of an amazing team of passionate and talented members, board leaders, consultants, affiliates, vendors, volunteers, and staff shaping the future of our industry. I am committed to helping ensure the upcoming leadership transition for the Council will be as seamless and successful as possible. With that said, the Executive Committee has unanimously selected Linda Norris-Waldt, your current deputy director, to be your new executive director effective July 1, 2025.
Linda attended the University of Maryland, College Park, where she received a bachelor's of science in journalism and a minor in government and politics. Linda has also completed graduate coursework at the University of Maryland in urban planning and business communications. She is a Certified Association Executive (CAE) of the American Society of Association Executives. During Linda’s decade-long tenure with the USCC, she has gathered experience in all aspects of the Council including membership, marketing, young professionals, state chapters, and policy advocacy. Her tireless efforts on advocacy on behalf of the industry and her pursuit of proactive policy positions has raised the profile of the organization, strengthening its reputation as a trusted partner and subject matter expert for policymakers and industry stakeholders. There’s no one more dedicated or experienced to be your new executive director, and the Council will be in good hands under Linda’s leadership. I have enjoyed my time as your executive director and am grateful for all the professional opportunities and support provided to me throughout. I still plan on staying involved in our industry as a mentor and consultant on a part-time basis. While I will miss the day-to-day interaction with my colleagues and coworkers, I am very much looking forward to the next chapter in my life. I look forward to seeing you all in Phoenix this coming January.
USCC NEWS
COMPOST2025 is gearing up to be our most dynamic conference yet, featuring six specialized tracks with more than 100 speakers and panelists. Explore a diverse range of topics across three days of workshops and sessions.
The conference spans four days:
- Monday, Jan. 27: Workshops and tours
- Tuesday, Jan. 28: Sessions, opening keynote and exhibit hall opening
- Wednesday, Jan. 29: Sessions, closing keynote, awards ceremony, and exhibit hall
- Thursday, Jan. 30: Equipment Show and Demonstration (Demo Day)
Click the button below to register today. We’ll see you in Phoenix!
Calling all USCC Members who manufacture compost! We would greatly appreciate knowing your compost facility throughput in the year 2024. Check your email for the confidential survey that just arrived in your inbox. Promote the environmental and economic benefits of composting and help the USCC make informed positions regarding federal compost infrastructure funding on your behalf. Calculate the environmental impact of your composting operation, including greenhouse gas avoidance and carbon sequestration. Complete the survey by Tuesday, Jan. 14 at 5 p.m. ET to be entered to win the following:
After reviewing a list of a record 43 incredible applicants, the USCC's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access Committee selected 10 awards of $1,000 scholarships to attend our annual conference in Phoenix in January 2025.
The USCC Board of Directors allocated the funding to help individuals who have financial challenges in travel, lodging, or conference registration. In past years, when scholarships were small or only able to be used for conference registration, awardees had to turn them down due to lack of funds needed for the associated costs of attending the conference.
We are excited to have this cohort attending:
Click the button below to look at our special attendance options and see if you quality for a discount.
ADVOCACY AND PUBLIC POLICY BRIEFS
A report summarizing highlights from the 2024 legislative year is now available for members to download on the Member Portal.
In time for the 2025 legislative season, the report focuses on state and federal legislation, policies and strategies that affected USCC members from summer 2023 through the 2024 legislative season – the legislative season is formally January through June when most state legislatures are in session, though previous Q3 and Q4 activity is included.
For members new to our public policy work, the USCC, through our Legislative and Environmental Affairs Committee, focuses on federal and state legislation, working closely with our official state chapters to support state and federal initiatives. Our chapters work on local initiatives within their states and help promote USCC programs that may benefit their communities.
To get involved with our work, visit our committees page and scroll down to find the Legislative and Environmental Affairs Committee.
Click the button below to access the report.
This is the US Composting Council's Compost Policy Pulse update for November 2024.
This month, Linda addresses a pending EPA food waste recycling grant and President-elect Donald Trump's appointment of Lee Zeldin as EPA administrator and the potential changes it might bring. 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
Planning on attending the conference but want to have access to some of our sessions' recordings? Consider preordering! Listen to most talks from the conference with presenter slides and get the chance to receive continuing education (CE) credit.
If you haven't registered for COMPOST2025 yet, you can add the recordings to your shopping cart while you check out. If you have registered, open your registration confirmation email and select the "manage your registration" link. The recordings package will be available on Compost University™ after the conference.
Click the button below to register for COMPOST2025 in Phoenix and preorder the conference recordings!
COMPOST USE
Amigo's Compost is a family-owned business based in Amarillo, TX, serving the panhandle for 25 years. Their compost is crafted from 100% organic materials, primarily cattle manure enhanced with feedstocks like coffee grounds and leftover scraps.
Learn more about the STA Program by clicking the link in our bio.
STATE CHAPTER NEWS
The USCC held its quarterly state chapter leaders meeting on Nov. 6, where it shared relevant updates on COMPOST2025 and the 2024 Annual Awards Ceremony held at the conference.
The 2024 Best Practices Matrix was released, which chapters can fill out and earn points. Submit the matrix by Dec. 20, 2024 if your chapter is applying for the Chapter of Excellence Award at the 2024 Annual Awards Ceremony.
Nominations are open for the Rookie Chapter of the Year and Chapter of Excellence Awards.
Click the link below to learn more about the USCC’s state chapters.
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
The Young Professionals Group will be hosting the first Happy Hour of the new year on Jan. 9, 2025!
Join us for an engaging discussion on challenges, successes and tips on composting and gardening in the winter for this Happy Hour!
Date: Jan. 9, 2025
Time: 5 p.m. ET
For the most up-to-date event details and to RSVP, please visit the USCC Community Calendar by clicking the button below.
On Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the YP Community Service committee and interested conference goers will be gathering at the Garfield Community Garden – just a short four-minute drive or 20-minute walk from the Convention Center – to help support the garden’s mission.
While volunteering, the YP group will be tackling essential garden tasks like turning compost piles, weeding, planting, and preparing the garden for the upcoming spring season. No experience is needed, and gardening equipment will be provided. Please be sure to bring closed-toed shoes, a water bottle, sunscreen, and garden-ready attire!
After the volunteering session, stay for a networking event and enjoy a delicious sponsored lunch.
Click the button below to access the registration link and RSVP.
The Young Professionals Group would like to extend a huge thank you to all the partners who helped us raise funds and bring back the Emerging Composter Challenge to COMPOST2025! Your support has been crucial in making this competition possible, and we’re excited to see how it will inspire innovation and creativity in the composting industry. A special thank you to lead partners Republic and Dirt Hugger, as well as creative partners Sustainable Generation, BioBag Americas, Green Mountain Technologies, Inc., ERTH Products, and Resource Recycling Systems (RRS), along with impact partners EcoProducts and Cedar Grove Composting Inc. With your help, we are able to offer big cash prizes for the top three finalists:
The top 10 finalists will have the chance to present their ideas during COMPOST2025, competing for these incredible prizes and gaining valuable exposure. We can’t wait to see the fresh ideas these talented composters will bring to the table! Thank you once again to our partners for making this possible. We look forward to celebrating the top finalists at COMPOST2025!
After a week of learning, connecting, and diving deep into the world of composting, it’s time to relax and have some fun! Join the USCC Young Professionals Group for our Annual Reception and Happy Hour at COMPOST2025.
When: Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025 | 7-10 p.m.
Where: Cobra Arcade Bar, 801 N 2nd St #100, Phoenix, AZ 85004 Just a short walk or quick rideshare from the conference, Cobra Arcade Bar is the perfect place to unwind, grab a craft beer or a fun cocktail, and challenge someone to Pac-Man or Street Fighter. To keep you fueled, Re Di Roma Wood-Fired Pizza Food Truck will be serving up fresh, hot slices. Thanks to our sponsor, Republic Services, the first 100 guests will receive drink tickets, a pizza voucher, and arcade tokens.
Whether you're looking to meet new people, strengthen connections, or simply enjoy the night, this is your chance to kick back and let loose with your fellow Young Professionals. It’s the perfect way to cap off COMPOST2025 and build connections that will last long after the conference ends.
Click the button below to register for COMPOST2025 if you haven’t already. We can’t wait to see you there!
We are thrilled to highlight Sophia Collins (she/her) as November’s YP of the Month! Sophia currently works at Napa Recycling and Waste Services as an environmental compliance specialist.
Sophia first got involved in the world of compost while completing her master’s program at UC Davis. While completing her master’s, Sophia started interning at Napa Recycling and Waste Services as an environmental compliance intern for the organics department and was introduced to the expansive world of waste. After graduating, Sophia transferred into her current role, where she monitors Napa’s CASP composting operations BMPs, communicates to their regulatory agencies, and completes periodic testing. Sophia is also currently part of the Resource Recovery Coalition of California (RRCC) NextGen training program, which trains professionals in the industry on various branches of waste operations.
Click the button below to learn more about Sophia and her role on the YP's Mentorship Committee.
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 the button below to join our Slack community and start connecting with fellow Young Professionals today.
MEMBER NEWSThe USCC has announced its 2025 schedule for the Compost Monthly Flash Communicator. The Compost Communicator includes the member news section, in which we love to share stories about our fantastic members. Member News is an opportunity to share major news and updates regarding your organization. Please consider sharing content in the Compost Communicator a week before its publication. See the full schedule below. Daniel Ibarra, the USCC's marketing coordinator, is the main point of contact to send member news. Please send future newsletter content to Daniel at dibarra@compostingcouncil.org.
Resource Recycling Systems is excited to announce a new era for the company, marked by its transition to an employee ownership model, a refreshed brand, and an updated website. These milestones highlight RRS’s evolution and growth, emphasizing its commitment to investing in its employees, expanding client impact and advancing sustainable solutions while positioning RRS for broader impact and deeper client connections.
Founded in 1986, RRS has focused on circular economy and materials management solutions for nearly four decades. The rebrand, featuring a refreshed logo, color scheme, and typography, captures RRS's growth and purpose, with visuals reflecting its diverse offerings and passion for delivering exceptional results to clients.
Click the button below to learn more.
Sevier Solid Waste, Inc. in Pigeon Forge, TN, operates the largest mixed co-composting facility in the nation and processes all the waste from the cities of Gatlinburg, Sevierville, and Pigeon Forge, as well as Sevier County and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The facility worked with fellow USCC member Ecoverse to replace its stationary trommel, a unit that had operated eight hours a day, six days a week, for 15 years.
“The trommel has done a good job for us over the years,” says Sevier Solid Waste, Inc. General Manager Tom Leonard, “but it had a lot of wear and tear on the components and that was starting to cause downtime. It seemed like a good time to replace the unit rather than continue to rebuild all the components.”
Click the button below to read the full story.
OPPORTUNITIES, JOBS AND GRANTS
Approximately $1 million in funding is available from the People’s Garden Initiative through USDA’s Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production, in partnership with The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s 2025 Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration program. The program will fund projects that support community-based gardens promoting sustainable agriculture practices that benefit people and wildlife. Applications will be accepted until Jan. 30, 2025.
Eligible applicants include non-profit 501(c) organizations, state government agencies, local governments, municipal governments, Tribal governments and organizations, and educational institutions.
Applicant gardens do not need to be registered as People’s Gardens prior to applying, however, they will be asked to sign up once funding is awarded. Gardens of different sizes and types, including school gardens, community gardens, urban farms, and small-scale agriculture projects in rural and urban areas, can be recognized as a People’s Garden.
Click the button below for more information on eligibility and how to apply. Click here for more information on the People’s Garden Initiative.
The site manager provides leadership to the team at the facility. This position ensures a safe work environment, compliance with all governing regulations and optimum performance of the equipment and the people. Some of the site manager's responsibilities include ensuring the facility is operated safely and establishing preventative practices to continue to improve the safety performance of the site; ensuring the site is in full regulatory compliance with all local, state, and federal laws; and ensuring adherence to operations standards and best practices for safety, environmental compliance, and operational efficiencies.
TOOLS & RESOURCES
The USCC’s Target Organics Committee presented its marketing toolkit during the Quarterly State Chapters Leaders meeting on Nov. 6. The marketing toolkit was developed for USCC and state chapter members to promote the Target Organics Hub and aid in the committee’s goal to expand food scrap composting in municipalities across the U.S.
The toolkit contains content and guidelines on social media, email, and newsletter marketing, as well as a style guide for other media.
Click the link below to access the toolkit.
Compost Research & Education Foundation News
The Compost Research and Education Foundation is happy to announce the winners of the International Compost Awareness Week poster and bookmark contests. The ICAW 2025 Poster Contest winner is Abbie Sawyer, a compost education specialist for the Athens-Clarke County Solid Waste Department. The ICAW 2025 Bookmark Contest winner is Olive Mak, an eighth grader from the Pacific Northwest.
Click the button below to learn more about our winners.
CREF is pleased to share that we’ve added a new staff member to our small but mighty team. In November, Robert Canul came on board as our new marketing & administration lead and will be spearheading CREF’s promotional efforts across multiple programs while providing broad administrative support. Robert Canul is an experienced professional in digital marketing, digital creatives, and CRM implementation, with more than 20 years of expertise in developing and managing campaigns that increase brand visibility and engagement across digital platforms. He has a strong track record of aligning marketing strategies with business objectives, creating effective content, and leveraging technology to achieve measurable results. Robert’s approach combines technical knowledge with practical design skills to deliver impactful solutions that support organizational growth. We are excited for this capable addition to our team and look forward to benefiting from Robert’s expertise as we look to grow our organization in new and exciting ways.
CREF’s 2024 University Compost Research Scholarship winners, Sai Thejaswini Pamuru and Daisy D’Angelo, have shared the outcome of their research projects.
These outstanding researchers are advancing critical studies that highlight the transformative potential of compost in sustainable agriculture and soil management. Their innovative work underscores the vital role of compost in addressing some of today’s most pressing environmental challenges.
Click the button below to learn more about our scholarship winners.
IN THE HEADLINES
Sav Maive, LawnStarter
AUSTIN, Texas, Dec. 11, 2024 — LawnStarter surveyed more than 2,100 U.S. residents on their composting habits and opinions and ranked 2025’s Best Cities for Composting. LawnStarter compared the 500 biggest U.S. cities based on five categories and factored in access to municipal and private composting programs, zero-waste initiatives, yard size, and local interest in composting, among 11 total metrics.
LawnStarter also spoke with several experts to answer basic composting questions and share valuable tips on limiting food waste, one of them being the USCC's very own Executive Director Frank Franciosi.
Michelle Bocanegra, Gothamist
Photo by Dana Andreea Gheorghe on Unsplash
NEW YORK, Nov. 16, 2024 — On Nov. 12, the New York City Council Committee on Parks and Recreation voted to amend the administrative code of the city to increase the amount of city parks with composting facilities. The amendment requires the Department of Parks and Recreation to establish composting facilities for plant waste collection within at least two parks in each borough by July 1, 2026. The minimum would increase to three parks in each borough by July 1, 2027, and to five in each borough by July 1, 2028. The department would also be required to issue an annual report that details the composting process occurring at the required parks.
Olivia Carros, State of Washington Department of Ecology
LACEY, Wash., Nov. 19, 2024 — Starting on New Year’s Day 2025, many Washington state businesses will need to divert their food and yard waste to curbside organic bins. The state’s Organics Management Law will require businesses located within a designated business organics management area and producing at least 4 cubic yards of food and yard waste per week to sign up for a curbside organics collection service.
Businesses that fit certain conditions may be exempt from this requirement.
HOVE, Australia, Dec. 6, 2024 — The Australian Organics Recycling Association is calling for an immediate phase-out of items that frequently contaminate Garden Organics (GO) and Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) feedstocks. Contamination is a significant challenge for organic recycling processors, directly impacting the quality and marketability of compost products made from GO and FOGO.
The AORA is calling for bans on plastic fruit and vegetable food labels, plastic bread seals, and Styrofoam food packaging. The AORA is also calling for better disposal management of disposable wipes, batteries, vapes and all plastic packaging.
Upcoming Events
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