Category: Intermediate

USE.229-Composting for Soil Health – Principles and Practices-AC24.CREF

This session will explore the link between composting and sustainable/regenerative agriculture, emphasizing the role of microbiology in soil health. Topics include the significance of microbiology in sustainable agriculture, specific composting methods with a microbiological focus (e.g., vermicomposting), creating and using liquid biological amendments from high-microbial compost, assessment methods for microbiology in soils and compost products,… Continue reading USE.229-Composting for Soil Health – Principles and Practices-AC24.CREF

DIV.225-An Evolving Organics Landscape for Maryland Counties-AC24.USCC

This discussion highlights Maryland’s efforts to advance composting infrastructure in response to nationwide organics diversion mandates. It focuses on increasing processing capacity, developing compost markets, and reducing finished product contamination. Participants will learn from leading Maryland counties and municipalities about their successful organics diversion initiatives and how similar strategies could enhance their own municipal composting… Continue reading DIV.225-An Evolving Organics Landscape for Maryland Counties-AC24.USCC

PRO.226-Improving Process Efficiencies in Biosolids Composting-AC24.USCC

This session emphasizes the importance of operating an efficient composting operation within municipal wastewater treatment facilities, particularly considering rising costs. It discusses establishing a structured business plan using full cost accounting to manage expenses effectively. Additionally, the session explores leveraging pile parameters and material aesthetics to increase throughput and optimize equipment usage on a small… Continue reading PRO.226-Improving Process Efficiencies in Biosolids Composting-AC24.USCC

FAC.227-Overcoming Challenges to Develop Compost Infrastructure-AC24.USCC

This presentation addresses the challenges municipalities face in developing new compost infrastructure in response to recent regulations in California. Using Kern County as a case study, it explores the obstacles involved in siting and constructing a new compost facility, highlighting the strategies employed to overcome these challenges and successfully build a 100,000TPY CASP compost facility.Speakers:… Continue reading FAC.227-Overcoming Challenges to Develop Compost Infrastructure-AC24.USCC

POL.235-How to Scale Composting Infrastructure and Access – Opportunities in Investment and Policy-AC24.USCC

This session analyzes opportunities and challenges in maximizing the flow of food waste from collection to composting facilities. It examines policy opportunities and bottlenecks in converting yard waste-only composting facilities to accept food waste. Additionally, it provides investment findings and recommendations for scaling both commercial and small-scale composting infrastructure.Speakers: Caroline BarryDuration: 25 minutesCredits: 0.5Member Price:… Continue reading POL.235-How to Scale Composting Infrastructure and Access – Opportunities in Investment and Policy-AC24.USCC

PRO.225-Research results of compostable packaging piles using remote monitoring devices and digital data-AC24.CREF

This session will cover education, brainstorming, and a how-to presentation on technology and compostable packaging. Specific themes include processing methods for compostable packaging, remote monitoring with digital sensors, and the implementation of solar panels. The setup process, materials, and considerations for onsite locations will be outlined, along with results from monitored compostable packaging piles demonstrating… Continue reading PRO.225-Research results of compostable packaging piles using remote monitoring devices and digital data-AC24.CREF

PRO.224-How to Deal with a Fire Once It’s Started – Lessons Learned from Multiple Facility Fires over Eight Years-AC24.USCC

Andrew Voodrehow, an eight-year site manager at Dirt Hugger, shares insights on managing compost fires, drawing from the company’s 13-year history of fire incidents. He discusses strategies for dealing with various types of fires, including interfacing with fire departments, coordinating team responses, and implementing fire watch procedures, emphasizing the need for sustained effort and strategy… Continue reading PRO.224-How to Deal with a Fire Once It’s Started – Lessons Learned from Multiple Facility Fires over Eight Years-AC24.USCC

PRO.223-Fire Prevention at Compost & Mulch Facilities-AC24.USCC

Veteran compost facility operator Chris Margraves will present practical tips and techniques compost operators can use to mitigate the risk of fire at large processing facilities. Long time Compost Facility Operator for Garden-Ville, Mr. Margraves will share his experience planning for, preventing and managing fires at compost facilities.Speakers: Chris MargravesDuration: 17 minutesCredits: 0.5Member Price: $30.00Non-Member… Continue reading PRO.223-Fire Prevention at Compost & Mulch Facilities-AC24.USCC