The collection and processing of organic materials has received renewed attention and government resources, given the large fraction of organic materials in the solid waste stream. Reducing organic waste material reduces greenhouse gases significantly while providing a useful green resource and job creation.
The MNCC is the Minnesota state chapter of the USCC, U.S. Composting Council. As a state affiliate of the USCC, the MNCC is dedicated to developing, expanding, and promoting the composting industry based on sound science, principles of sustainability, and economic viability.
MNCC recently published Standardizing Compost by Defining Properties, Products, and Systems in Minnesota, a white paper with recommendations to establish clear guidelines for compost producers and government agencies to understand when a product can be labeled and marketed as compost in Minnesota.
While there are numerous state laws, rules, and guidance documents, there is no single, consensus-based definition for all stakeholders, including citizens, to describe what constitutes a quality “compost” product. Without consensus, no enforcement of non-permitted composting facilities claiming to sell clean, safe compost to end users is possible.
Standardizing Compost Benefits
The goal of Standardizing Compost is to recommend a standardized set of specifications, definitions, terminology, and potential new regulations to share across agencies wishing to purchase and monitor the quality of compost products and composting facilities to help assure these materials are safe, mature, and stable. Enhanced standards of compost product definitions, feedstock specifications, and composting process requirements should help move the Minnesota composting industry to the next generation of professionalism.
Recommendations in this publication are useful for stakeholders, including state agencies, local government, waste management organizations, engineering firms, and ultimately end-users. There will be long-term strategies (e.g., changes in state legislation or rules) and short-term strategies (e.g., updated guidance documents and MNCC tactics).
Besides providing MNCC with recommendations to establish clear guidelines for compost producers and government agencies to understand when a product can be labeled and marketed as compost in Minnesota, it will provide compost buyers and users with the consistent information needed to help ensure they get comparable quotes on similar compost products processed through centralized composting facilities.
Finished compost products benefit the soil for the intended purpose and are safe for the environment if meeting the criteria Minnesota is establishing, including:
Recommendations for standardizing policies and guidelines to be used by government entities in Minnesota to ensure the compost product produced is safe, mature, stable, and appropriate for the specific application.
Document current compost regulations and programs and the differences, deficiencies, and opportunities for improving the current system of approving compost for use.
Recommending a standardized set of definitions and terminology as guidelines agencies can adopt to help specify compost products and systems of production, along with testing requirements to verify the compost is safe for the environment and appropriate for the intended application.
Helping advance markets for finished compost by working towards a more level playing field for all compost producers and providing consistency for consumers expecting a high-quality, reliable product.
Recommendations for future research, such as the CREF factsheets specific to the needs of Minnesota agencies, contractors, and soil conditions. The compost blend depends on the end-use and organic feedstock available.
Additional Resources:
Join SCS Engineers at the 2024 Salinas Valley Ammonia Safety Day in Salinas, CA on May 22.
The Salinas Valley Ammonia Safety Day (SVASD) provides a unique educational forum for Industry, the Public, and First Responders, stressing the importance of safe handling and preparing for chemical incidents of hazardous materials. Their mission is to provide educational opportunities for the awareness and safe use of ammonia and other hazardous chemicals.
Join SCS Engineers as a sponsor and Exhibitor at SCANPH’s 36th Annual Conference this October 9-10. This is Southern California’s largest regional affordable housing conference at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California.
SCS Engineers will sponsor and exhibit at The Environmental Law Conference at Yosemite® this September 12-15th at Tenaya Lodge in Fish Camp, CA. The Environmental Law Conference at Yosemite® is nationally recognized as the largest and most prestigious gathering in California of leaders in environmental, land use, and natural resources law. We hope you will join us and many of our nation’s top environmental officials, lawyers, and other professionals for four days of legal education and collegiality. Registration opens in late Summer.
Join SCS Engineers at The 4th Annual Oilfield Water Markets Conference, taking place at the Irving Convention Center. This essential gathering brings together industry leaders to delve into the evolving landscape of oilfield water management. From addressing consolidation and seismicity challenges to embracing innovation for sustainable flow assurance, this conference offers valuable insights for E&P companies, water midstream sectors, service providers, investors, regulators, and more. Don’t miss out on this educational and networking opportunity.
Register here to secure your spot today!
Join SCS Engineers at the Federation of New York Solid Waste Conference with Trade Show, hosted at the luxurious Sagamore Resort in Bolton’s Landing, New York. The 2024 program will put a spotlight on responding to climate change (with topics such as renewable natural gas and electric vehicles) and also feature per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination as a focus area. Attendees can look forward to two and a half days of presentations by industry thought leaders, over 75 technical sessions, an educational trade show, and exciting recreational activities. This event is renowned in the industry for its unique networking opportunities, such as horseback riding, tennis, golf, fishing, and hiking tours.
Don’t miss out! Register today for this exciting event!
Join SCS Engineers at the SWANA SC Spring Conference, hosted at the Hilton DoubleTree in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. SCS’s own J Morgan, PE, SWANA SC Palmetto Chapter President, and the planning committee prepared an engaging agenda of technical sessions, including PFAS analytical methods, landfills and earthquakes, and environmental justice. Attendees will enjoy the annual spring golf outing, held at the Aero Club Short Course, and fun networking opportunities during Casino Night.
SCS experts are expected to present this year, with more details to come!
Registration is open to SWANA Members and non-members. Register today!
Join SCS Engineers at the Tennessee Environmental Network Show of the South (TENSOS), hosted at the Chattanooga Convention Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee, May 15-17. Over 150 speakers will focus on exchanging fresh, high-value, and diverse ideas that will positively impact current and future practitioners and the environment of Tennessee and the Southeast region.
SCS is proud to be a gold sponsor and exhibitor for an event dedicated to bringing together leaders and organizations from across the solid waste and recycling industries for a two-day opportunity to share information, discuss current challenges, and spur ideas for the future. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with industry peers and learn important updates on issues affecting the solid waste industry.
Stop by and catch up with SCS experts Brian Gant and Tony Cartee!
Join SCS Experts at the 2024 Joint Solid Waste and Recycling Conference, hosted by the Virginia Recycling Association (VRA) and SWANA Old Dominion Chapter, May 14-16, at the Norfolk Marriott Waterside in Norfolk, Virginia. This year’s conference offers live learning and networking opportunities for industry professionals, with more than 40 presentations and 250 attendees. It also features a highly anticipated golf tournament, trail bike rides, industry tours, a welcome reception on the USS Wisconsin battleship, and a Young Professionals event at the Staff Hill Market Bar in Norfolk’s Waterside district.
SCS is proud to be a gold sponsor and exhibitor for this two-day event, which will bring together leaders and organizations across the solid waste and recycling industries.
SCS Experts are excited to present and lead panel discussions on the following topics this year.
Landfill Leachate Pretreatment Processes, Strategies, & Challenges
Presenter: Robert Dick, PE, Director of Mid-Atlantic Solid Waste Practice
Site Assessment for Glass Recycling Collection
Presenter: Joshua Krumski, GISP
Air Permitting in Virginia in 2024 – Panel Discussion: RNG Plants, Leachate Evaporators, Title V Permits, and More
Panel Leaders: Lucas Nachman, Victoria Essex, PE and Grace Wohlford, EIT
