The links below list educational institutions and compost related organizations who offer organics training courses and workshops. Events are held throughout the United States.
ORGANICS FACILITY OPERATOR TRAINING
The FORCE Project Team has designed a Florida‐specific training program for compost and yard waste facility operators (e.g., public, private, farmers) or those who plan to compost under the new DEP registration program. The free course has been developed in partnership with SWANA International, while focusing on Florida’s unique climate and organic wastes. Florida specific issues addressed include the physical characteristics of yard trash, vegetative food waste, and the impact of tropical climate on composting operations.
Major topics covered include:
- Florida Revised Regulations
- Feedstock Characteristics and Selection
- Materials Handling
- Active Composting
- Post‐Processing, Monitoring & Testing
- Odor Control
- Diagnosis & Solutions for Optimal Composting
- Compost Marketing
- Community Relations
PDF versions of the FORCE training module presentations are available below for download.
FORCE Training Modules
Module 1
COMPOSTING IN ISWM
Learning Objectives:
- Able to define Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM)
- Able to define “compost” and “composting”
- Able to identify role of composting in integrated solid waste management & different scales of composting
- Know the basic environmental benefits of composting
Module 2
COMPOSTING FUNDAMENTALS
Learning Objectives:
- Be familiar with the microbes responsible for composting
- Understand conditions and impacts of aerobic vs. anaerobic decomposition
- Know the five fundamental principles of composting
- Know the characteristics and functions of bulking agents
Module 3:
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the general framework of Florida’s Chapter 62-709 composting rule
- Know key terms and definitions
- Learn key requirements for registered facilities handling yard trash, source-separated food waste, and/or manure
- Learn key requirements for classification, distribution and use of compost
Module 4
SITE SELECTION, FACILITY DESIGN & EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Learning Objectives:
- Know the characteristics of appropriate sites for food waste (FW) and yard trash (YT) composting
- Learn the key components of a well-designed composting facility
- Understand the pros and cons of various composting methods
- Be familiar with the range of equipment used for food waste and yard trash composting
Module 5
SOURCES & TYPES OF ORGANIC MATERIALS
Learning Objectives:
- Know the types and sources of organics materials that can be handled at registration facilities
- Understand the typical physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of these materials
Module 6
OPERATIONS - RECEIVING, MIXING & WINDROW CONSTRUCTION
Learning Objectives:
- Know the desired characteristics for composting
- Be familiar with how to select and blend feedstocks to achieve a good mixture for turned windrow composting
Module 7
OPERATIONS - ACTIVE COMPOSTING
Learning Objectives:
- Know the three stages of composting and their function
- Understand proper compost monitoring procedures
- Be familiar with proper windrow management to optimize composting
- Be clear on how to diagnose and correct common problems
Module 8
OPERATIONS - CURING & POST-PROCESSING
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the importance of curing to compost quality
- Know the difference between “stability” and “maturity”
- Comprehend proper curing procedures
Module 9
COMPOST QUALITY & TESTING
Learning Objectives:
- Be familiar with compost quality parameters needed for regulatory compliance
- Understand compost quality parameters needed for marketing
- Be aware of United States Composting Council (USCC) programs
Module 10
COMPOSTING ECONOMIC FUNDAMENTALS
Learning Objectives:
- Understand basic business financial principles and terms
- Know major revenue sources and expenses of composting
- Realize the importance of unit costs for evaluating operations
- Be familiar with concept of a pro-forma
Module 11
COMPOST MARKETING
Learning Objectives:
- Know the environmental, soil, and plant benefits of compost
- Be familiar with compost’s primary markets
- Understand the major steps to develop a compost marketing program.
Module 12
COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Learning Objectives:
- Be familiar with proactive measures to minimize public opposition
- Understand strategies to manage problems when they occur
US COMPOSTING COUNCIL (USCC) COMPOST CERTIFICATION COMMISSION
The USCC is a nonprofit professional association committed to the advancement of the composting industry. They offer courses and workshops, downloadable educational materials, and publications through their website. They have two certifications, their Certified Compost Operations Manager (CCOM™) and Certified Composting Professional (CCP™) courses. These courses are held at various educational institutions throughout the year. Please visit the USCC website and click on the link below for more information.
USCC-CREF COMPOST UNIVERSITY 2022 LAUNCH
In addition, “Compost University - is an online Learning Management System (LMS) which partners the US Composting Council (USCC) and the Compost Research and Education Foundation (CREF). This important platform offers individuals and companies in the organics industry the ability to achieve their continuing education unit (CEU) objectives and aspirations as well as overcome challenges caused by limited time and the ability to travel. Compost U combines industry-leading content from USCC and CREF training and education resources - such as conference talks, webinars, short classes and new longer advanced courses - all from professionals and educators like yourself. This new platform offers hundreds of digital coursework covering a wide range of business, science, management, safety, and technical topics which can be taken anytime and anywhere.” USCC. Click on the link below to get started.
USCC Compost Operations Training Course 2024
October 28-November 1, 2024 – Compost Operations Training Course – FORCE (floridaforce.org)
Ready to jumpstart or expand your career in the composting industry? Visit the FORCE website link here, click on the EVENTS page in the main navigation menu and you will see the FORCE Events page. There you will find links to all upcoming organics recycling events in Florida. Scroll to October 28-November 1, 2024 and you will see the USCC Compost Operations Training Course happening in Seffner, FL. With over 40 trainings historically conducted across the United States, the Compost Operations Training Course (COTC) and its graduates have an outstanding reputation, and many students proclaim it "the best course I've ever taken." This year’s training will be lead by Miriam Z. and Peter I. and will give you the knowledge you need to run a successful composting facility.
SOLID WASTE ASSOCIATION OF NORTH AMERICA
SWANA has worked in partnership with the USCC to develop a certification program for Compost Program Managers. Educational opportunities include a Compost Program Manager Preparation course. This three day course teaches how to effectively plan, design, and operate a composting facility.
