COURSE TITLE: Introduction to Organics Management & Composting

GENERAL COURSE DESCRIPTION
Introduction to Organics Management & Composting is designed as an introduction to the organic components of the waste stream and how to manage them. Over 50 percent of what is landfilled is generally comprised of organic materials and may be appropriate for composting or other diversion. There are important differences in the collection, processing and economics of organic materials (leaves, grass, brush, food scraps, etc.) and inorganic materials (i.e., bottles and cans). Concepts to be covered include the organic components of the waste stream, the basics of separating and collecting organics, the basic principles of composting, and markets for diverted organic materials.

The course will cover the importance of beneficial reuse of organics, reasons for diverting organics, principles and practices of composting, and other organic waste diversion methods, and a review the major markets or diverted organics.

The course will include lecture supported by PowerPoint slides, handouts, and pictures; a review of available resources, and opportunities for further investigation.

COURSE OUTLINE
The key course components include:

(1) The Importance of Composting. This portion of the course will introduce the organic waste stream and the importance of keeping organics out of landfills; the importance of making a marketable product; composting’s place in the integrated waste management hierarchy and the role of composting in reducing greenhouse gas.

(2) Basic Principles of Composting. This portion of the course will introduce the fundamental biological principles of composting: feedstocks, carbon:nitrogen ratio, moisture content, aeration/porosity, temperature; including a concise discussion of the biological process.

(3) Overview of Major Composting Methods. This section will cover the types of methods used to make compost in a commercial facility; types of equipment required, facility flow, principles of large scale composting and will provide an overview of the major methods and Best Management Practices used to divert organic materials.

(4) Organics Material Collection. Collection can be the most costly part of a composting system and may be the part of a composting system that a typical recycling coordinator (the audience for these training programs) will probably have the most influence over. This section will cover the major collection methods including no collection (backyard composting and drop-off facilities), truck-based collection programs and collection methods (to bag or not to bag, containerized, weekly vs. biweekly, etc.).

(5) Compost Uses and Markets. This section will cover the myriad uses for compost, volume vs. value markets, and the importance of testing and emerging markets for compost. The importance of making a marketable product and the importance of using compost will be covered.

PREREQUISITES
None.

CLASS PROJECT
No class project, but there will be a review of the major concepts covered.

TESTING
Required for certification.

COURSE MATERIALS
A list of resources will be provided to all students as well as a glossary of composting terms.

INSTRUCTOR :
Matthew Cotton, Principal with Integrated Waste Management Consulting, LLC (Nevada City, CA) has over 20 years experience with composting and organics diversion programs. Mr. Cotton teaches the Foundations of Compost Training Course for the US Composting Council and the Managing Composting Programs course for the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA).