This webinar provides an overview of the process of community-scale composting and talks about:

• The Science of Composting

• Feedstocks & Recipe Development

• Site & System Considerations

• Community Compost Systems

• Process Management, with Case Studies

• Record Keeping Essentials

Download the slide deck (pdf)

• Science of Composting

  This tip sheet provides an overview of how composting happens, and how to create the right habitat for the microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, other organisms) that are instrumental in the composting process.

• Site Design

  Regardless of how big or small the site, putting some thought into how to set it up can make a huge difference in the ease of use for site participants. Somethings to include in the design: tool storage, carbon storage, access to water, management of high-flow areas (for example, food scrap drop off), parking (if necessary), and more.

• Community Composting Systems Overview

  Community composting can be done in many ways. The “best” way is the one that meets the needs of the compost site’s unique circumstances, the team members, and the resources available.

  • As tumbler systems are pretty unique, we’ve created a separate tip sheet on their use.

• Process Management

  It’s important to understand how the composting system is supposed to work and to manage the collection of feedstocks, reviewing the logbooks, and troubleshooting as needed. It also includes the people-part of the process, providing or arranging for trainings, knowing volunteer availability and scheduling, and fostering clear and open communication.

• Recipe Overview

  A compost “recipe” is a specific blend of materials mixed together in a compost system. Having different recipes, based on the type of feedstock materials and the type of compost system used, will help the system reach the optimum carbon to nitrogen (C:N) range for the decomposing microbes to do their work.

• Record Keeping Essentials

  Keeping accurate and detailed records is an important aspect of managing a compost system. They provide crucial feedback about how the system is working and information upon which to base decisions or take action.

• Good Neighbor Tips

  Being a good neighbor is vital for the long-term sustainability of all community compost sites. Neighbor concerns will arise and it’s up to site coordinators and the compost team to respond to these concerns. This tip sheet provides key “talking points” as well as different ways of communicating with neighbors.

• Health & Safety Guidance
  When starting a composting program, neighbors, volunteers, staff, and even people in the larger community may have questions about the health and safety of the project. Everyone involved with the collection of food scraps and community composting should follow Health and Safety Guidelines.

  • See these specific guidelines for school projects

Related Resources

• Community Composting Site Inspection Form

  The Site Inspection Form is a useful tool to use when walking through an existing site or considering how to set up a new site. The different sections of the inspection form provides prompts for thinking about different aspects of site set-up and ensures that all of the necessary components are being included.

• Community Composting in the Time of Covid-19

  Diverting food scraps and other organic waste is an essential solid waste management service. Practiced safely, composting brings communities together while allowing social distancing, provides healthy outdoor activity, and fosters other positive activities, including gardening.

• Invasive jumping worms (or snake worms) are increasingly becoming an issue of concern. Here’s an info sheet developed by CAV in partnership with Dr. Josef Gorres of UVM.

The Goal: Finished Compost