SWANA Releases New Composting Operations Safety Tips

The Solid Waste Association of North America released a new installment of its “Five to Stay Alive” series that features safety tips for composting operations employees.

The new composting safety tips developed for the “Five to Stay Alive” campaign provide flyers and posters that address some of the most common dangers found in this work environment. These resources are now available on a new landing page at SWANA's site developed for the safety campaign.

“The release of these safety tips comes at an important time, as a growing number of state and local governments pursue food waste diversion programs, and yard waste diversion remains popular,” SWANA Executive Director and CEO David Biderman said in a statement. “Composting is a leading disposal alternative for these materials, and it is essential for employers to provide useful safety training and information that ensure employees work safely.”

Scott Gamble, organic waste and composting specialist at CH2M, worked with SWANA to help develop the new “Five to Stay Alive” installment.

“In this industry, we focus a lot on training our compost operators and supervisors on the science of composting, process control and odor management, but safety is just as important, and is critical to running a sustainable facility,” Gamble said in a statement.