The Environmental Research & Education Foundation and US Composting Council Partner to Conduct Composting State of Practice

Raleigh, NC – The Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF) and US Composting Council (USCC) have signed a Memorandum of Agreement in which they will work together to advance the science and knowledge surrounding composting.

A form of composting has existed since early civilizations and has advanced to become a highly sophisticated process. As more than 40 states have set waste reduction or zero waste goals and companies pursue compostable products as part of their ESG strategies, composting has become an integral part of the waste management system.

Nonetheless, knowledge gaps surrounding this disposal method remain, including how widely available access is, total processing capacity in the U.S. and current challenges.

EREF, in partnership with the U.S. Composting Council, have initiated a study to evaluate the state of practice of composting in the U.S. Key elements of the effort are to determine accessibility to commercial composting, quantify the number of composting facilities, aggregate the economic data and better understand various attributes of composting operations (e.g. technologies used, tonnage processed, etc.).

The project is expected to be completed in 2022 and a report will be released.

“We are excited to partner with EREF’s expert team to perform this long-awaited study of the composting industry in the U.S.,” said Frank Franciosi Executive Director of the U.S. Composting Council. “The data collected in this important study, will help advance the composting industry as a major contributor in the new circular economy.”

“This partnership is an exciting step in advancing the science and education of composting,” said Bryan Staley, EREF President and CEO. “We look forward to working with the USCC as both organizations share a drive to improve the environment and increase sustainable science.”

EREF is a 501(c)3 class charity that advances scientific research and creates educational pathways that enable innovation in sustainable waste management practices. For more complete information on EREF funded research, its scholarship program and how to donate to this great cause, visit erefdn.org.