MNCC Update on their Standardizing Compost by Defining Properties, Products and Systems in Minnesota: An MNCC White Paper.
For many years, state agencies that use compost have expressed concerns over the lack of standards for compost used in their projects. The discussion focused on the lack of consistent quality of compost products created from yard waste and yard waste/food waste products. Of particular concern was immature compost that damaged the plantings in projects and the presence of invasive species from substandard compost products. These issues have led to state agencies, counties, and cities hesitating to use compost in their projects.
As a result. the MNCC commissioned a white paper, “ Standardizing Compost by Defining Properties, Products and Systems in Minnesota: An MNCC White Paper. ” On April 15th, the MNCC met with MNDOT, MPCA, MNDNR, MNDAg, the Department of Admin, and the Minnesota Crop Improvement Association (MCIA) to discuss the ideas and concepts presented in the paper.
There were specific recommendations/questions that each agency was asked to speak to. The discussion focused on the lack of quality compost and how that could be addressed.
A significant recommendation in the paper was to establish a compost certification program that would assure the quality of compost used on state or private company projects. The concept of establishing a compost certification program was discussed and favorably received.
The MNCC is entering discussions with the MN Crop Improvement Association, which certifies seed used in all kinds of projects, both public and private. The ultimate goal is to establish a system to raise the quality of compost produced in the state and create good markets for the finished compost.
Stay tune for more as the discussions move forward.
For many years, state agencies that use compost have expressed concerns over the lack of standards for compost used in their projects. The discussion focused on the lack of consistent quality of compost products created from yard waste and yard waste/food waste products. Of particular concern was immature compost that damaged the plantings in projects and the presence of invasive species from substandard compost products. These issues have led to state agencies, counties, and cities hesitating to use compost in their projects.
As a result. the MNCC commissioned a white paper, “ Standardizing Compost by Defining Properties, Products and Systems in Minnesota: An MNCC White Paper. ” On April 15th, the MNCC met with MNDOT, MPCA, MNDNR, MNDAg, the Department of Admin, and the Minnesota Crop Improvement Association (MCIA) to discuss the ideas and concepts presented in the paper.
There were specific recommendations/questions that each agency was asked to speak to. The discussion focused on the lack of quality compost and how that could be addressed.
A significant recommendation in the paper was to establish a compost certification program that would assure the quality of compost used on state or private company projects. The concept of establishing a compost certification program was discussed and favorably received.
The MNCC is entering discussions with the MN Crop Improvement Association, which certifies seed used in all kinds of projects, both public and private. The ultimate goal is to establish a system to raise the quality of compost produced in the state and create good markets for the finished compost.
Stay tune for more as the discussions move forward.
Spring MNCC Newsletter Now Available
Click Image to View
Click Image to View
In This Issue
|
GreenCorps Member Application Opens May 6
Click Image to download flyer
Click Image to download flyer
Join or Renew MNCC Today
MNCC membership good now through December 31, 2024.
If you'd like an invoice for membership, email us at compostmn@gmail.com.
If you'd like an invoice for membership, email us at compostmn@gmail.com.
Thank you to all who attended our Annual Meeting
Although the event was changed to virtual only at the last minute due to some concerns about Covid exposures among the group, it was a well received event and a great turn out.
New at this year's Annual Meeting was the addition of several presentations during the last half hour.
Thank you to those who presented.
Program Updates:
Dakota County, John Exner | Anoka County, Kathryn Jordan | Ramsey County, Michael Reed
Creekside Soils, Cassandra Meuffels | MPCA Greater MN Grants, Gwen Jenkins
Processor Updates:
SMSC / Dakota Prairie, Dustin Montey | SET, Jake Duame | Glacial Ridge and partnering counties, Nathan Reinbold
33 people were able to join the meeting.
Click the image below to view the presentation.
New at this year's Annual Meeting was the addition of several presentations during the last half hour.
Thank you to those who presented.
Program Updates:
Dakota County, John Exner | Anoka County, Kathryn Jordan | Ramsey County, Michael Reed
Creekside Soils, Cassandra Meuffels | MPCA Greater MN Grants, Gwen Jenkins
Processor Updates:
SMSC / Dakota Prairie, Dustin Montey | SET, Jake Duame | Glacial Ridge and partnering counties, Nathan Reinbold
33 people were able to join the meeting.
Click the image below to view the presentation.
Thank you to those who participated in the
MNCC Supports Minnesota’s Composting Industry
Trainings & Workshops
Professional online and in-person learning, taught by leading experts.
|
Community Outreach
Plate to Garden Compost provides opportunity for organizations to raise money, while educating citizens about the benefits of composting and use of finished compost.
|
Legislative ActionLegislative monitoring and prioritizing.
Compostable product labeling bill passed in the 2023 Legislative Session! |
Supporting ComposterMNCC sub group is developing a series of workshops called Defining Compost to help ensure the highest quality product for the end user.
|
Market DevelopmentSupport the expansion of the composting industry in Minnesota. This includes collection, processing and creating new opportunities.
|
Compliance of ResourcesHighlight useful resources related to implementing organics collection and recycling programs.
|
4 Ways to Help Advance Composting in Minnesota
US Composting Council Resources
As a state chapter of the US Composting Council, the MNCC is excited to promote national-level certifications and resources that will enhance composting in Minnesota. Examples include
Certified Compost Operations Manager, a program for new compost site operators that verifies their ability to run safe compost sites capable of producing high-quality compost. More information can be found on the USCC certification website. |
Seal of Testing Assurance Certifications, a testing program that works to raise consumers' confidence in the quality of compost being produced at commercial sites. Participating Minnesota sites can be found on the USCC website. |