EREF, USCC agree to research to advance understanding of composting

The Environmental Research& Education Foundation (EREF) and the U.S. CompostingCouncil (USCC) announced on Oct. 19 that they have signed a memorandum of agreement in which they will work together to advance the science and knowledge surrounding composting.

As more than 40 states have set waste reduction or zero-waste goals, and as more companies pursue compostable products as part of their ESG strategies, composting has become an integral part of the waste management system.

However, according to EREF and USCC, knowledge gaps surrounding composting 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, has 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. Upon completion, a report will be released on the findings.

“We are excited to partner with EREF’s expert team to perform this long-awaited study of the composting industry in the U.S.,” USCC Executive Director Frank Franciosi says. “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,” EREF President and CEO Bryan Staley says. “We look forward to working with the USCC, as both organizations share a drive to improve the environment and increase sustainable science.”