Association of Compost Producers

ACP has a number of compost market expansion projects that its members work on through various working groups.  Some projects are in collaboration with other State or local agencies or companies.  Current Projects include:

• Caltrans Compost Use Index, Specifications, Manual & Workshops:  The California Integrated Waste Management Board funded and oversaw a multi-agency and industry effort to promote additional compost use on California Department of Transportation projects.  The contract is being managed by University of California Extension, with technical and logistical assistance being provided by the Association of Compost Producers.  The initial goal is the development of a compost classification system that, along with the U.S. Composting Council’s Seal of Testing Assurance (STA) certification, ensures delivery of a reliable and consistent material suitable for each type of application. 

   

  The classification system takes into account the many beneficial uses of compost and the material requirements for each type of application.  A compost “Best Management Practices Manual” will be developed that utilizes the classification system and Caltrans specifications for different types of applications.  It is hoped that this work will set the stage for increased use of consistently high quality compost throughout the State of California.  The STA certification, classification system and BMP Manual will be promoted at workshops and other venues.  

   

  Project Participant Websites:

  • California Integrated Waste Management Board (www.ciwmb.ca.gov/Organics)
  • California Department of Transportation (www.dot.ca.gov)
  • Association of Compost Producers (www.healthysoil.org). 
  • U.S. Composting Council’s Seal of Testing Assurance (STA) certification (www.compostingcouncil.org),

• Agriculture Compost Use Index, Specifications and Workshops: The objective of this Agricultural Compost Specifications project is to improve and expand compost use in agriculture by providing reliable scientifically-derived information on suitable compost properties to California farmers. The project represents an extension of the ACP Use Index which is under continuing development by technical experts affiliated with University of California Cooperative Extension, and industry experts associated with the Association of Compost Producers (ACP).

• Local Organics Advocacy & Marketing Tool Box:  ACP is creating and maintaining, with OCSD and other members, a Local Organics Advocacy & Marketing tool box ("LocalTool Box") that provides a dynamic framework and tools for collaboration and investment by and between multiple public agencies, private sector companies, environmental and citizen stakeholders.