From cary.oshins at compostingcouncil.org Thu Jan 7 15:31:35 2010 From: cary.oshins at compostingcouncil.org (Cary Oshins) Date: Thu, 7 Jan 2010 13:31:35 -0800 Subject: [USCC] New Job Opportunities posted at CompostingCouncil.org Message-ID: <024d01ca8fe0$cd0e4070$672ac150$@oshins@compostingcouncil.org> Two new positions have been posted at http://www.compostingcouncil.org/network/job_board.php Regional Engineer - Technical Services at Rod McLellan Company Director of Sales and Marketing at New England Organics Cary ____________________________________ Cary Oshins | Education Programs Manager US Composting Council | 1 Comac Loop, Suite 14B1 | Ronkonkoma, NY 11779 phone: 631-737-4931 | cell: 484-547-1521 | fax: 631-737-4939 | cary.oshins at compostingcouncil.org Join us at the US Composting Council's 18th Annual Conference & Trade Show, January 24-27, 2010 at the Wyndham Orlando Resort, Orlando, FL The Largest Conference & Exhibition in North America for the Composting, Wood Waste & Organics Recycling Industry The Most Comprehensive Program of Training Courses, Educational & Technical Sessions, and Facility Tours & "Live" Equipment Demonstrations. Register at www.compostingcouncil.org Help support your industry. Become a member today!!! From rhonda_sherman at ncsu.edu Fri Jan 8 15:23:02 2010 From: rhonda_sherman at ncsu.edu (Rhonda Sherman) Date: Fri, 08 Jan 2010 16:23:02 -0500 Subject: [USCC] NCSU 10th Annual Vermiculture Conference References: <4B461019.9508.000C.0@gw.ncsu.edu> Message-ID: <4B475BE6.9508.000C.0@gw.ncsu.edu> Colleagues, NC State University's 10th Annual Vermiculture Conference will be held on May 27-28, 2010 in Durham, NC. This is the only conference about earthworm farming and mid-to-large-scale vermicomposting held in the United States. Details about the conference are at http://www.bae.ncsu.edu/workshops/worm-conference/ Please forward this message to others who may be interested.... Rhonda L. Sherman Biological & Agricultural Engineering NC State University Box 7625 Raleigh, NC 27695 919.515.6770 rhonda_sherman at ncsu.edu http://www.bae.ncsu.edu/people/faculty/sherman From cary.oshins at compostingcouncil.org Tue Jan 12 15:33:34 2010 From: cary.oshins at compostingcouncil.org (Cary Oshins) Date: Tue, 12 Jan 2010 13:33:34 -0800 Subject: [USCC] City of Berkeley issues RFP for Organics Processing Message-ID: <046901ca93ce$e4f77890$aee669b0$@oshins@compostingcouncil.org> The City of Berkeley is soliciting written proposals from qualified firms or individuals to process source-separated organic materials into compost and soil amendments, with a hauling option. The project scope, content of proposal, and vendor selection process are summarized in the RFP . Proposals must be received no later than 2:00 pm, on Tuesday, February 9, 2010. For questions concerning the anticipated work, or scope of the project, please contact Andy Schneider, Recycling Program Manager, via email at aschneider at cityofberkeley.info no later than January 22, 2010. An optional pre-bid meeting and facility walk-through will be held on January 12, 2010 at 10:00 a.m., at 1201 Second Street, Berkeley, CA 94710. ____________________________________ Cary Oshins | Education Program Manager | US Composting Council phone: 631-737-4931 | direct: 484-547-1521 | fax: 631-737-4939 | cary.oshins at compostingcouncil.org Main office: 1 Comac Loop, Suite 14B1, Ronkonkoma, NY 11779 www.compostingcouncil.org Join us at the US Composting Council's 18th Annual Conference & Trade Show, January 24-27, 2010 at the Wyndham Orlando Resort, Orlando, FL The Largest Conference & Exhibition in North America for the Composting, Wood Waste & Organics Recycling Industry The Most Comprehensive Program of Training Courses, Educational & Technical Sessions, and Facility Tours & "Live" Equipment Demonstrations. Register at www.compostingcouncil.org Help support your industry. Become a member today!!! From cary.oshins at compostingcouncil.org Tue Jan 12 19:29:01 2010 From: cary.oshins at compostingcouncil.org (Cary Oshins) Date: Tue, 12 Jan 2010 17:29:01 -0800 Subject: [USCC] City of Berkeley issues RFP for Organics Processing In-Reply-To: <046901ca93ce$e4f77890$aee669b0$@oshins@compostingcouncil.org> References: <046901ca93ce$e4f77890$aee669b0$@oshins@compostingcouncil.org> Message-ID: <04c601ca93ef$c96cfbb0$5c46f310$@oshins@compostingcouncil.org> The link in the posting was broken. Simply go to our home page www.compostingcouncil.org and see the NEWS item on the right-hand side. Cary -----Original Message----- To: 'Compost Discussion List' Subject: [USCC] City of Berkeley issues RFP for Organics Processing The City of Berkeley is soliciting written proposals from qualified firms or individuals to process source-separated organic materials into compost and soil amendments, with a hauling option. The project scope, content of proposal, and vendor selection process are summarized in the RFP. Proposals must be received no later than 2:00 pm, on Tuesday, February 9, 2010. For questions concerning the anticipated work, or scope of the project, please contact Andy Schneider, Recycling Program Manager, via email at aschneider at cityofberkeley.info no later than January 22, 2010. An optional pre-bid meeting and facility walk-through will be held on January 12, 2010 at 10:00 a.m., at 1201 Second Street, Berkeley, CA 94710. ____________________________________ Cary Oshins | Education Program Manager | US Composting Council phone: 631-737-4931 | direct: 484-547-1521 | fax: 631-737-4939 | cary.oshins at compostingcouncil.org Main office: 1 Comac Loop, Suite 14B1, Ronkonkoma, NY 11779 www.compostingcouncil.org Join us at the US Composting Council's 18th Annual Conference & Trade Show, January 24-27, 2010 at the Wyndham Orlando Resort, Orlando, FL The Largest Conference & Exhibition in North America for the Composting, Wood Waste & Organics Recycling Industry The Most Comprehensive Program of Training Courses, Educational & Technical Sessions, and Facility Tours & "Live" Equipment Demonstrations. Register at www.compostingcouncil.org Help support your industry. Become a member today!!! _______________________________________ Join us as the US Composting Council's 18th Annual Conference & Trade Show, January 24-27, 2010 at the Wyndham Orlando Resort, FL. The Largest Conference & Exhibition in North America for the Composting, Wood Waste, & Organics Recycling Industry. The Most Comprehensive Program of Training Courses, Educational & Technical Presentations, and Facility Tours & "Live" Equipment Demonstrations at the Disney/Reedy Creek Composting Facility. Conference Highlights & Program, Registration forms, Exhibitor Information and Sponsorship Opportunities available at the USCC website www.compostingcouncil.org or call the USCC at 631.737.4931 ____________________________________________________________________________ _ Compost maillist - compost at mailman.cloudnet.com http://mailman.cloudnet.com/mailman/listinfo/compost _______________________________________ This list is a service provided by the US Composting Council (USCC). (c) Copyright 2004 United States Composting Council - All rights reserved Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the USCC, the Foundation, or the Board of Directors. Non-members of USCC are encouraged to join the Council through its website at: http://www.compostingcouncil.org/membership.cfm Members posting CC copies to the list and other addresses may have their posting privileges suspended. For discussion list policies and information regarding subscribing, unsubscribing, digest or other options, go to: http://mailman.cloudnet.com/mailman/listinfo/compost For additional help in unsubcribing or to report bugs and problems, send a message to the List Manager at compostlistmanager at compostingcouncil.org From mikepnevin at yahoo.ca Sat Jan 16 20:03:22 2010 From: mikepnevin at yahoo.ca (Michael Nevin) Date: Sat, 16 Jan 2010 18:03:22 -0800 (PST) Subject: [USCC] biodegradable ve compostable Message-ID: <119316.37780.qm@web34404.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Hi - I am confused as to the difference between "biodegradable" and compostable. Specifically, I have two questions: -can biodegradables go in a compost pile? -are the biodgegradable plastic wrappers - say the coffee grounds packaging - suitable for composting on either a small or a large scale? I am getting a lot of the coffee pacakaging at work and need to learn its suitability for composting. Cheers, Mike in Toronto __________________________________________________________________ The new Internet Explorer? 8 - Faster, safer, easier. Optimized for Yahoo! Get it Now for Free! at http://downloads.yahoo.com/ca/internetexplorer/ From frank at compostlab.com Mon Jan 18 11:30:58 2010 From: frank at compostlab.com (frank) Date: Mon, 18 Jan 2010 09:30:58 -0800 Subject: [USCC] biodegradable ve compostable In-Reply-To: <119316.37780.qm@web34404.mail.mud.yahoo.com> References: <119316.37780.qm@web34404.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <4B549AD2.4080001@compostlab.com> Mike Compostable is something that will biodegrade (organic carbon converts to CO2 via microbe activity) in the time and conditions of a commercial composting operation. Biodegradable is a product that is biodegradable via microbe activity, perhaps taking longer and measured under other environmental conditions. Frank Michael Nevin wrote: >Hi - I am confused as to the difference between "biodegradable" and compostable. >Specifically, I have two questions: >-can biodegradables go in a compost pile? >-are the biodgegradable plastic wrappers - say the coffee grounds packaging - suitable for composting on either a small or a large scale? >I am getting a lot of the coffee pacakaging at work and need to learn its suitability for composting. >Cheers, Mike in Toronto > > > __________________________________________________________________ >The new Internet Explorer? 8 - Faster, safer, easier. Optimized for Yahoo! Get it Now for Free! at http://downloads.yahoo.com/ca/internetexplorer/ >_______________________________________ >Join us as the US Composting Council's 18th Annual Conference & Trade Show, January 24-27, 2010 at the Wyndham Orlando Resort, FL. The Largest Conference & Exhibition in North America for the Composting, Wood Waste, & Organics Recycling Industry. The Most Comprehensive Program of Training Courses, Educational & Technical Presentations, and Facility Tours & "Live" Equipment Demonstrations at the Disney/Reedy Creek Composting Facility. Conference Highlights & Program, Registration forms, Exhibitor Information and Sponsorship Opportunities available at the USCC website www.compostingcouncil.org or call the USCC at 631.737.4931 >_____________________________________________________________________________ >Compost maillist - compost at mailman.cloudnet.com >http://mailman.cloudnet.com/mailman/listinfo/compost >_______________________________________ >This list is a service provided by the US Composting Council (USCC). >(c) Copyright 2004 United States Composting Council - All rights reserved > >Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the USCC, the Foundation, or the Board of Directors. > >Non-members of USCC are encouraged to join the Council through its website at: http://www.compostingcouncil.org/membership.cfm > >Members posting CC copies to the list and other addresses may have their posting privileges suspended. For discussion list policies and information regarding subscribing, unsubscribing, digest or other options, go to: http://mailman.cloudnet.com/mailman/listinfo/compost > >For additional help in unsubcribing or to report bugs and problems, send a message to the List Manager at compostlistmanager at compostingcouncil.org > > > > -- Frank Shields Soil Control Lab 42 Hangar way Watsonville, CA 95076 (831) 724-5422 tel (831) 724-3188 fax frank at compostlab.com www.compostlab.com From cary.oshins at compostingcouncil.org Tue Jan 19 09:51:57 2010 From: cary.oshins at compostingcouncil.org (Cary Oshins) Date: Tue, 19 Jan 2010 07:51:57 -0800 Subject: [USCC] Call for entries for the 3rd Annual International Compost Awareness Week Poster Contest Message-ID: <026701ca991f$54ee4de0$fecae9a0$@oshins@compostingcouncil.org> Greetings! The International Compost Awareness Week Committee of the US Composting Council invites YOU to get involved in ICAW 2010. Call For Entries! Announcing the 3rd Annual ICAW Poster Contest -- we invite municipal, facility, and state agency representatives to join in the fun -- students (grade school, middle school, college), homeowners, commercial composters, green industry businesses, youth groups, everyone! Whether or not you celebrated or have been involved in ICAW in the past, we want you to participate this year and submit a poster. The 2010 theme is "Compost!...Recycling for a Greener Tomorrow". For the Official 2010 Rules and Regulations, www.compostingcouncil.org/programs/icaw/. The poster contest challenges ALL OF US to express our belief in the composting industry and benefits of using compost. The winning poster will be used to promote our 15th Annual International Compost Awareness Week, May 2-8, 2010. The contest begins on January 20 and continues until February 28, 2010. Online judging will be available. The Poster Contest Winner will have his/her poster reproduced and distributed nationwide as the official 2010 International Compost Awareness Week poster and featured on the US Composting Council Web site. The successful poster winner will receive a $500 cash or savings bond* prize. Each student division winner -- grade school, middle school, high school and college, will receive $100 savings bond in special recognition. All participants will receive an ICAW/USCC Certificate of Participation. For more information, contact ICAW Chair, Teri Sorg-McManamon at 610-390-7930 or email to advert at jgpress.com. For information on becoming a Sponsor of ICAW 2010, contact Stuart Buckner, Executive Director, at 631-737-4931 or email to uscc at compostingcouncil.org. Join in the fun and enter your poster! Thank you, Teri Sorg-McManamon, ICAW Chair, BioCycle U.S. Composting Council 1 Comac Loop, Suite 14B1 Ronkonkoma, NY 11779 phone: 631.737.4931 fax: 631.737.4939 uscc at compostingcouncil.org www.compostingcouncil.org From tonybreton at gmail.com Tue Jan 19 12:10:50 2010 From: tonybreton at gmail.com (Tony Breton) Date: Tue, 19 Jan 2010 18:10:50 -0000 Subject: [USCC] biodegradable ve compostable In-Reply-To: <4B549AD2.4080001@compostlab.com> References: <119316.37780.qm@web34404.mail.mud.yahoo.com> <4B549AD2.4080001@compostlab.com> Message-ID: When it comes to compostability and "biodegradability" there is a huge difference. Have a look at http://www.bpiworld.org/science-of-biodegradation If your coffee grounds packaging is certified by BPI to ASTMD-6400 or if it's European to EN13432 then it is compostable, if not then it will not compost Tony -----Original Message----- From: frank [mailto:frank at compostlab.com] Sent: 18 January 2010 17:31 To: Compost Discussion List Subject: Re: [USCC] biodegradable ve compostable Mike Compostable is something that will biodegrade (organic carbon converts to CO2 via microbe activity) in the time and conditions of a commercial composting operation. Biodegradable is a product that is biodegradable via microbe activity, perhaps taking longer and measured under other environmental conditions. Frank Michael Nevin wrote: >Hi - I am confused as to the difference between "biodegradable" and compostable. >Specifically, I have two questions: >-can biodegradables go in a compost pile? >-are the biodgegradable plastic wrappers - say the coffee grounds packaging - suitable for composting on either a small or a large scale? >I am getting a lot of the coffee pacakaging at work and need to learn its suitability for composting. >Cheers, Mike in Toronto > > > >__________________________________________________________________ >The new Internet ExplorerR 8 - Faster, safer, easier. Optimized for >Yahoo! Get it Now for Free! at >http://downloads.yahoo.com/ca/internetexplorer/ >_______________________________________ >Join us as the US Composting Council's 18th Annual Conference & Trade >Show, January 24-27, 2010 at the Wyndham Orlando Resort, FL. The >Largest Conference & Exhibition in North America for the Composting, >Wood Waste, & Organics Recycling Industry. The Most Comprehensive >Program of Training Courses, Educational & Technical Presentations, and >Facility Tours & "Live" Equipment Demonstrations at the Disney/Reedy >Creek Composting Facility. Conference Highlights & Program, >Registration forms, Exhibitor Information and Sponsorship Opportunities >available at the USCC website www.compostingcouncil.org or call the >USCC at 631.737.4931 >_______________________________________________________________________ >______ Compost maillist - compost at mailman.cloudnet.com >http://mailman.cloudnet.com/mailman/listinfo/compost >_______________________________________ >This list is a service provided by the US Composting Council (USCC). >(c) Copyright 2004 United States Composting Council - All rights >reserved > >Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the USCC, the Foundation, or the Board of Directors. > >Non-members of USCC are encouraged to join the Council through its >website at: http://www.compostingcouncil.org/membership.cfm > >Members posting CC copies to the list and other addresses may have >their posting privileges suspended. For discussion list policies and >information regarding subscribing, unsubscribing, digest or other >options, go to: http://mailman.cloudnet.com/mailman/listinfo/compost > >For additional help in unsubcribing or to report bugs and problems, >send a message to the List Manager at >compostlistmanager at compostingcouncil.org > > > > -- Frank Shields Soil Control Lab 42 Hangar way Watsonville, CA 95076 (831) 724-5422 tel (831) 724-3188 fax frank at compostlab.com www.compostlab.com From editinfo at jgpress.com Tue Jan 19 08:41:56 2010 From: editinfo at jgpress.com (Rhodes Yepsen) Date: Tue, 19 Jan 2010 09:41:56 -0500 Subject: [USCC] biodegradable ve compostable In-Reply-To: <4B549AD2.4080001@compostlab.com> References: <119316.37780.qm@web34404.mail.mud.yahoo.com> <4B549AD2.4080001@compostlab.com> Message-ID: <1AC8D7AD-0091-4BEA-B984-68A8EC88A83B@jgpress.com> Mike, You aren't alone in your confusion of compostable vs. biodegradable. If the biodegradable plastic wrapper on your coffee packaging does not display the BPI "Compostable" label, then there is no guarantee that it will fully compost. You should call the coffee company and ask for an explanation of their labeling, explaining your situation. For more information on compostable prodcuts, check out the extensive two-part article series that I wrote last year, available as a free pdf: http://www.jgpress.com/compostproducts/cp.html Kind regards, Rhodes Rhodes Yepsen, Associate Editor BioCycle magazine Advancing Composting, Organics Recycling & Renewable Energy (610) 967-4135, ext. 27 BioCycle West Coast Conference April 12-15, 2010 -- San Diego, CA www.BioCycleWestCoast.com Put your compost facility on the map, it's free! FindaComposter.com Check out my new blog! The Compost Pile On Jan 18, 2010, at 12:30 PM, frank wrote: > Mike > Compostable is something that will biodegrade (organic carbon converts > to CO2 via microbe activity) in the time and conditions of a > commercial > composting operation. > Biodegradable is a product that is biodegradable via microbe activity, > perhaps taking longer and measured under other environmental > conditions. > Frank > > > > Michael Nevin wrote: > >> Hi - I am confused as to the difference between "biodegradable" >> and compostable. >> Specifically, I have two questions: >> -can biodegradables go in a compost pile? >> -are the biodgegradable plastic wrappers - say the coffee grounds >> packaging - suitable for composting on either a small or a large >> scale? >> I am getting a lot of the coffee pacakaging at work and need to >> learn its suitability for composting. >> Cheers, Mike in Toronto >> >> >> >> __________________________________________________________________ >> The new Internet Explorer? 8 - Faster, safer, easier. Optimized >> for Yahoo! Get it Now for Free! at http://downloads.yahoo.com/ca/ >> internetexplorer/ >> _______________________________________ >> Join us as the US Composting Council's 18th Annual Conference & >> Trade Show, January 24-27, 2010 at the Wyndham Orlando Resort, FL. >> The Largest Conference & Exhibition in North America for the >> Composting, Wood Waste, & Organics Recycling Industry. The Most >> Comprehensive Program of Training Courses, Educational & Technical >> Presentations, and Facility Tours & "Live" Equipment >> Demonstrations at the Disney/Reedy Creek Composting Facility. >> Conference Highlights & Program, Registration forms, Exhibitor >> Information and Sponsorship Opportunities available at the USCC >> website www.compostingcouncil.org or call the USCC at 631.737.4931 >> _____________________________________________________________________ >> ________ >> Compost maillist - compost at mailman.cloudnet.com >> http://mailman.cloudnet.com/mailman/listinfo/compost >> _______________________________________ >> This list is a service provided by the US Composting Council (USCC). >> (c) Copyright 2004 United States Composting Council - All rights >> reserved >> >> Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the USCC, the >> Foundation, or the Board of Directors. >> >> Non-members of USCC are encouraged to join the Council through its >> website at: http://www.compostingcouncil.org/membership.cfm >> >> Members posting CC copies to the list and other addresses may have >> their posting privileges suspended. For discussion list policies >> and information regarding subscribing, unsubscribing, digest or >> other options, go to: http://mailman.cloudnet.com/mailman/listinfo/ >> compost >> >> For additional help in unsubcribing or to report bugs and >> problems, send a message to the List Manager at >> compostlistmanager at compostingcouncil.org >> >> >> >> > > -- > Frank Shields > Soil Control Lab > 42 Hangar way > Watsonville, CA 95076 > (831) 724-5422 tel > (831) 724-3188 fax > frank at compostlab.com > www.compostlab.com > > > _______________________________________ > Join us as the US Composting Council's 18th Annual Conference & > Trade Show, January 24-27, 2010 at the Wyndham Orlando Resort, FL. > The Largest Conference & Exhibition in North America for the > Composting, Wood Waste, & Organics Recycling Industry. The Most > Comprehensive Program of Training Courses, Educational & Technical > Presentations, and Facility Tours & "Live" Equipment Demonstrations > at the Disney/Reedy Creek Composting Facility. Conference > Highlights & Program, Registration forms, Exhibitor Information and > Sponsorship Opportunities available at the USCC website > www.compostingcouncil.org or call the USCC at 631.737.4931 > ______________________________________________________________________ > _______ > Compost maillist - compost at mailman.cloudnet.com > http://mailman.cloudnet.com/mailman/listinfo/compost > _______________________________________ > This list is a service provided by the US Composting Council (USCC). > (c) Copyright 2004 United States Composting Council - All rights > reserved > > Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the USCC, the > Foundation, or the Board of Directors. > > Non-members of USCC are encouraged to join the Council through its > website at: http://www.compostingcouncil.org/membership.cfm > > Members posting CC copies to the list and other addresses may have > their posting privileges suspended. For discussion list policies > and information regarding subscribing, unsubscribing, digest or > other options, go to: http://mailman.cloudnet.com/mailman/listinfo/ > compost > > For additional help in unsubcribing or to report bugs and problems, > send a message to the List Manager at > compostlistmanager at compostingcouncil.org > From johncossham at tiscali.co.uk Tue Jan 19 17:27:35 2010 From: johncossham at tiscali.co.uk (John Cossham) Date: Tue, 19 Jan 2010 23:27:35 +0000 Subject: [USCC] biodegradable ve compostable In-Reply-To: <4B549AD2.4080001@compostlab.com> References: <119316.37780.qm@web34404.mail.mud.yahoo.com> <4B549AD2.4080001@compostlab.com> Message-ID: <4B563FE7.4030406@tiscali.co.uk> I understood that biodegradable describes something which will break down into simpler components, with the action of bacteria, fungi and other organisms and biological processes. This basically includes any animal or plant matter. It includes, for instance, coconut shells which biodegrade very very slowly. Compostable means it will biodegrade in a home compost heap, as well as a commercial composting op. At least, that's what I think the terms mean on UK packaging. John, York UK frank wrote: >
Mike > Compostable is something that will biodegrade (organic carbon converts > to CO2 via microbe activity) in the time and conditions of a > commercial composting operation. > Biodegradable is a product that is biodegradable via microbe activity, > perhaps taking longer and measured under other environmental conditions. > Frank > > > > Michael Nevin wrote: > >> Hi - I am confused as to the difference between "biodegradable" and >> compostable. >> Specifically, I have two questions: >> -can biodegradables go in a compost pile? >> -are the biodgegradable plastic wrappers - say the coffee grounds >> packaging - suitable for composting on either a small or a large scale? >> I am getting a lot of the coffee pacakaging at work and need to learn >> its suitability for composting. >> Cheers, Mike in Toronto >> >> >> __________________________________________________________________ >> The new Internet Explorer? 8 - Faster, safer, easier. Optimized for >> Yahoo! Get it Now for Free! at >> http://downloads.yahoo.com/ca/internetexplorer/ >> _______________________________________ >> Join us as the US Composting Council's 18th Annual Conference & Trade >> Show, January 24-27, 2010 at the Wyndham Orlando Resort, FL. The >> Largest Conference & Exhibition in North America for the Composting, >> Wood Waste, & Organics Recycling Industry. The Most Comprehensive >> Program of Training Courses, Educational & Technical Presentations, >> and Facility Tours & "Live" Equipment Demonstrations at the >> Disney/Reedy Creek Composting Facility. Conference Highlights & >> Program, Registration forms, Exhibitor Information and Sponsorship >> Opportunities available at the USCC website www.compostingcouncil.org >> or call the USCC at 631.737.4931 >> _____________________________________________________________________________ >> >> Compost maillist - compost at mailman.cloudnet.com >> http://mailman.cloudnet.com/mailman/listinfo/compost >> _______________________________________ >> This list is a service provided by the US Composting Council (USCC). >> (c) Copyright 2004 United States Composting Council - All rights >> reserved >> >> Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the USCC, the >> Foundation, or the Board of Directors. >> >> Non-members of USCC are encouraged to join the Council through its >> website at: http://www.compostingcouncil.org/membership.cfm >> >> Members posting CC copies to the list and other addresses may have >> their posting privileges suspended. For discussion list policies and >> information regarding subscribing, unsubscribing, digest or other >> options, go to: http://mailman.cloudnet.com/mailman/listinfo/compost >> >> For additional help in unsubcribing or to report bugs and problems, >> send a message to the List Manager at >> compostlistmanager at compostingcouncil.org >> >> >> >> > -- I am using the free version of SPAMfighter. We are a community of 6 million users fighting spam. SPAMfighter has removed 7428 of my spam emails to date. Get the free SPAMfighter here: http://www.spamfighter.com/len The Professional version does not have this message From bobbyswc at gmail.com Wed Jan 20 00:31:09 2010 From: bobbyswc at gmail.com (Bobby Chin) Date: Wed, 20 Jan 2010 14:31:09 +0800 Subject: [USCC] biodegradable ve compostable In-Reply-To: References: <119316.37780.qm@web34404.mail.mud.yahoo.com> <4B549AD2.4080001@compostlab.com> Message-ID: Hi Mike, Here are some notes from the plastics industry: In the US, degradable, biodegradable and compostable plastics are defined by ASTM D883-99 as follows: *Degradable Plastic**:* A plastic designed to undergo a significant change in its chemical structure under specific environmental conditions resulting in a loss of some properties that may vary as measured by standard test methods appropriate to the plastic and the application in a period of time that determines its classification. *Biodegradable Plastic**:* A degradable plastic in which the degradation results from the action of naturally-occurring micro-organisms such as bacteria, fungi, and algae. *Compostable Plastic*: a plastic that undergoes degradation by biological processes during composting to yield CO2, water, inorganic compounds, and biomass at a rate consistent with other known compostable materials and leave no visible, distinguishable or toxic residue, and at a rate consistent with known compostable materials. The standards prescribe the rate of breakdown to qualify as a compostable material for certification. Many countries have their own standards which may or may not be the same as the American standards. In Europe, The EN 13432 standard for certification requires that biodegradable materials meet 4 requirements for compostability: ? 90% of the material must disintegrate into small fragments less than 2mm in size within 3 months of being placed in Industrial Compost (Test method ISO 16929). ? 90% of the material must biodegrade and change into CO2 and water within 6 months (Test method ISO 14855). ? The material must meet strict limits for heavy metal content set on a national basis. ? The quality of the resulting compost must be safe for the environment. Toxicity tests are conducted using plant seedlings and earthworms (Test method OECD 208A and OECD 207. Hope the above helps. Bobby SW Chin Starchtech Int?l Pte Ltd Email: bobbyswc at gmail.com On Wed, Jan 20, 2010 at 2:10 AM, Tony Breton wrote: > When it comes to compostability and "biodegradability" there is a huge > difference. > Have a look at http://www.bpiworld.org/science-of-biodegradation > If your coffee grounds packaging is certified by BPI to ASTMD-6400 or if > it's European to EN13432 then it is compostable, if not then it will not > compost > Tony > > -----Original Message----- > From: frank [mailto:frank at compostlab.com] > Sent: 18 January 2010 17:31 > To: Compost Discussion List > Subject: Re: [USCC] biodegradable ve compostable > > Mike > Compostable is something that will biodegrade (organic carbon converts to > CO2 via microbe activity) in the time and conditions of a commercial > composting operation. > Biodegradable is a product that is biodegradable via microbe activity, > perhaps taking longer and measured under other environmental conditions. > Frank > > > > Michael Nevin wrote: > > >Hi - I am confused as to the difference between "biodegradable" and > compostable. > >Specifically, I have two questions: > >-can biodegradables go in a compost pile? > >-are the biodgegradable plastic wrappers - say the coffee grounds > packaging > - suitable for composting on either a small or a large scale? > >I am getting a lot of the coffee pacakaging at work and need to learn its > suitability for composting. > >Cheers, Mike in Toronto > > > > > > > >__________________________________________________________________ > >The new Internet ExplorerR 8 - Faster, safer, easier. Optimized for > >Yahoo! Get it Now for Free! at > >http://downloads.yahoo.com/ca/internetexplorer/ > >_______________________________________ > >Join us as the US Composting Council's 18th Annual Conference & Trade > >Show, January 24-27, 2010 at the Wyndham Orlando Resort, FL. The > >Largest Conference & Exhibition in North America for the Composting, > >Wood Waste, & Organics Recycling Industry. The Most Comprehensive > >Program of Training Courses, Educational & Technical Presentations, and > >Facility Tours & "Live" Equipment Demonstrations at the Disney/Reedy > >Creek Composting Facility. Conference Highlights & Program, > >Registration forms, Exhibitor Information and Sponsorship Opportunities > >available at the USCC website www.compostingcouncil.org or call the > >USCC at 631.737.4931 > >_______________________________________________________________________ > >______ Compost maillist - compost at mailman.cloudnet.com > >http://mailman.cloudnet.com/mailman/listinfo/compost > >_______________________________________ > >This list is a service provided by the US Composting Council (USCC). > >(c) Copyright 2004 United States Composting Council - All rights > >reserved > > > >Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the USCC, the Foundation, > or the Board of Directors. > > > >Non-members of USCC are encouraged to join the Council through its > >website at: http://www.compostingcouncil.org/membership.cfm > > > >Members posting CC copies to the list and other addresses may have > >their posting privileges suspended. For discussion list policies and > >information regarding subscribing, unsubscribing, digest or other > >options, go to: http://mailman.cloudnet.com/mailman/listinfo/compost > > > >For additional help in unsubcribing or to report bugs and problems, > >send a message to the List Manager at > >compostlistmanager at compostingcouncil.org > > > > > > > > > > -- > Frank Shields > Soil Control Lab > 42 Hangar way > Watsonville, CA 95076 > (831) 724-5422 tel > (831) 724-3188 fax > frank at compostlab.com > www.compostlab.com > > > > > _______________________________________ > Join us as the US Composting Council's 18th Annual Conference & Trade Show, > January 24-27, 2010 at the Wyndham Orlando Resort, FL. The Largest > Conference & Exhibition in North America for the Composting, Wood Waste, & > Organics Recycling Industry. The Most Comprehensive Program of Training > Courses, Educational & Technical Presentations, and Facility Tours & "Live" > Equipment Demonstrations at the Disney/Reedy Creek Composting Facility. > Conference Highlights & Program, Registration forms, Exhibitor Information > and Sponsorship Opportunities available at the USCC website > www.compostingcouncil.org or call the USCC at 631.737.4931 > > _____________________________________________________________________________ > Compost maillist - compost at mailman.cloudnet.com > http://mailman.cloudnet.com/mailman/listinfo/compost > _______________________________________ > This list is a service provided by the US Composting Council (USCC). > (c) Copyright 2004 United States Composting Council - All rights reserved > > Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the USCC, the Foundation, > or the Board of Directors. > > Non-members of USCC are encouraged to join the Council through its website > at: http://www.compostingcouncil.org/membership.cfm > > Members posting CC copies to the list and other addresses may have their > posting privileges suspended. For discussion list policies and information > regarding subscribing, unsubscribing, digest or other options, go to: > http://mailman.cloudnet.com/mailman/listinfo/compost > > For additional help in unsubcribing or to report bugs and problems, send a > message to the List Manager at compostlistmanager at compostingcouncil.org > From editinfo at jgpress.com Wed Jan 20 08:22:20 2010 From: editinfo at jgpress.com (Rhodes Yepsen) Date: Wed, 20 Jan 2010 09:22:20 -0500 Subject: [USCC] biodegradable ve compostable In-Reply-To: References: <119316.37780.qm@web34404.mail.mud.yahoo.com> <4B549AD2.4080001@compostlab.com> Message-ID: <83466E2B-7414-4369-BC03-9664054FDF39@jgpress.com> Mike, You aren't alone in your confusion of compostable vs. biodegradable. As Tony mentions, if the coffee packaging does not display the BPI "Compostable" label (for North America), then there is no guarantee that it will fully compost. You should call the coffee company and ask for an explanation of their labeling, explaining your situation. Besides the BPI website, check out the extensive two-part article series that I wrote last year, available as a free pdf: http://www.jgpress.com/compostproducts/cp.html Kind regards, Rhodes Rhodes Yepsen, Associate Editor BioCycle magazine Advancing Composting, Organics Recycling & Renewable Energy (610) 967-4135, ext. 27 BioCycle West Coast Conference April 12-15, 2010 -- San Diego, CA www.BioCycleWestCoast.com Put your compost facility on the map, it's free! FindaComposter.com Check out my new blog! The Compost Pile On Jan 19, 2010, at 1:10 PM, Tony Breton wrote: > When it comes to compostability and "biodegradability" there is a huge > difference. > Have a look at http://www.bpiworld.org/science-of-biodegradation > If your coffee grounds packaging is certified by BPI to ASTMD-6400 > or if > it's European to EN13432 then it is compostable, if not then it > will not > compost > Tony > > -----Original Message----- > From: frank [mailto:frank at compostlab.com] > Sent: 18 January 2010 17:31 > To: Compost Discussion List > Subject: Re: [USCC] biodegradable ve compostable > > Mike > Compostable is something that will biodegrade (organic carbon > converts to > CO2 via microbe activity) in the time and conditions of a commercial > composting operation. > Biodegradable is a product that is biodegradable via microbe activity, > perhaps taking longer and measured under other environmental > conditions. > Frank > > > > Michael Nevin wrote: > >> Hi - I am confused as to the difference between "biodegradable" and > compostable. >> Specifically, I have two questions: >> -can biodegradables go in a compost pile? >> -are the biodgegradable plastic wrappers - say the coffee grounds >> packaging > - suitable for composting on either a small or a large scale? >> I am getting a lot of the coffee pacakaging at work and need to >> learn its > suitability for composting. >> Cheers, Mike in Toronto >> >> >> >> __________________________________________________________________ >> The new Internet ExplorerR 8 - Faster, safer, easier. Optimized for >> Yahoo! Get it Now for Free! at >> http://downloads.yahoo.com/ca/internetexplorer/ >> _______________________________________ >> Join us as the US Composting Council's 18th Annual Conference & Trade >> Show, January 24-27, 2010 at the Wyndham Orlando Resort, FL. The >> Largest Conference & Exhibition in North America for the Composting, >> Wood Waste, & Organics Recycling Industry. The Most Comprehensive >> Program of Training Courses, Educational & Technical >> Presentations, and >> Facility Tours & "Live" Equipment Demonstrations at the Disney/Reedy >> Creek Composting Facility. Conference Highlights & Program, >> Registration forms, Exhibitor Information and Sponsorship >> Opportunities >> available at the USCC website www.compostingcouncil.org or call the >> USCC at 631.737.4931 >> _____________________________________________________________________ >> __ >> ______ Compost maillist - compost at mailman.cloudnet.com >> http://mailman.cloudnet.com/mailman/listinfo/compost >> _______________________________________ >> This list is a service provided by the US Composting Council (USCC). >> (c) Copyright 2004 United States Composting Council - All rights >> reserved >> >> Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the USCC, the >> Foundation, > or the Board of Directors. >> >> Non-members of USCC are encouraged to join the Council through its >> website at: http://www.compostingcouncil.org/membership.cfm >> >> Members posting CC copies to the list and other addresses may have >> their posting privileges suspended. For discussion list policies and >> information regarding subscribing, unsubscribing, digest or other >> options, go to: http://mailman.cloudnet.com/mailman/listinfo/compost >> >> For additional help in unsubcribing or to report bugs and problems, >> send a message to the List Manager at >> compostlistmanager at compostingcouncil.org >> >> >> >> > > -- > Frank Shields > Soil Control Lab > 42 Hangar way > Watsonville, CA 95076 > (831) 724-5422 tel > (831) 724-3188 fax > frank at compostlab.com > www.compostlab.com > > > > > _______________________________________ > Join us as the US Composting Council's 18th Annual Conference & > Trade Show, January 24-27, 2010 at the Wyndham Orlando Resort, FL. > The Largest Conference & Exhibition in North America for the > Composting, Wood Waste, & Organics Recycling Industry. The Most > Comprehensive Program of Training Courses, Educational & Technical > Presentations, and Facility Tours & "Live" Equipment Demonstrations > at the Disney/Reedy Creek Composting Facility. Conference > Highlights & Program, Registration forms, Exhibitor Information and > Sponsorship Opportunities available at the USCC website > www.compostingcouncil.org or call the USCC at 631.737.4931 > ______________________________________________________________________ > _______ > Compost maillist - compost at mailman.cloudnet.com > http://mailman.cloudnet.com/mailman/listinfo/compost > _______________________________________ > This list is a service provided by the US Composting Council (USCC). > (c) Copyright 2004 United States Composting Council - All rights > reserved > > Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the USCC, the > Foundation, or the Board of Directors. > > Non-members of USCC are encouraged to join the Council through its > website at: http://www.compostingcouncil.org/membership.cfm > > Members posting CC copies to the list and other addresses may have > their posting privileges suspended. For discussion list policies > and information regarding subscribing, unsubscribing, digest or > other options, go to: http://mailman.cloudnet.com/mailman/listinfo/ > compost > > For additional help in unsubcribing or to report bugs and problems, > send a message to the List Manager at > compostlistmanager at compostingcouncil.org > From bplatt at ilsr.org Wed Jan 20 10:29:53 2010 From: bplatt at ilsr.org (Brenda Platt) Date: Wed, 20 Jan 2010 11:29:53 -0500 Subject: [USCC] biodegradable ve compostable Message-ID: <55887b8b1001200829o27834901mc88c5044296fbbb@mail.gmail.com> Re the question of biodegradable vs compostable, I wrote a short article on this to help clarify some issues. Please visit: http://sustainableplastics.org/spotlight/biodegradable-plastics-true-or-false-good-or-bad Cheers, Brenda -- Brenda Platt Co-Director, Institute for Local Self-Reliance Co-Chair, Sustainable Biomaterials Collaborative www.ilsr.org www.sustainableplastics.org 202-898-1610 x 230 ************************************************** ILSR's DC Office Has Moved! Our new address is: 2001 S Street, NW, Suite 570 Washington, DC 20009 (phone is the same) From jac at magicsoil.com Wed Jan 20 10:50:46 2010 From: jac at magicsoil.com (John A. Crockett) Date: Wed, 20 Jan 2010 11:50:46 -0500 Subject: [USCC] compostable bags Message-ID: Whether a bag is compostable is a matter of results, and claims mean absolutely nothing to us. With our compost research silos, it is easy to put a bag in a silo, covered with the compost. We know the temperature because we use computer linked temperature monitoring, with thermocouples in the compost, logging the temperature data every 30 or 60 minutes. We know the moisture content from doing moisture content tests. We've had bags that the manufacturer claimed were compostable, still in tact after two weeks of exposure to ? 150?F and ? 50% moisture content, and another week with the temperature ? 131?. As a general rule, we maintain the CO2 in the off-gas between 1 - 2%. Occasionally we do research where we intentionally have the CO2 in a different range, to see how other variables respond to that other CO2 level. We commonly have active bacteria ? 3.0E+9, per gram, dry weight (9.0 billion / teaspoonful of early stage compost), during the first two weeks of composting; which is far greater than we've ever found in yard waste in passively aerated windrows. Results are what count! While research is expensive, we believe it is far less expensive than not having the answers that we get from our research. Our compost research silos provide a great environment for getting answers to practical questions regarding composting. While some people consider 10% oxygen aerobic, has anyone assayed ? 3.0E+9 active bacteria in compost with 10% oxygen? Working Together to Create a Sustainable Environment, John A. Crockett, CEO Mother Nature's Farms (845) 225-7763 http://www.magicsoil.com/ jac at magicsoil.com http://www.magicsoil.com/Johnsblog ? From editinfo at jgpress.com Wed Jan 20 12:47:24 2010 From: editinfo at jgpress.com (Rhodes Yepsen) Date: Wed, 20 Jan 2010 13:47:24 -0500 Subject: [USCC] New Report On Residential Food Waste Message-ID: <7F2D8DE5-C69F-4543-BE4B-46F74B6B6B53@jgpress.com> Press Release: More Than 90 Towns and Cities In the U.S. report offering residential food waste collection and composting, showing significant growth. A nationwide survey conducted by BioCycle magazine uncovered more than 90 communities offering some type of residential food waste collection, more than double the number of communities identified in a 2007 report, which listed 42 programs. The new report, published in the December 2009 issue of BioCycle, shows significant growth in residential food waste collection, with dozens of new programs around the country, as well as several pilot projects. ?We knew that there was a growing interest in food waste composting across the U.S., with commercial and institutional organics diversion programs popping up in most states, but this report sheds light on communities that are taking an extra step by committing to residential food waste diversion,? says Rhodes Yepsen, Associate Editor of BioCycle and author of the report. ?Curbside residential food waste collection programs were identified in the states of California, Colorado, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Washington. In addition, several states have drop- off sites that allow residential food waste, such as Vermont and New York.? The report, including a table with all programs, is available for free at: http://www.jgpress.com/archives/_free/001992.html About BioCycle magazine: Published since 1960, BioCycle is America?s foremost magazine on composting, organics recycling and renewable energy. BioCycle is recognized internationally for its comprehensive reporting on all things related to organics recycling: composting facility profiles, scientific research, public policies and regulations, equipment and systems, anaerobic digestion and more. For information on BioCycle magazine and its specialized conferences, visit www.biocycle.net. Contact: Nora Goldstein, Editor of BioCycle, 610-967-4135, noragold at jgpress.com. From bplatt at ilsr.org Fri Jan 22 09:00:43 2010 From: bplatt at ilsr.org (Brenda Platt) Date: Fri, 22 Jan 2010 10:00:43 -0500 Subject: [USCC] Compost Workshop in Mid-Atlantic Feb. 10th Message-ID: <55887b8b1001220700la253b21s92660cfd376ccc53@mail.gmail.com> Please feel free to circulate to anyone who might be interested in this event. Cheers, Brenda Platt Institute for Local Self-Reliance *February 10, 2010 ? Compost Matters ? Philadelphia, PA Please Register Today ? Seating is Limited* The Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) and the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) are sponsoring ?Compost Matters,? a one-day conference on the status of composting in the Delaware Valley. The event will be held at the American Philosophical Society, 427 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA. Detailed program information and on-line registration are available on the PHS web site: *http://www.pennsylvaniahorticulturalsociety.org/home/greensource.html * For the past several years, ILSR with funding from the US Environmental Protection Agency/ Region III, has been promoting food waste composting in order to divert organic materials from the waste stream and to support the developing food composting infrastructure. ILSR is now pleased to be partnering with PHS in offering a program that will focus on new developments in food-waste composting practices. The forum is bringing together innovators, policy makers, and visionaries in the field to examine current barriers to food waste recovery, public policy issues, and successful models from the region and around the state. Register today ? seating is limited ? the early-bird registration deadline is January 29, 2010.