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Previous compost facility operator training students build a compost pile
using dairy and chicken manure, mixed animal bedding and yard debris. |
PUYALLUP, Wash. – Interactive learning, field trips and more will be part of a class for compost facility operators Oct. 14-18 at the Washington State University Puyallup Research and Extension Center. The capacity class of more than 40 includes industry professionals, regulators and compost enthusiasts.
Recent developments, education and guidelines will be discussed during classroom training and activities and in a written exam. Topics will include composting infrastructure, industry problems, feedstocks, feedstock recovery and preparation, composting, odor management, sampling and testing, compost curing, screening and refining, storing and packaging and other facility management issues.
“Both new and experienced composters will come away understanding how to efficiently and correctly compost, which will help them operate their facilities,” said Andy Bary, WSU soil scientist and training instructor.
In 1995 the Washington Organic Recycling Council began a program to promote compost facility operator technical knowledge and sound operating techniques. That operator’s roundtable was a series of training from the U.S. Composting Council’s Compost Facility Operating Guide. The program evolved into the week-long compost facility operator training and examination.
The training is a partnership between the WSU Puyallup Research and Extension Center, Washington Organic Recycling Council and Washington Department of Ecology.
Find more about WSU programs in composting at http://puyallup.wsu.edu/soilmgmt/Composts.html.