Education & Resources

Compost is a biologically stable soil amendment produced by the aerobic composition of organic materials, It enriches the soil, enhances plant growth, and contributes to a more sustainable ecosystem, among other things. Learn about composting and the benefits of compost use.

• Benefits of Compost

• Composting and Compost Resources (U.S. EPA)

You can compost at home using food scraps from your kitchen and leaves and woody material from your yard. Composting is a resourceful way to recycle your food scraps and yard trim, reduce your trash, and produce compost to build healthy soil.

• Home Composting Resources (ILSR)

• Composting at Home (U.S. EPA)

Are you interested in setting up composting in your community? The resources below help communities and composters with collecting food scraps and composting them.

• Compost Program Resource Hub (USCC)

• Resources for Community Composters (ILSR)

• Community Composting Resources (U.S. EPA)

Does your business have food scraps? Whether you’re a food service provider or an office that enjoys an on-site lunch, there are lots of ways to reduce your waste footprint!

• A Guide to Workplace Composting (a collaboration with the USCC)

The U.S. Composting Council has developed resources for developing a successful composting business.

• Compost Equipment Guide

• State Regulations

• Professional Certifications

• Compostable Products

• The Business of Composting

• Compost Feedstocks

Are you a teacher, educator, parent, sustainability coordinator, youth group leader? The resources below provide lesson plans, activities, toolkits, and more for reducing waste and starting composting programs.

K - 12 

• Resources on Wasted Food and Composting (U.S. EPA)

• Hands-on Sensory Activities Exploring the Importance of Soil (Project Learning Tree)

• School Composting: Let’s Get Growing! (Cornell)

• Video - The Compost Story

Colleges and Universities

• Our Campus Composts! (USCC)