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WORC 2022 Webinar Series:
Register Now for Our Upcoming Webinar Series!
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WORC recently hosted 4 compost education-related webinars and will host two more this summer.
On July 14th, Alison Halpern of WA State Conservation Commission will discuss Organics & Climate-Smart Opportunities Through the Sustainable Farms and Fields Grant Program. This program includes compost subsidy programs available to WA state farms.
On August 2nd, the contaminate PFAS will be discussed by two speakers. We will hear about PFAS & Organics from Ned Beecher of North East Biosolids & Residuals Association (NEBRA), and we will hear about WA State’s response from Mary Harrington of WA State Department of Ecology (register here).
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Webinar Schedule:
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Organics & Climate-Smart Opportunities Through the Sustainable Farms and Fields Grant Program with Alison Halpern of WA State Conservation Commission (July 14, 2022 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm): Alison Halpern of WA State Conservation Commission will discuss Organics and climate-smart opportunities through the Sustainable Farms and Fields grant program.
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PFAS & Organics with Ned Beecher & Mary Harrington (August 2, 2022 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm): Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances, abbreviated PFAS, are a large group of chemicals, many of which we encounter in our everyday lives. The problem is that these so-called “forever chemicals” never degrade. Discovery that they are now found in recycled organics products like compost and biosolids has led to concern and regulatory changes in some places. Ned Beecher from NEBRA will provide background information about these chemicals, their fate in organics, and some regulatory responses across the U.S. Mary Harrington of Washington Department of Ecology will then discuss Ecology’s response to this issue.
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Previous Recorded Webinars: |
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- Organics Recycling & the 2022 Legislative Session: A Recap with Heather Trim of Zero Waste Washington
- Soil Carbon & Compost with Sally Brown of University of Washington
- Organics & Soil Health with Deirdre Griffin-LaHue of Washington State University
- 2 Virtual Facility Tours: A1 Organics Compost Facility & Kompogas SLO Anaerobic Digestion Facility
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If your organization is interested in sponsoring this series, we offer 3 sponsorship levels:
- $200 Curing
- $500 Mesophilic
- $1,000 Thermophilic level.
Sponsors will be acknowledged in each webinar and on all promotional materials. Additionally, sponsorship includes registration for sponsor organization staff: Curing - up to 10 staff, Mesophilic - up to 25 staff, or Thermophilic – unlimited.
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Welcome New Board Member:
Bob Barrows of Oregon DEQ
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Bob is a Waste Policy Analyst in the Oregon DEQ Materials Management Program. He has been with DEQ 30 years. His duties include policy development, administrative rule writing, interagency coordination and advising staff. He is also the DEQ composting program lead. His interest in composting started as a kid on the farm when he wondered why the manure pile was so warm in winter. In his off hours he likes to ride his bike long distances |
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Free Overs Testing is now being offered by BPI |
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Working to address barriers to accepting compostable products, the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) offers free overs testing for composters in the US and Canada to document when compostable plastics are not breaking down. This service enables composters to submit partially degraded plastic samples for testing via a form on BPI’s website. The purpose is to build a feedback loop between BPI and composters, supporting contamination mitigation by determining whether products in a composter's overs are compostable or not.
The simple form asks for contact information, sample description and images, composting method, length of time before the sample was retrieved, and the sampling date. The samples will be tested by a BPI Approved lab and shared with the composter. If the items are determined to be compostable plastic, BPI will discuss field testing options with the composter including possible funding support. If the items are determined to be non-compostable, BPI will help identify sources of contamination and discuss strategies for reduction.
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USCC Releases Updated Model Compost Rules Template |
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US Composting Council originated a template, called the Model Compost Rule Template, for states to adopt. It was designed in a two-year stakeholder process that was completed in 2012.
Several U.S. states (including Georgia, Maryland, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee) have used or are using this template to update their compost permitting regulations.
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Compost Facility Operator Training (CFOT): |
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Register now for the annual Compost Facility Operator Training (CFOT). This in-person, hands-on training will take place at WSU Puyallup on October 17-21, 2022. Registration is limited to 50 students and quickly fills, so don’t miss out! |
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WORC & Tilth Alliance Joint Annual Conference (November 10-12, 2022): We’re excited to announce that for this year’s conference we’ve partnered with the Tilth Alliance! Our joint planning committee is looking forward to gathering composters, farmers, producers, researchers, and food system professionals for three days of sharing, learning, and relationship building — all aimed at growing a healthy food system.
The conference is an annual event bringing together hundreds of farmers, food system professionals, researchers and educators for more than 25 lectures, workshops and panel discussions that highlight Washington’s farmers. Tickets are offered on a sliding scale.
Conference speakers present on a range of topics covering different experience levels and interests — from implementing new technology to developing expanding markets; from building food resiliency to creating change through political advocacy. Friday features a keynote speaker.
The conference starts Thursday morning with a three-hour Soil Health Workshop, followed by a Farm Walk Tour.
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Being a WORC member comes with a lot of benefits, including member pricing for events and webinars.
For questions about WORC membership, contact worc@aminc.org or complete the membership link below.
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Nominate Your Organization for a Member Spotlight!
Every newsletter, WORC features one of our member organizations, and yours could be in the ‘spotlight’ next!
Not everyone may know about what you do, so let us know and we can feature you. If you’ve been featured in the past, you can be featured again!
Let us know if you have a cool new project or awesome staff you want to highlight.
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If you are interested in becoming more involved with WORC this year, consider submitting a spotlight or even joining a committee. |
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