Course Description

Course Outline

Lesson 1: Science of Composting

• Understand similarities between composting and farming.
• Identify primary organisms responsible for organic decomposition and where they thrive.
• Describe chemical and physical parameters of composting.

Lesson 2: Composting Processes

• Describe composting processes and explain how they vary.
• Describe proper preparation of waste or compost feedstock.
• List physical and chemical adjustments made to feedstock prior to composting.
• Identify operating parameters associated with rapid decomposition.
• List high, low and optimum range for each parameter.
• Identify process and benefits of properly curing compost.
• Identify processes and benefits of compost refining.
• List multiple end users for compost.
• Describe various end uses and different degrees of refining for each.

Lesson 3: Feedstock and Compost Technologies

• Understand waste source and match to best composting technology.
• List categories of potential compost feedstock and understand concerns associated with each.
• List primary categories of composting technologies and their advantages/disadvantages.

Lesson 4: Compost Quality and Classification

• Explain lack of standards classifications and regulations in the compost industry.
• Identify compost qualities and the ranges that make for a quality product.
• Identify methods used to test compost.
• Explain basic element of a compost quality assurance program.

Lesson 5: Facility Development

• Explain how design and process complexity of a compost facility relates to the type and quantity of feedstock it handles.
• Explain why siting a compost facility is a complex, controversial and important part of development.
• Identify basic components of a complete facility design.
• Explain state and local requirements compost facilities.
• Explain basic requirements for operating a composting facility.

Lesson 6: Environmental Concerns and Control

• Describe primary causes of odor and their controls.
• Identify areas of concern for water quality and their controls.
• Identify areas of concern for air quality and their controls.
• Identify causes and controls for noise pollution.
• Identify causes and controls for vectors and pests.

Lesson 7: Compost Regulations

• Understand why no federal standards govern compost unless biosolids are used.
• Understand that environmental laws may govern certain aspects of composting.
• Understand that many states have developed compost/composting standards through their solid waste agency.

Lesson 8: State Programs

• Determine and describe the two types of composting facilities.
• Determine and explain regulations and operation requirements for all composting facilities.

Notes

Participants will have 12 months to complete this self-paced online course.

All necessary materials included.

Internet Connectivity Requirements:

• Cable and DSL internet connections recommended.

Hardware Requirements:

• Minimum Pentium 400 Mhz CPU or G3 Macintosh. 1 GHz or greater CPU recommended.
• 256MB RAM minimum. 1 GB RAM recommended.
• 800x600 video resolution minimum. 1025x768 recommended.
• Speakers/Headphones to listen to Dialogue streaming audio sessions.
• A microphone to speak in Dialogue streaming audio sessions.

Operating System Requirements:

• Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 9, 10
• Mac OSX 10 or higher.
• OpenSUSE Linux 9.2 or higher.

Web Browser Requirements:

• Google Chrome is recommended.
• Firefox 13.x or greater.
• Internet Explorer 6.x or greater.
• Safari 3.2.2 or greater.

Software Requirements:

• Adobe Flash Player 6 or greater.
• Oracle Java 7 or greater.
• Adobe Reader 7 or greater.

Web Browser Settings:

• Accept cookies
• Disable pop-up blocker.