Organics Resources

Composting & Organics Resources

• Innovative Uses 
• Reports 
• Links 
• Publications 
• Pennsylvania DEP's Webpage on Composting, includes information about, Backyard Composting, Municipality Composting, On Farm Composting, and Uses for Compost.  

Yard waste Composting Guidelines & Application
View the Yard waste Composting Guidelines and Application.

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)
Mulching: Section 805
View Section 805 - Mulching, which includes information about:

• Wood Fiber as mulch-Section 805.2(a)1c
• Wood Fiber as mulch binder-Section 805.2(a)1c
• Shredded bark as mulch-Section 805.2(a)2c
• Biosolids (composted sewage sludge) as mulch-Section 805.2(a)2f
• Wood Chips as mulch-Section 805.2(a)2g
• Spent Mushroom Soil Compost as mulch-Section 805.2(a)2h
• Recycled Cellulose Fiber as mulch binder-Section 805.2(b)1
• Recycled Cellulose Fiber /Wood Mixture as mulch binder-Section 805.2(b)5
• Wood Fiber as bonded fiber matrix-Section 805.2(g)1a and 2a

Other Resources From PennDOT, PA DEP, Penn State Department of Agriculture

• Water Course And Slope Erosion Protection: Section 806
• Beneficial Uses of Biosolids - PA DEP Biosolids Program
• Compost Filter Sock-Section 866
• Compost Blanket and Compost Filter Berm-Section 867
• DEP's webpage on Stormwater Management
• Composting Facility Permitting Requirements
• PSU Odor Management in Ag and Food Processing brochure
• Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Compost Directory

Leaf & Yard Waste Collection

• PA DEP's webpage on Leaf and Yard Waste

• Bioremediation and Pollution Prevention - A new compost technology, known as compost bioremediation, is currently being used to restore contaminated soils, manage stormwater, control odors, and degrade volatile organic compounds. 
• Disease Control For Plants and Animals - Compost technology is already being used to increase yields by farmers interested in sustainable agriculture. Now, these farmers are discovering that compost-enriched soil can also help suppress diseases and ward off pests. This beneficial use of compost can help farmers save money, reduce their use of pesticides, and conserve natural resources. In the poultry industry, composting has also become a cost-effective method of mortality management. It destroys disease organisms and creates a nutrient-rich product that can be used or sold.
• Erosion Control, Turf Remediation, and Landscaping - Compost-enriched soil can reduce erosion and nutrient run-off, alleviate soil compaction, and help control disease and pest infestation in plants. Compost can increase healthy plant production, help save money, and reduce the use of chemical fertilizers.
• Composting of Soils Contaminated By Explosives - Soil at more than 30 munitions sites across the United States is contaminated with explosives. The U.S. military has discovered that composting can effectively be used to remediate this soil.
• Reforestation, Wetlands Restoration, and Habitat Revitalization - Original wetland plants can be restored with the use of compost during planting. Compost provides tree seedlings added rigor for survival and growth.

Reports & Guidance Documents

• Clopyralid in Compost - Several reports and studies can be found on our resource page on herbicides in compost.
• Residues of Picloram, Clopyralid or Aminopyralid Herbicide
• Compost as an Erosion and Sediment Control - DEP has published a guidance document to assure proper use of compost as an erosion and sedimentation control.
• Standard Conditions of General Permit WMGM045

Links

• The US Composting Council - The USCC is a trade and professional organization promoting composting is involved in research, public education, composting and compost standards, and the expansion of compost markets.   
• Cornell University - Cornell University is perhaps the nation's foremost academic authority on composting education and related resources.
• Backyard Magic: The Composting Handbook (excellent and colorful reference)
• Soil Mender Products - Soil Mender Products is a family-owned company with over fifteen years of experience in the composting business. Our goal is to form a relationship with our customers and offer them a consistent, high-quality line of soil conditioning products. Soil Mender Products manufactures three soil amendment product lines - Back to Earth, Soil Mender, and Yum Yum Mix, each unique in its own way.
• How to Compost - This site is intended to serve as a hub of information for anyone interested in the various aspects of composting.

Publications

• Biocycle - This professional journal focuses on organics collection, a wide variety of composting operations, and related recycling subjects.
• Compost Science & Utilization - This quarterly peer-reviewed journal focuses on management to improve compost process control and product quality.
• The Rodale Institute® is devoted to innovative agriculture research, outreach and training through The New Farm® regenerative agriculture programs.
• Resource Recycling - Though much of this magazine looks at the recycling of containers, fibers, and special recyclables, they also examine composting-related subjects.