Compost Professionals Training
The Compost Professionals Training, modeled after WORC’s successful Compost Facility Operator Training (CFOT) will be a 3-day event designed for professionals interested in advancing their knowledge of compost science, technology, economics, regulations, and markets. We encourage those employed with local health jurisdictions, air agencies, public works departments, state agencies, conservation districts, compost facilities, and technical service providers to consider attending. This training will feature presentations from subject matter experts, facilitated group discussions, workshops, and compost facility tours.
Monday, March 16th
Foundations of Compost Science & Operations
Compost Biology & Chemistry
Doug Collins, PhD – Washington State University
Feedstock Sourcing, Pre-Processing, and Managing Contamination
Pierce Louis – Dirt Hugger
Compost Processing and Monitoring Technology
Orion Black-Brown & Jeff Gage – Green Mountain Technology
Compost Facility Water Management
Baraka Poulin – Engineered Compost Systems
Compost Odor Science, Air Emissions, and Emerging Research
Tom Jobson, PhD – Washington State University
Tim O’Neill – Engineered Compost Systems
Tuesday, March 17
Regulations & Operator Perspectives
Understanding Compost Benefits, Soil Science, and End Users
Dr. Sally Brown – University of Washington
Kate Kurtz – Seattle Public Utilities
Understanding Compost Regulations (WAC) and Jurisdictional Responsibilities
Dawn Marie Maurer – Washington State Department of Ecology
Cody Ennis – Washington State Department of Ecology
Understanding OML 1, 2, 3 & Ecology’s Compost Market Assessment
Cullen Naumoff – Washington State Department of Ecology
Compost Operators Panel with Facilitated Group Discussion
Wednesday, March 18
Emerging Issues & Applied Learning
Feedstock Futures: Compostable Packaging & Offal Management
Rachel Weime – Washington State University
Sarah Lemon – Washington State Department of Agriculture
Liv Johansson – Compostable Field Testing Program
Offsite Facility Tour with JHD Walkthrough
2026 Session: March 16-18, 2026
Location: WSU Puyallup - 2602 W Pioneer Ave, Puyallup, WA 98371
$750 plus tax per attendee for WORC members | $900 plus tax for non-members
Registration fee includes breakfast and lunch each day, transportation for the tours, and all required supplies.
Who Should Attend?
Compost Professionals interested in learning more about:
Compost production and contamination management strategies
Air quality regulations and compost emissions research
Solid waste regulations and the impacts of recent legislation
The current state and future outlook of WA compost markets
Soil science and compost utilization strategies
Compost pile biology
Processing feedstocks like offal, compostable packaging, and depackaged food waste
Individuals or organizations valuing diverse perspectives and collaboration with other compost industry professionals and subject matter experts.
Please note: the CPT does not fulfill the same training requirements as CFOT for compost facility operators.