The Composting Handbook

The Composting Handbook provides a single-volume guide to the science, principles and best practices of composting and compost for large-scale composting operations facing the variety of challenges of converting raw organic materials into a useful and marketable product.

Composting is a well-established and increasingly important method to recycle and add value to organic by-products. Many, if not most, of the materials that composting treats are waste materials that would otherwise place a burden on communities, industries, farms and the environment. Composting converts these materials into compost, a product that is appreciated for its ability to improve soils for plant growth and for environmental conservation.

Expanding on previously available resources The Composting Handbook incorporates new information, new subjects and new practices, drawing its content from scientific principles, research, engineering and industry experience. In both depth and breadth, it covers the knowledge that a compost producer needs in order to succeed. Topics include the composting process, methods of composting, equipment, site requirements, environmental issues and impacts, business knowledge, safety, and the qualities, uses and markets for the compost products. It includes valuable tables, photographs, diagrams and sidebars.

The Composting Handbook is an invaluable reference for composting facility managers and operators, prospective managers and operators, regulators, policy makers, environmental advocates, waste generators and managers and generally people interested in composting as a business or a solution. It is also appropriate as a textbook for college courses and a supplemental text for training courses about composting or organic waste management.