New composting council to champion compost production/organics recycling in Tennessee

USCC members from the State of Tennessee have affiliated with the US Composting Council as an official state chapter to promote the compost manufacturing industry under the umbrella of the USCC, it was announced on Aug. 12.
The Tennessee Composting Council (TNCC) has been organized by a group of USCC members working in both the private and public sector covering a wide variety of composting related fields. These members are working towards a more robust organics and food waste recycling industry in the state.
“Our goal is to advance compost manufacturing, compost utilization, and organics recycling to benefit our members, society, and the environment of the Volunteer State,” said Laura Howard, President of the TNCC.
The group, which is seeking Tennessee members, will launch with an Organics track at the upcoming Tennessee Recycling Coalition annual conference Aug. 25-27 in Gatlinburg. These sessions will discuss state regulations, starting a facility, compostable products, waste diverting as a business and some of the equipment used to manufacture compost. Meanwhile, members of the TNCC will be available at their booth to promote the importance of the compost manufacturing industry for local waste management programs, jobs and business development, as well as the benefits of using compost in commercial and residential landscaping, and for storm water management, erosion control and green infrastructure.
“The USCC — and the compost industry — is most effective in states where a local and organized industry group is at the table,” said Frank Franciosi, executive director of the USCC. “Our chapters are important because their leadership is directly in touch with the members we work to serve.”
The Tennessee Composting Council becomes one of 13 regional chapters of the USCC. The industry is expanding due to increased efforts at removing food scraps from disposal along with traditional yard trimmings. The demand side of the industry is expanding with the growing recognition of the beneficial uses of compost.
California, Minnesota, Colorado, Virginia, North Carolina, Iowa, Michigan, Ohio, Nebraska and New Jersey all have USCC Chapters, and Committees have been founded in Illinois and the Maryland-DC region.
For information about the Tennessee chapter, contact TNCC President Laura Howard at laura@tncompostingcouncil.org or to start a chapter, contact USCC Membership Manager Linda Norris-Waldt at lnorriswaldt@compostingcouncil.org.