Rooted in Research. Growing through Education.
Advancing composting through research, education, and public outreach to build a more sustainable and resilient future.
Fostering scientific research opportunities. CREF's reputation for credibility and scientific rigor has led to the development of sound composting principles, processes, product end uses and analytical standards.
Enhancing the stature and practice of the composting industry by offering professional development opportunities and disseminating best practices throughout the industry.
Increasing public awareness and education by supporting outreach, updating compost resources, and leading campaigns that highlight composting’s role in sustainability.
We’re modernizing compost testing with a major update to the Test Methods for the Examination of Composting and Compost, the foundational resource for verifying compost quality and safety.
Each year, CREF offers its University Scholarship to support students engaged in compost research while fostering future careers in the composting industry. On September 9, we’re excited to highlight the research of our 2024 awardee, Kefang Nie, at a FREE webinar.
As we look forward to the autumn deluge of fallen leaves and pumpkins, now is the perfect time for you or your team to expand your composting expertise through the Compost Operations Training Course (COTC).
The Compostable Field Testing Program’s dataset — spanning 2,000+ mesh bag samples and 33,000+ dose trials — reveals clear disintegration trends across variations in temperature, moisture, duration, and processing technology.
Five years ago, conversations about compostable packaging were defined by the promise of material innovation. If food-contact packaging was designed to break down in industrial compost systems, then both the packaging and the food scraps it carries could be recovered together, enabling composters to divert more organics from landfill while supporting a more circular economy.
Raven Lester, a Ph.D. student in Plant and Soil Science at the University of Vermont, is researching the legacy effects of one-time compost amendments and the role of nematodes in carbon and nutrient cycling in California rangeland soils.
Donate today to help grow the future of composting through research, education, and innovation.
Make a lasting impact, pledge today to support year-round compost research and education.
Become a program sponsor and showcase your commitment to advancing composting through impactful education, training, and outreach. Contact us at info@compostfoundation.org
