CREF Highlights Key Programs at COMPOST2026

COMPOST2026 brought together compost industry leaders, researchers, manufacturers, and advocates from across the country for one of the most anticipated events of the year. Hosted by the U.S. Composting Council (USCC), the conference serves as the premier gathering for advancing compost manufacturing, organics recycling, and sustainable materials management through research, education, collaboration, and innovation.

CREF was proud to connect with so many members of the compost community throughout the event. During the conference, we unveiled our newly selected research initiative, Compost-Based Water Conservation Solutions, and were energized by the strong interest and early donations that will help move this important work forward. We also hosted a well-attended laboratory forum to discuss updates to the Test Methods for the Examination of Composting and Compost (TMECC), bringing together experts committed to strengthening industry standards.

Our University Scholarship program was represented at the conference, with both scholarship recipients presenting their research as part of their award experience. Kefang Nie of the University of California, Davis, is studying microbial contamination in composting systems to support safer distribution practices, while Swikar Karki of the University of Maine is researching compost and biochar to improve soil health, crop productivity, and drought resilience for sustainable wild blueberry cultivation. In case you missed them, you can view the presentations on USCC’s Compost U.

We also celebrated the latest International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW) art contest winners. Congratulations to poster winner Endurance Oye and bookmark winner Victoria Osadchuk, whose designs will help inspire compost awareness in communities everywhere.

A special moment during the conference was the recognition of several outstanding partners and contributors who continue to strengthen compost education, research, and industry progress. CREF would like to congratulate the following awardees:

• Engineered Compost Systems — Generous supporter of composting education through sponsorship, instruction, and guidance
• Amy Freeman — Our volunteer ICAW Chair advancing composting education and public awareness and a lifelong compost advocate
• Dr. Craig Kolodge — Outstanding contributor to compost research and education through support of CREF programs
• Emily McGill — Program Director for innovative research through the Compostable Field Testing Program

Dedicated contributors to the Test Methods for the Examination of Composting and Compost (TMECC): 
Dr. Robert Miller
Wayne Thompson
Frank Shields
Dr. John Spargo
Robert Munter
Dr. Monica Ozores-Hampton
Dr. Thomas Halbach
Dr. Patricia Millner
Dr. William Brinton
Dr. Tera Lewandowski
Charles Duprey
David Benke

To everyone who stopped by, shared ideas, supported our mission, and helped us celebrate the progress of composting, thank you.

We are grateful for the momentum created at COMPOST2026 and look forward to building on it in the year ahead. We can’t wait to see you again next year in Jacksonville.