On October 10th, RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts hosted the 2024 Compost Site Operators Practical Skills Workshop at Black Earth’s Compost site in Groton. This no-cost workshop, conducted in collaboration with James McSweeney of Compost Technical Services and The 131° School of Composting, focused on aerated static pile (ASP) composting of food scraps and other organic materials.   

Prior to the workshop, James McSweeney (pictured below), in collaboration with RecyclingWorks MA, taught a virtual lesson on aerated static pile (ASP) composting, which is the composting method utilized by Black Earth at their Groton site.  All attendees were able to learn about ASP composting systems virtually before attending the event in-person. 

We were grateful to host compost operators of all sizes and scales from around the state, as well as representatives from Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, and Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources. The day consisted of a site tour of Black Earth’s compost facility then participants engaged in a hands-on exercise designed by James McSweeney. Andrew Brosseau, the compost operations manager of Black Earth Compost Groton, led the site tour and demonstrated their aerated static pile (ASP) methods of composting food scraps that can be replicated by composters in Massachusetts.  

Black Earth Compost provides comprehensive food waste collection services, catering to a diverse range of clients including universities, supermarkets, small offices, and residential customers. With compost sites in Groton, Framingham, and Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA, they produce premium, nutrient-rich compost. Collaborating closely with municipalities, Black Earth Compost designs and implements custom residential programs tailored to city-wide curbside collection, transfer station operations, schools, and community garden projects.    

Did you know that RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts offers no-cost Compost Site Technical Assistance to support food waste composting infrastructure in Massachusetts? RecyclingWorks can assist composting facilities in Massachusetts that are:  

• An agricultural, municipal or private facility that currently engages in composting materials including food materials and would like to implement operational improvements or expand the operation.  

• An agricultural, municipal or private facility that currently does not engage in any composting but would like to begin composting, including accepting food materials. 

• An agricultural, municipal or private facility that currently engages in leaf and yard waste composting and would like to begin composting food materials. 

• A business or institution that would like to begin composting food waste on-site. 

Note: Sites need to be permitted through MassDEP or MDAR or in the process of obtaining a permit in order to receive RecyclingWorks assistance. On-site assistance is not suited for small-scale or home composting. Please see the Additional Resources section below and contact RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts with any questions: 888-254-5525 or info@recyclingworksma.com