Olmsted County compost program accepted into U.S. Composting Council’s Standard for Testing Assurance Program

The Olmsted County Environmental Resources department is pleased to announce that the county’s compost program has been formally accepted into the U.S. Composting Council’s (USCC) Standard for Testing Assurance (STA) program. This designation reflects Olmsted County’s commitment to producing a high-quality compost product through rigorous testing, monitoring, and quality control practices. 

Participation in the STA program means the county’s compost will undergo regular laboratory testing to verify nutrient content, stability, maturity, and compliance with applicable safety standards. These results will be transparently reported and used to guide operational decisions, ensuring a consistent and reliable product for residents, landscapers, farmers, and other end users. Enhanced monitoring and documentation also strengthen confidence that the compost meets nationally recognized performance and quality benchmarks. 
 
Over the coming year, Olmsted County will be implementing a series of improvements to further enhance the compost operation and finished product. Planned upgrades include additional screening of compost to improve texture and consistency, site improvements to enhance material handling and processing efficiency, and operational refinements aimed at delivering a higher-quality compost for beneficial use across the community. 

Environmental Resources is also actively working to expand food waste collection opportunities throughout Olmsted County. Diverting food waste from disposal supports waste reduction goals and provides a critical feedstock for producing high-quality compost that can be returned to local soils. Reducing the amount of food waste sent to Olmsted County’s Waste-to-Energy Facility also improves fuel quality for energy recovery operations, while ensuring food scraps are instead transformed into a reusable, locally beneficial compost product. 

“These advancements reflect our commitment to continuous improvement and environmental stewardship,” said Environmental Resources Director Cathy Hall. “Achieving STA participation and investing in our compost operation helps ensure residents receive a dependable, high-quality product while expanding sustainable waste management options countywide.” 

For more information about Olmsted County’s compost program or food waste collection opportunities, visit the county’s website, or contact the Environmental Resources team at reducewaste@olmstedcounty.gov.