Compost Operations Training Course - Merced, CA 2026

06/01/2026 08:00 AM - 06/05/2026 05:00 PM PT

Location

University of CA, Merced - Social Sciences & Management Building (SSM)
Ansel Adams Road
Merced, CA 95340
United States of America

Summary

Jumpstart or expand your career in the composting industry by taking part in one of the world's most renowned professional training courses. With over 60 trainings historically conducted across the United States, the Compost Operations Training Course (COTC) and its graduates have an outstanding reputation, and many students proclaim it "the best course I've ever taken."

Description

ABOUT THE COTC

This 5-day course, offered by the Compost Research & Education Foundation (CREF), gives you a comprehensive understanding of how successful compost facilities operate, whether you’re new to composting or already established in the industry.

In addition to in-depth lectures by nationally-recognized instructors, you'll gain practical experience through hands-on activities, including a team pile build and monitoring, as well as tours to local facilities, where the theories meet reality. From compost operators to environmental and agricultural consultants to local and state regulators, the COTC is for anyone who wants quality instruction from leading composting professionals on the art and science of commercial-scale compost production and marketing.

For more information on the training, you can explore Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the COTC here, or contact Kelsea Jacobsen with any questions.

The COTC fulfills the training requirements to become a Certified Compost Operations Manager (CCOM)™ or Certified Composting Professional (CCP)™ through the US Composting Council. Learn more about certifications here.

Note: Additional eligibility requirements apply.

PRICING

Registrant Type	USCC Members	Non-Members
Small Business/ Organization/ Small Municipality	$1,450	$1,610
Large Business/ Organization/ State or Large Municipality*	$1,620	$1,760

* Large businesses/organizations/municipalities may generally be considered those with more than $1 million in annual revenue, or which serve more than 1 million constituents.

Registration by Early Bird date (April 20): $100 off any pricing!

CURRICULUM

Day 1 (7:30 AM - 5 PM): Composting process, feedstocks, recipe development, compost systems, hands-on compost pile build

Day 2 (8 AM - 5 PM): Site design, equipment, environmental protection (odors & stormwater), regulations, monitoring

Day 3 (8 AM - 5 PM): Composting facility tours

Day 4 (8 AM - 5 PM): Compost testing, product quality, compost applications, marketing. Optional happy hour networking event after class.

Day 5 (8 AM - 12 PM): Facility management, troubleshooting, analyzing compost piles, professional development opportunities

You can further explore the curriculum in our Session Summaries.

LODGING ACCOMMODATIONS

El Capitan Hotel

609 W Main Street
Merced, CA 95340

Email Kelsea (education@compostfoundation.org) by April 30th at 2 pm PT to book the group rate of $119/night (plus taxes and fees).

Courtyard by Marriott Merced

750 Motel Drive
Merced, CA 95340

Click here to book the group rate of $119/night (plus taxes and fees). There is no deadline to book at this rate.

POLICIES

The following forms are essential reading before signing up for the COTC. By registering for the course, you agree to the following:

Thank you to our program sponsors

Platinum Level Sponsor

Silver Level Sponsors

Thank you to our local sponsors

Sponsorship opportunities, including equipment demonstrations, are available for this course! To become a California COTC local sponsor, contact Katya Forsyth: katya@healthysoil.org