Compost Operations Training Course - Raleigh, NC 2026

08/31/2026 08:00 AM - 09/04/2026 05:00 PM ET

Location

Booth Labs at North Carolina State University
4000 Chi Rd.
Raleigh, NC 27603
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) and North Carolina Composting Council (NCCC), 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 facility staff to environmental and agricultural consultants to local and state regulators, the COTC is for anyone who wants quality instruction from leading 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	$1,475	$1,635
Large Business/ Organization/ State or Large Municipality*	$1,645	$1,785

* 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 (July 20): $100 off any pricing!

Course fees include meals, an instruction manual, plus access to complete presentations and supplemental resources.

If course fees are a barrier to participation, multiple scholarships are available covering half of the registration fee:

Applications for the Cary Oshins Scholarship are due July 20. Click here to learn more and apply.
Applications for the NC Composting Council's scholarship are due August 1. Click here to learn more and apply.

CURRICULUM

Day 1: Composting process, feedstocks, recipe development, compost systems

Day 2: Site design, equipment, environmental protection (odors & stormwater), regulations, food waste collection & management, business planning

Day 3: Tour 3 composting facilities and the NC Department of Agriculture’s Soil Testing & Waste Analysis Labs

Day 4: Compost testing, product quality, compost applications, marketing

Day 5: Facility management, troubleshooting, analyzing compost piles, tour of NC State composting facility, DNA sequencing

You can further explore the curriculum in our Session Summaries.

LODGING ACCOMMODATIONS

Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites at NC State S.W.

3741 Thistledown Drive Raleigh, NC 27606

Book by August 10 for the group rate of $105 per night (1 King or 2 Queen) plus 13.25% tax

To make reservations, book online here

Call 919-854-0001 ext. 1 (reservations) or 1-800-HOLIDAY and mention group code: NC Composting Council

Reservations can be changed or canceled without penalty until 6:00 pm ET on Saturday, 8/29

Wingate Inn (Raleigh South)

1542 Mechanical Blvd., Garner, NC 27529

Book by August 18 for the group rate of $135 night plus tax.

To make reservations, call (919) 779-4113 and mention the group name "NC COMPOST COUNCIL" to receive the discounted rate.

* Renovations expected to be registered by August 24, 2026. No guarantee after this date.

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 local partners

About the NCCC

The NCCC is a volunteer-run organization dedicated to the development, expansion, and promotion of the North Carolina composting industry based upon sound science, principles of sustainability, and economic viability. Learn more and get involved here.

Thank you to our program sponsors

Platinum Level Sponsor

Silver Level Sponsors

Thank you to our local sponsors

To become a local sponsor for this training, contact Kat Polk: Kat@CarolinaCompost.com