Compost Operations Training Course - Denver, CO 2026

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 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, utilization, 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

* 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 (September 7): $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, the Cary Oshins Scholarship is available covering half of the registration fee. Click here to learn more and apply by September 14.

If you live, work, or attend school in the City of Denver, you may be eligible for a rebate of the full registration fee. Learn more and apply here. Please note, rebates can only be issued to individuals, not employers

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

POLICIES

• COTC Liability Waiver & Photo Release
• COTC Registration Cancellation and Transfer Policy
• COTC Cancellation or Postponement Policy

Thank you to our local partners

The Colorado Composting Council (COCC) envisions healthier soils, resilient communities, and circular economies through Colorado composting and welcomes everyone to take part in this movement. Join the COCC and make Colorado a leader in organics sustainability. Together, we can protect what makes Colorado thrive: our air, land, water, and community. Learn more 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: cocc@recyclecolorado.org