Organic Materials Management

An aerated static pile (ASP) being constructed using a tractor

Welcome to the Organic Materials Management Blog! This is a place for sharing science and policy information on finding valuable uses for organic wastes in California. This site will include news on events, research findings and the development of innovative practices. Please feel free to comment with your experiences, insights, and any other sources of information you may have.

Compost Caravan South Coast REC facility wagon tour. Photo Credit: Art Zippel, art@artzippel.com

Following the Journey of Organic Materials

June 30, 2026

By Natalie J Levy

The Compost Caravan event on June 4th in Orange County featured three educational tour stops. Participants began at the James A. Musick Facility, where they observed a compost blowing demonstration showcasing how compost can be applied to hard-to-reach landscapes to improve soil health and support water-wise…

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Mr. Aguilar using the tractor to build the ASP compost pile

San Mateo Resource Conservation District honors Augustin Aguilar with Nature Champion Award for compost system work at UCCE Elkus Ranch

December 14, 2025

By Michael Cohen

From the soil up, conservation projects rely on the people whose experience and knowledge of what works turn an idea into practice. The San Mateo Resource Conservation District (RCD) created the Nature Champion Award to recognize such individuals. On December 12th, the RCD presented…

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buckets with dehydrated food waste powder

Evaluating a role for dehydrated food scraps as soil amendments in achieving organic waste diversion goals

July 8, 2025

By Michael Cohen

California Senate Bill 1383 (SB 1383) mandates a 75% reduction in organic waste disposal (compared to 2014 levels) to reduce methane emissions from landfills. This ambitious law requires residents, businesses, and local governments to divert organic waste—including food scraps, yard trimmings, and soiled…

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Farmer placing agricultural cuttings on a pile with chickens watching

Chicken-Powered Composting: Nature's Efficient Recyclers at Work

April 1, 2025

By Michael Cohen

Would you like some help with composting but are short on labor? Let your chickens do the work! At Garden to Table Silicon Valley Community Farm in San Jose they create a mound, or “Chicken Mountain”, of agricultural scraps and sprouted seeds for the flock, where the chickens eagerly peck and…

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ASP piles at Martial Cottle Park Composting Demonstration Site with large oak in background

Aerated static pile composting now underway at the Martial Cottle Park compost demonstration site in San Jose

February 4, 2025

By Michael Cohen

If you like the idea of composting but aren't so keen on the labor needed to regularly turn a compost pile, aerobic static pile (ASP) composting may be for you.

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