Top: Photo by Doug Pinkerton
In the June 25 edition of BioCycle CONNECT, we reported on the results of the US Composting Council’s (USCC) Compost Throughput and Environmental Impact Survey conducted between December 2024 and May 2025 that collected 2023 data. A total of 730 USCC members received the survey and 142 responded, yielding a 20% return rate that represents more than 263 composting facilities across 40 states. Recently, the USCC shared additional findings:
- Yard trimmings comprised slightly over 3 million tons out of the 14.4 million tons of feedstocks inbound to the 263 facilities. Biosolids were 1.5 million tons, food waste was about 644,000 tons, commingled yard trimmings and food waste were about 484,000 tons, and compostable foodservice ware and packaging were about 13,400 tons.
- Top end markets for compost were commercial horticulture (landscapers, nurseries and topsoil blenders) and agriculture, at 2.6 million tons and 2.3 million tons, respectively. Bulk and bagged retail sales were about 646,000 tons.
- Total value of nutrients (N-P-K) in the 6,616,357 tons of compost manufactured in 2023 were as follows: Nitrogen, $76.8 million; phosphorus, $73.3 million; and potassium, $39.6 million.
