Resource Library
Guides, tools, and training resources supporting community compost planning, education, and infrastructure development.
Browse by Topic
Compost System Planning
Guides and tools for planning, sizing, and designing effective community compost systems.
Compost Building Guides
Construction guides and technical resources for building compost infrastructure and equipment.
Compost Education & Certification
Training programs and certification resources to support compost operators and educators.
Compost Funding & Grants
Funding opportunities and grant programs supporting community compost infrastructure and development.
Compost System Planning
People, Food & Land Foundation · Calla Rose Ostrander
A comprehensive guide outlining key considerations for planning and developing community compost systems. Includes a practical planning checklist to support site selection, capacity planning, and implementation steps.
People, Food & Land Foundation · Stephanie Cain
An interactive tool for estimating feedstock availability and composting capacity needs across California communities.
UCANR
This guide provides worksheets and information to determine moisture content, bulk density, and free air space. While this was designed primarily for on-farm agricultural and manure composting, the general info and tools apply to most feedstocks.
UCANR
Guidance on evaluating compost quality, maturity, and suitability for agricultural use.
Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR)
Recorded webinar covering best practices for launching and managing successful community composting programs.
Truckee Meadows Community College
The TMCC Compost Wizard helps estimate the carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratio of a compost mix based on selected materials and volumes.
UCANR
Elementos basicos del compostaje y beneficios del compostaje
UCANR · Pamela Geisel, Donna Seaver
Composting basics and beneficial uses of compost
UCANR · Margaret Lloyd, Daniel Geisseler, Patricia Lazicki, Joji Murramoto, Richard Smith
An interactive guide to understanding seasonal and crop specific organic nitrogen budgets
UCANR · Margaret Lloyd, Daniel Geisseler, Patricia Lazicki, Joji Murramoto, Richard Smith
Associated calculator to understand nitrogen budgets
Wanu Organics
Free resources to help composting professionals plan facilities, estimate throughput, manage materials, and navigate regulations
Sustainable Economies Law Center · Institute for Local Self-Reliance
Making compost law and policy more accessible to everyday people
Compost Building Guides
Three-Bin ASP Compost System
CACC · Timothy England
A construction guide for building a three-bin aerated static pile compost system.
In development · Not yet published
Wheelbarrow Mounted Screener
CACC · Timothy England
Design plans for a manual screener to process finished compost.
In development · Not yet published
Community Compost Kiosk
CACC · Timothy England
Design concepts and build guidance for a community compost collection kiosk.
In development · Not yet published
Compost Education & Certification
Compost Academy
Compost Academy Training courses focused on compost science, operations, and site management. Courses include a live mentorship program, a self-paced program, a microscopy course, and a free intro course.
131 School
Educational programming centered on sustainable agriculture and compost practices. Courses include Soilwise Microbial Assessment, Compost Operator Certificate, Aerated Static Pile Composting, and an Operator Discussion Series
USCC · Compost Foundation
Professional certification program for compost facility operators.
Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR)
An online certificate course supporting the development of community-scale composting programs.
Compost Funding & Grants
Deadline: April 14, 2026
First Nations
Multiple grants awarded in the amount of $10,000 to $40,000 each to Native-led and Native-serving organizations working to ensure consistent access and availability to an abundance of culturally relevant foods that meet the needs and preferences of Native communities
Deadline: April 15, 2026
California Natural Resources Agency
$9 million is available for tribal multi-benefit nature-based solutions projects
Deadline: April 27, 2026
First Nations
Through the California Tribal Fund, First Nations is awarding eight grants of $50,000 to $75,000 to California Native-led nonprofits to advance land and water stewardship.
Deadline: April 28, 2026
Newman’s Own Foundation, Humanitix, the Henry P. Kendall Foundation, and the Hunger to Health Collaboratory
The Prize will award up to $100K each, over two years, to as many as 14 US nonprofits, Tribes, schools, and school districts in the United States that support kids learning about healthy food, eating nutritious school meals, and engaging with Indigenous foods.
Deadline: May 11, 2026
Whitebark Institute
Communities in Inyo and Mono counties face critical needs to reduce wildfire risks and thereby protect or restore natural habitats. To support these efforts, Whitebark Institute, with funding from Edison International, is offering a small grant program to support fire prevention and response projects that empower community-driven stewardship and enhance wildfire resilience.
Deadline: May 15, 2026
California Department of Food & Agriculture
Healthy Soils Program is currently accepting Concept Proposals for Block Grant projects, with a Tribal set-aside of $4 million.
Deadline: May 15, 2026
California Department of Food & Agriculture
Proposals are being accepted for the State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Programs (SWEEP) Block Grant. This proposal is for eligible organizations who wish to administer a community project, provide technical assistance to local farmers and ranchers within their service area, and support the implementation of on-farm SWEEP projects with financial assistance.