Lincoln, NE - Compost Operations Training Course 2025
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Lincoln, NE - Compost Operations Training Course 2025

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 50 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."

 Export to Your Calendar 6/2/2025 to 6/6/2025
When: Monday - Friday, June 2 - 6, 2025
8 AM - 5 PM Mon. - Thur., 8 AM - 12 PM Fri.
Where: University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Animal Science Complex - Lecture Room B101
Lincoln, Nebraska  68588
United States
Contact: Kelsea Jacobsen
education@compostfoundation.org
(833) 812-2733 ext. 0


Online registration is available until: 5/30/2025
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***Please note: Dates for this training were previously listed as May 19 - 24. It has been rescheduled to June 2 - 6.***


About the COTC
This 5-day course, offered by the Compost Research & Education Foundation (CREF), gives you the knowledge you need to run a successful composting facility, whether you’re just getting started or have been composting for a while. 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 operators to environmental and agricultural consultants to local and state regulators, the COTC is for anyone who wants quality instruction from leading composting professionals and educators on the art and science of commercial-scale compost production and marketing. You can explore Frequently Asked Questions about the COTC here.

About CREF

CREF supports initiatives that enhance the stature and practices of the composting industry by supporting scientific research, increasing awareness, and educating practitioners and the public to advance environmentally and economically sustainable organics recycling. We increase awareness and educate the public through targeted outreach activities; foster scientific research opportunities; and advance the stature and practice of the composting industry by offering professional development opportunities and disseminating best practices.

 

Registrant Type USCC Members Non-Members 
 Small Business/ Organization/ Small Municipality 
  $1,450  $1,610
 Large Business/ Organization/ State or Large Municipality*  $1,620  $1,760

* 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 (April 21): $100 off any pricing!

If the cost of attending this course poses a financial hardship, the Cary Oshins Training Scholarship may offer assistance. Learn more and apply here. Scholarships for the Lincoln COTC have been generously sponsored by Sustainable Generation.

Fees include a Monday continental breakfast and lunch Monday - Thursday. Coffee and snacks will also be available daily. You are encouraged to bring your own mug and utensils to reduce waste.

CURRICULUM

Day 1 (7:30 AM - 5 PM): Composting process, feedstocks, recipe development, compost systems

Day 2 (8 AM - 5 PM): Site design, equipment, environmental protection (odors & stormwater), regulations

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

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS

Coming early spring 2024

  

REFUND, TRANSFER, & COVID-19 POLICIES

The following forms are essential reading before signing up for the COTC. By registering for the course, you agree to the following:

For more information on the training, you can explore Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the COTC here, or contact Kelsea Jacobsen if your question isn't addressed on the FAQ page.

Thank you to our local partners

  

Thank you to our Program Sponsors

Click here to become a national COTC sponsor or support an individual training near you.
     

Thank you to our Local Sponsors

Sponsorship opportunities, including equipment demonstrations, are available for this course! To learn how you can become a COTC local sponsor, contact Kelsea Jacobsen: education@compostfoundation.org or (833) 812-2733 ext. 0.

Thank you to our In-Kind Sponsors

  

Transportation for our training is sponsored in part through CharterUP. They offer private group transportation nationally, including hotspots such as San JoseChicago, and Houston.

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