CAV seeks to foster a cooperative atmosphere on composting issues. Our projects and activities on emerging trends, issues, science, and technology are available to: generators of compostable materials; compost producers, marketers and consumers; educators and researchers; legislative groups; regulatory agencies; and environmental advocates. Current or past partnerships and work relationships include projects and activities with: University of Vermont’s Agricultural Extension and Plant and Soil Science Department, the Lake Champlain Basin Program, the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program and direct technical assistance to farmers and schools. Through these relationships and others, such as with watershed organizations, solid waste districts, and gardening and professional associations, we continue to expand the composting network and knowledge base in Vermont.

What are Some of the Challenges CAV is Working on?

Promoting Education. Heightened awareness leads to greater production and use of compost. We educate about the benefits of composting and compost use for soil and plant health, water quality and environmental protection.

Supporting Vermont-made Compost. The initial market for compost is very localized. Demand varies and follows consumer trends and understanding of the benefits from using compost. High price markets require capitol or labor intensive bagging. Low price markets involve selling in bulk. CAV works to promote Vermont-made compost as a high quality product.

Assessing Feedstock Availability. Compost ingredients are a tough market unto themselves. Assessing potential sources, such as liquid residuals from food processors, is essential to expand a composting operation. Increased cooperation - and where feasible, a buyers cooperative – can help lower production costs.

Advancing New Standards and Legislation. Barriers exist in the composting industry due to limited understanding of compost science and practice. CAV strives to promote composting to legislators, and advocates for rule changes that will effectively reduce barriers while protecting the environment and public health.

Increasing Generator and Hauler Participation. Incentives need to be increased for generators to separate their waste and for haulers to handle those materials. If hauling is not available commercially, forming ‘milk runs’ and other direct links to generators can cut costs.

Click here for our brochure (pdf)

Board of Directors

Brian Jerose, CAV Treasurer
Brian Jerose has thirteen years of experience in resource recovery, conservation and the environmental science field. Brian is a founding partner of WASTE NOT Resource Solutions, a resource management and technical services partnership established in 1997. 
Email: jerose@together.net

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