This VORS 2024 panel discussion delves into contaminant concerns in compost, such as persistent herbicides, microplastics, and PFAS. As composting gains momentum with landfill diversion laws, it's crucial to address the potential pitfalls that may compromise its environmental benefits.

Our panel of experts discuss the challenges posed by persistent herbicides and offer best practices for those managing materials treated with herbicides; examine the concerns about microplastics from depackaging facilities, and share updates about new technology that has made strides to address these concerns; and consider the threat of PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) in compost, which is increasingly in the "hot seat" due to pressing concerns associated with these persistent chemicals.

This informative session aims to empower participants with the knowledge to make informed decisions about composting practices, promote a more sustainable and contaminant-free approach to organic waste management, and provide valuable insights into the evolving landscape of composting and environmental stewardship.

Panel presentations:

1. “Persistent herbicides, is that still a thing?” from Pam Bryer, Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food, & Markets.

2. “Solutions for removing microplastics from depackaged food organics” from Kevin Pedretti, Scott Equipment

3. “PFAS in compost - how does it get there and what can be done” from Caleb Goossen, Maine Organic Farmers & Gardeners Association

Video time stamps:

• 00:00-02:26 Introduction from Natasha Duarte, CAV Director

• 02:26-28:41 Pam Bryer, Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food, & Markets

  • Download the slide deck (pdf)

• 28:41-53:54 Kevin Pedretti, Scott Equipment

• 53:54-01:25:26 Caleb Goossen, Maine Organic Farmers & Gardeners Association

  • Download the slide deck (pdf)

Resources shared:

• EPA Registration Review of Pyridine and Pyrimidine Herbicides

• VAAFM Registered Products (Brand search)

• Pesticide Usage Reported (VAAFM)

• PPDB: Pesticide Properties DataBase

• How to report a pesticide incident to VAAFM

• How to contact VAAFM

• USCC Persistent Herbicides FAQ

• PFAS in the US population (ATSDR)

• Organofluorine Mass Balance Analysis of Whole Blood Samples in Relation to Gender and Age

• Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in final treated solids (Biosolids) from 190 Michigan wastewater treatment plants

• Extending the knowledge about PFAS bioaccumulation factors for agricultural plants – A review

• Multiple crop bioaccumulation and human exposure of perfluoroalkyl substances around a mega fluorochemical industrial park, China: Implication for planting optimization and food safety

• Evidence of compost contamination with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from “compostable” food serviceware

• Investigating the sources and fate of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food waste compost

• Underestimation of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Biosolids: Precursor Transformation During Conventional Treatment

• MOFGA PFAS Resources