Frequently Asked Questions
General
Compost can be used to boost the harvest of a garden and provide nutrients to any vegetation, produce or lawn areas. Compost is the product manufactured through the controlled aerobic, biological decomposition of biodegradable materials. The materials are exposed to mesophilic and thermophilic temperatures, which significantly reduce the viability of pathogens and weed seeds, and stabilizes the carbon, such that it is beneficial to plant growth. Compost use and selection decisions consider many factors.
STA Certified compost meets the US Compost Council’s definition of compost, is manufactured at sites in compliance with all local, state and national regulations, is tested at certified labs using the TMECC methods, and is required to pass EPA standard limits for pathogens and metals. STA is a disclosure program, requiring certified composters to share sampling results and compost feedstocks with their customers so they can have clarity, consistency, and confidence in the product. Compost that meets the US Composting Council Seal of Testing Assurance (STA) Program guidelines will give you confidence in the quality of the product.
OMRI-listed compost is compost that is allowed for use in certified organic operations under the USDA National Organic Program.
Composting is a financially and environmentally preferable option for handling food waste compared to sending the waste to landfills.
Composting is a time intensive process that requires labor for turning the compost regularly, monitoring moisture levels, and managing the composting process. Depending on a multitude of factors such as temperature, moisture levels, and material composition of materials, it can take weeks to months to yield usable compost.
Atlas Organics provides unparalleled reporting that includes statistics on total organic waste diverted from landfills (tons) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions avoided.
Atlas Organics was added to the Generate Upcycle portfolio in 2022. Generate Upcycle is a global leader in organic waste management specializing in compost, food waste and wastewater treatment in North America and Europe.