Compost Training Course Proves Valuable to Komptech Americas Sales Team

Komptech Americas has proudly sponsored the Compost Operations Training Course (COTC) for many years. In March 2023, Travis Miles, Southwest U.S. Territory Sales Manager, graduated from the most recent training session, which took place in Pomona, California.

Composting is a process that involves breaking down organic matter into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. Composting can reduce the amount of food waste and green waste that goes into a landfill while supporting sustainable agriculture by improving soil health and fertility. However, composting is not always straightforward, requiring proper knowledge and expertise to do it right. This is where the Compost Operations Training Course offered by the Composting Council Research and Education Foundation (CREF)comes in. The course is designed to provide individuals and organizations with the knowledge and skills to create premium compost and effectively manage composting operations.

The Compost Operations Training Course is a five-day program that covers a wide range of topics related to composting, including the science behind composting, different composting methods, regulations and standards, equipment and materials needed, and facility management. Participants learn about composting through a series of lectures, hands-on experience, and composting site tours. The course is taught by experienced composting professionals who have worked in the industry for many years and bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the class.

Komptech Americas has been a proud Compost Operations Training Course sponsor for many years. Our Southwestern U.S. Territory Sales Manager, Travis Miles, graduated from the most recent session, which took place in Pomona, California, at the end of March 2023.

“When I first joined Komptech Americas, I read The Composting Handbook by Robert Rynk. The Compost Operations Training Course is built around this textbook, and the course solidified what I had studied about compost production,” said Travis. “What I appreciated most about this course was hearing from various industry professionals, facility operators, scientists, and professors. The boots-on-the-ground knowledge they shared was practical, applicable and demonstrated how diverse the composting industry is.”

COTC participants learn in a classroom setting from compost industry professionals.

Travis also really enjoyed the site tours that were part of the course. Participants toured five different compost facilities, ranging in size from small businesses to enterprises and even municipalities. The facilities varied in feedstock; some used green waste, and others used food waste. A commonality between the sites was the presence of Komptech equipment.

“The site tours were a great element of the Compost Operations Training Course,” continued Miles. “While I am well versed in Komptech machines as solutions for composters, the course allowed me to view our machines with a new appreciation for the process. Komptech machines truly make quality compost happen. From shredding incoming feedstocks to a proper size that can break down organically in the windrow, to creating and turning windrow piles, ensuring proper temperatures are met, to screening and separating overs and contaminants from the quality finished product.”

Upon completion of the course, participants can apply for two certifications (Certified Compost Operations Manager™ or Certified Composting Professional™) depending on their role in the composting industry. Additionally, CREF offers a variety of resources to help participants continue their education, including webinars, online courses, and a library of composting resources. These continuing education opportunities reinforce the course’s concepts and give participants the confidence to manage their composting operations effectively.

COTC participants experience the hands-on element of the course.

“One of the most valuable things I gained from this experience was the connections I made with various people within the organics waste recycling industry. In a short time, we built a sense of community. I am excited to see how our relationships strengthen over time and how I can help them grow their composting businesses with Komptech technologies.”

The Compost Operations Training Course offered by the Composting Council Research and Education Foundation is an excellent opportunity for anyone who wants to learn more about composting. Whether you are a composter, farmer, landscaper, waste management professional, or simply someone interested in sustainable agriculture, this course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to manage composting operations effectively.

Travis Miles, Southwestern U.S. Territory Sales Manager.

Travis Miles is Komptech Americas’ Southwestern U.S. Territory Sales Manager. He lives in San Diego, California and covers the southern part of the state, up to Fresno, as well as the state of Arizona. Following his completion of the Compost Operations Training Course, he is working toward attaining his Certified Composting Professional™ certification.

For More Information

For questions regarding the COTC training course or how Komptech equipment solutions and the Komptech Composting Process can help your Southern California and Arizona facility, contact Travis at tmiles@komptechamericas.com or 720.869.8338.