New state compost law to be focus of R.I. Compost Conference & Trade Show

NAT HARRIS washes The Compost Plant's truck after food scraps were dumped on a compost pile at Earth Care Farm in Charlestown. The 2016 RI Compost Conference & Trade Show is scheduled for Thursday at Rhode Island College. / PBN FILE PHOTO/ MICHAEL SALERNO
NAT HARRIS washes The Compost Plant's truck after food scraps were dumped on a compost pile at Earth Care Farm in Charlestown. The 2016 RI Compost Conference & Trade Show is scheduled for Thursday at Rhode Island College. / PBN FILE PHOTO/ MICHAEL SALERNO

PROVIDENCE – A new state compost law, which could open the door to a host of new small-scale entrepreneurship, will be the focus of the 2016 RI Compost Conference & Trade Show scheduled for Thursday.
The yearly conference, held this year at the Student Union of Rhode Island College, is hosted by the Environment Council of Rhode Island and the Rhode Island College Office of Sustainability. The all-day event, beginning at 9 a.m., brings compost professionals together from throughout the region to discuss environmental and economic benefits, along with the ongoing challenges, within the compost industry.
“Compost is one of those industries that actually does ecological healing as well as create a resource base,” said Greg Gerritt, of the Environment Council. “It’s one of the few places in the Rhode Island economy where you’re able to access a somewhat new natural resource and in doing so help rebuild carbon soils, increase agricultural use, reduce runoff and create further food security.”
Michael Bradlee, of Earth Appliance, is scheduled to be the keynote speaker and will talk about a pilot compost project in Providence and where he thinks the industry is headed. Conference organizers expect much of the day’s discussion will revolve around the state’s new organics collection law, which passed in 2014 and is beginning to take form, allowing community and neighborhood composting outfits to emerge.
“We’re just about there with the new compost regulations, which will open up a vast opportunity for small-scale entrepreneurship and community gardens,” Gerritt said.
To register and view a full list of speakers and presenters go to the Environment Council’s website HERE

No posts to display