Research Studies & Reports

Disclaimer: Periodically, reports not written by the MNCC are published on this web page. These reports are of general interest to our membership and broader community. They do not necessarily reflect the positions of the MNCC or the views of its board of directors. For the positions of the MNCC, please see our 2019 Policy Positions.
Scientific Evaluation of Potential Environmental Impact of Contact Water Generated from Composting Source Separated Organic Materials

Grant Project: Carver County Environmental Services

Carver County Environmental Services received three separate grants from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency in 2006, 2008, and 2012 to conduct research at two Demonstration Compost Sites at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chanhassen, Minnesota. The research goal was to begin characterization of potential environmental impacts of contact water and stormwater generated from compost facilities accepting yard waste, food scraps, and non-recyclable paper.

Economics of Composting 

2014 Economic Impact of Compost Study 

This survey, conducted by the Minnesota Composting Council, aims to show the economic impact and economic growth potential of Minnesota's composting industry.

Pay Dirt: Composting in Maryland to Reduce Waste, Create Jobs, & Protect the Bay

This report summarizes the current composting infrastructure in Maryland, outlines the benefits of expanding composting, and suggests policies to overcome obstacles to expansion. 

From Waste to Worth: The Role of Waste Diversion in the Green Economy

This report contains the findings of the Ontario government review of the Waste Diversion Act and presents proposals for changes to the  framework intended to foster a sustainable economy.

Compost & Climate Change

Stop Trashing the Climate

​This report shines the spotlight on the immediate, cost-effective, and momentous gains that are possible through better resource management. Stemming waste is a crucial element to mitigating climate change. 

Incinerators vs. Zero Waste: Energy and the Climate

This report discusses the relative benefits of a zero waste strategy to a waste incineration strategy for address climate change.

Zero-Waste Composting: How Food Waste Can Help Conquer Climate Change and Prevent Disease

This report looks at how food waste prevention along with collection, processing, and end-use applications impact a community economically, environmentally, and socially. 

Composting Green Waste Saves as Much CO2 as Energy Recovery

This news alert explains how recycling green waste as compost could match the environmental benefits of converting it into renewable energy.

Recycling, Composting and Greenhouse Gas Reductions in Minnesota

This report looks at the impacts of Minnesota waste on climate change by explaining methane production in landfills and calculating greenhouse gas emissions under various waste diversion scenarios.

Compost & Soils  

Building Healthy Soils with Compost to Protect Watersheds

This report explores the benefits of compost amended soils in watershed management, run-off management, and provides models for initiatives and policies utilizing compost in watershed and erosion management.

Phosphorous and Compost White Paper (MNCC) 

The purpose of this review is to provide composters and regulators with the information needed for composters and end users to continue to use compost, but to do so minimizing any potential negative environmental impacts. 

Innovative Uses of Compost: Composting of Soils Contaminated by Explosives

This EPA report explores the benefits of finished compost use in effectively remediating munitions-contaminated soils. 

Additional Compost Research and Reports

The Use of a Special Event to Educate the Attendees to Separate Compostables from MSW

This report outlines the PGA Project, which aimed to design and implement a successful system for organics recovery at special events through source separation. 

Pollution Abatement and Increased Beneficial Insects Associated with Sustainable Landscapes

This report identifies the benefits associated with sustainable landscapes including nutrient abatement, decreased water flow, and conservation of native plants and pollinators. 

Life Cycle Inventory and Life Cycle Assessment for Windrow Composting Systems

This study focuses on the life cycle assessment of windrow composting systems to inform the management of organic materials diverted from landfill in New South Wales.

Solid Waste Policy Report 2019

The MPCA's 2019 Solid Waste Policy Report lays out strategies for managing solid waste until 2022. Information regarding organics management is on pages 14-15 and 24. Recommendations are given on pages 36-37. 

Composting Reduces Seed Viability of Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) and Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica)

This research measured the viability of garlic mustard and common buckthorn seeds exposed to turned or static composting methods. Seed viability was reduced rapidly in both methods.