Our Vision

The Foundation’s vision is to advance composting technologies, practices, and beneficial uses that support resource conservation and economic and environmental sustainability.

Mission

The Compost Research & Education Foundation supports initiatives that enhance the stature and practices of the composting industry by supporting scientific research, increasing awareness, and educating practitioners and the public to advance environmentally and economically sustainable organics recycling.

History

CREF was incorporated on June 9, 1992 in the Commonwealth of Virginia as a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) EIN#54-1627814. CREF is affiliated with the United States Composting Council (USCC) but is its own entity and financials and funding are separate.

what we do

What We Do

The Compost Research & Education Foundation works to increase public awareness and understanding of composting by supporting outreach, developing resources, and leading local and national campaigns that highlight its importance to long-term sustainability. We foster scientific research that strengthens composting principles, processes, product uses, and analytical standards, building on our reputation for credibility and rigor. In addition, we advance the stature and practice of the composting industry by providing professional development opportunities and sharing best practices across the field.

CREF’s Projects and Programs

Some of the programs the Foundation has developed over the years include the Test Methods for Evaluating Compost and Composting to accurately test the compost produced to assure that high quality compost is being produced and sold and the Foundation also developed the first comprehensive Operator training manual that is the basis for the current training program. Other publications produced focus on field guides for the use of compost, brochures on the benefits of using compost and a manual on composting in the backyard.

Staff

Diane Hazard

Executive Director
dianehazard@compostfoundation.org
(833) 812-2733 – Ext. 4

Kelsea Jacobsen

Education Program Manager
kelseajacobsen@compostfoundation.org
(833) 812-2733 – Ext. 0

Robert Canul

Marketing & Administration Lead
robertcanul@compostfoundation.org
(833) 812-2733 – Ext. 3

Additional Team Members

Officers

Trustees

Sally Brown, Ph.D.

University of Washington

Andrew Carpenter

Northern Tilth, LLC

Kate Kurtz

City of Seattle, Seattle Public Utilities

Tera Lewandowski, Ph.D.

The US Biochar Initiative

Tim O’Neill

Engineered Compost Systems

John Paul, Ph.D., P.Ag.

Transform Compost Systems

Rebecca Ryals, Ph.D.

University of California, Merced

CREF logo_Horiz_color_rev-ALL WHITE 102021

We can make this happen because of you!

Donate today to help grow the future of composting through research, education, and innovation.

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 Become a program sponsor and showcase your commitment to advancing composting through impactful education, training, and outreach. Contact us at info@compostfoundation.org