Iowa Composting Council

🏆 2026 Iowa Composting Council Project of the Year 🏆

The Iowa Composting Council is proud to recognize the City of Iowa City Compost Facility Expansion Project as the recipient of the 2026 Project of the Year Award.

Through strategic investment and a commitment to growing organics recycling opportunities, the City of Iowa City is expanding its composting infrastructure to better serve the community and support long-term sustainability goals.

Project highlights include:
-Securing funding through an EPA grant to expand the compost processing area from 5 acres to 7 acres.
-Investing in a new windrow compost turner to improve processing efficiency and enhance overall site operations.
-Increasing annual processing capacity from 15,000 tons to 20,000 tons of incoming organic materials, including yard waste and food waste.
-Creating opportunities to expand composting programs and divert more organic materials from disposal throughout their service area.
-Setting a goal to increase participation among Johnson County grocery stores and restaurants in food waste composting to 50% by 2028.

This project demonstrates how strategic planning, infrastructure investment, and community partnerships can expand composting capacity while creating meaningful environmental benefits for the region.

Please join us in congratulating the City of Iowa City on being named the Iowa Composting Council's 2026 Project of the Year!

🏆 2026 Iowa Composting Council Compost Manufacturer of the Year 🏆

The Iowa Composting Council is proud to recognize Metro Waste Authority as the recipient of the 2026 Compost Manufacturer of the Year Award.

Located on a nine-acre composting site in Mitchellville, Metro Waste Authority continues to demonstrate excellence in compost manufacturing through innovation, operational efficiency, and a commitment to producing high-quality compost products.

Highlights of their operation include:
-Optimizing site operations through improved windrow layouts, increased composting efficiency, and the creation of a centralized staging area that enhances material handling and workflow.
-Producing high-quality compost that is tested and certified through the U.S. Composting Council's Seal of Testing Assurance (STA) Program.
-Building a strong reputation around their flagship Grow Gold Compost product, trusted by homeowners, landscapers, and agricultural users throughout Iowa.
-Processing more than 50,000 tons of compostable material annually.
-Selling more than 19,000 cubic yards of Grow Gold Compost during FY25.
-Expanding market access through the introduction of private-label bagged compost. Since launching in FY24, Grow Gold Compost is now available at 27 retail locations across Central Iowa, with nearly 11,000 bags sold in FY26 to date.

Metro Waste Authority's commitment to operational excellence, product quality, and market development continues to advance composting in Iowa and serves as an outstanding example for the industry.

Please join us in congratulating Metro Waste Authority on being named the Iowa Composting Council's 2026 Compost Manufacturer of the Year!

🏆 2026 Iowa Composting Council Partner of the Year 🏆

The Iowa Composting Council is proud to recognize the Iowa Department of Natural Resources as our 2026 Partner of the Year.

The IDNR has been a valued partner of the IACC since our organization's beginning, consistently demonstrating their commitment to advancing composting throughout Iowa.

Their partnership has been evident through:
-Regular participation in IACC Board meetings, providing important regulatory updates and insights.
-Collaboration with the IACC to develop and deliver compost operator recertification training for Iowa's state-certified compost operators.
-Working alongside the IACC during the development and revision of Iowa's new compost regulations.
-Ongoing support of Iowa's composting industry through open communication, technical expertise, and a shared commitment to responsible organics management.

Strong partnerships are essential to the continued growth and success of composting in Iowa, and we are grateful for the collaborative relationship we have built with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Please join us in congratulating the Iowa Department of Natural Resources on being named the Iowa Composting Council's 2026 Partner of the Year!

Last week at our Annual Meeting of Membership, we celebrated another year of growth, engagement, and leadership in Iowa's composting industry.

Over the past year, IACC members:
-Helped support the development of Iowa's updated compost regulations
-Expanded outreach through events like APWA and EcoFest
-Participated in compost facility tours and professional development opportunities
-Represented Iowa at the U.S. Composting Council National Conference
-Celebrated national recognition earned by Iowa composting professionals and organizations

We also thanked outgoing board members Jeff Bradley and Caley Parrish for their dedicated service and welcomed two new board members who will help guide the future of our organization.

Looking ahead, we're excited to launch the IACC Emerging Professionals Program, expand educational opportunities, strengthen industry partnerships, and continue growing composting across Iowa.

Honored our first recipients of the IACC Awards. More posts to come with our award winners!

The future of composting in Iowa is bright because of the members, volunteers, and industry leaders who continue to show up, collaborate, and move our industry forward.

Thank you to everyone who makes the Iowa Composting Council a strong and thriving organization.

Two weeks from today is our Annual Meeting of Membership! Are you signed up to attend? Here is a link to sign up- https://www.iowarecycles.org/events/c23a3f20-5d4b-4171-8e39-400d0967c235

Two weeks from tomorrow is our golf outing! Are you signed up yet?? Here is the link to sign up- https://www.iowarecycles.org/events/0636cd53-25ac-491c-8318-2fd0804fa11c

International Compost Awareness Week may be ending, but composting continues year-round. Start a compost system, support local programs, attend events, and share your composting story. Together, we can build healthier soils and stronger communities.

Compost plays an important role in sustainable food systems by returning nutrients to the soil and helping grow healthier crops. Reducing food waste and composting closes the loop and supports a more resilient food system.

⛳️ Join us on the course for a great cause!

The Iowa Compost Council is excited to host our first annual Golf Outing on June 10th at Toad Valley Golf Course — and we’re looking for both playing groups and sponsors to be part of the day!

This event isn’t just about golf (though we promise a great time on the course). We’re raising funds to support the Iowa Compost Council’s Emerging Professionals Program, helping develop the next generation of leaders in the composting and organics industry.

🏌️‍♂️ Sign up your team: https://www.iowarecycles.org/.../0636cd53-25ac-491c-8318...
🤝 Become a sponsor
🌱 Support the future of our industry
Don’t miss your chance to network, give back, and enjoy a day outdoors with colleagues and friends.

Adding compost to soil helps retain moisture, reducing the need for irrigation and improving drought resistance. By increasing the soil’s ability to absorb and hold water, compost supports smarter water use, reduces runoff, and builds more resilient landscapes.
It’s a simple solution with a powerful impact, from conserving water to strengthening the health of our soils and communities.