Composting Council Research Education Foundation

The Compost Research and Education Foundation (CREF) is a non-profit organization based in Raleigh, North Carolina. Established in 1992, CREF is dedicated to advancing the composting industry through research, education, and public awareness. With a small team of three employees, CREF generates an annual revenue of $2.5 million. CREF's mission is to support initiatives that improve the composting industry's practices and reputation. They achieve this by developing and managing various programs, including the Test Methods for Evaluating Compost and Composting (TMECC), a standardized testing protocol for compost quality. CREF also created the Compost Operations Training Course (COTC), a comprehensive training program for composting professionals. Additionally, they organize International Compost Awareness Week, a nationwide event held annually in May to promote composting practices. Beyond these programs, CREF actively funds research projects focused on various aspects of composting, such as soluble salts, air emissions, and return on investment. They also offer scholarships to college students pursuing research in composting and organic recycling. CREF's commitment to research and education has made them a valuable resource for the composting community. To learn more about CREF and its initiatives, visit their website at compostfoundation.org.