Classroom Schedule

8:00 a.m.

Registration

8:30 a.m.

Welcome, Introduction of Participants, Introduction to Course

9:00 a.m.

Biology of Composting

9:30 a.m.

Composting Methods and Systems

10:15 a.m.

Break

10:30 a.m.

Compost Feedstocks - - Characteristics, types, potential problems, complementary, C:N

12:00 noon

Lunch

1:00 p.m.

Compost Feedstocks - - Laboratory Exercise

1:30 p.m.

Functions, Types and Safe Use of Composting Equipment

2:30 p.m.

Field Trip Sites

Pat Jacksons - - Augusta

Woods End Research Lab - - Mount Vernon  

5:00 p.m.

Return to Augusta

8:00 a.m.

Composting Site Selection and Management - - Getting the Right Start

• Selection, development, requirements

• Regulations and operating needs

• Best Management Practices for odor, vector, leachate, litter control, and feedstock contamination.  Keeping neighbors involved and educated about activities

9:00 a.m.

Site Development Exercise

10:00 a.m. 

Break

10:15 a.m.

Pile Management
Aeration, Mixing, Moisture, Porosity, Density, Pile Size

Pile Management - - Outdoor Exercise
Pile Sampling, Temperature Monitoring, Volume Measurement

12:30 p.m.

Lunch

1:15 p.m.

Field Trip Sites

   Sandy River Recycling Association - Farmington
   Living Acres Farm - - New Sharon

6:00 p.m.

Return to Augusta

8:00 a.m.

Troubleshooting the Compost Pile

10:00 a.m.

Break

10:15 a.m.

Troubleshooting - Outdoor Activity

11:00 a.m.

Quality, Maturity and End Use

12:00 p.m.

Lunch

1:00 p.m.

Field Trip Sites

   Hawk Ridge Compost Facility - - Unity Plantation
   Kinney Compost - - Thorndike

5:00 p.m. 

Return to Augusta

8:00 a.m.

Recipe Development (classroom)
Reading Feedstock Analysis - hands-on activity

9:45 a.m.

Break

10:00 a.m.

Recipe Development - hands on outside activity

12:00 p.m.

Lunch

1:00 p.m.

Field Trip Sites

   Lewiston/Auburn Water Pollution Control Authority - - Lewiston
   Little River Compost Operation - - Lisbon

3:30 p.m.

Recipe Development - Completion of Exercise

4:15 p.m.

Field Trip Review

5:00 p.m.

Return to Augusta

8:00 a.m.

Solvita Test - participants will conduct Solvita Test on compost sample

9:00 a.m.

Compost Utilization

10:00 a.m.

Break

10:15 a.m.

The "Business" of Composting and Compost Market Strategies

11:15 a.m.

Compost Tea

12:00 p.m.

Lunch

12:45 p.m.

Laboratory Exercise on Maturity Testing

1:30 p.m.

Certification Exam, Course Evaluation

3:00 p.m.

Depart for Home!

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