The US Composting Council (USCC) celebrated outstanding achievements in the composting industry during its Annual Awards Ceremony at COMPOST2025. Recognizing leaders, innovators, and dedicated contributors to the advancement of composting, this event highlighted the industry鈥檚 ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Below are the recipients and the awards presented during the ceremony:
Florida Crystals, located in City, FL, has been awarded the Compost Manufacturer of the Year for large-scale facilities managing over 10,000 tons of material annually. This recognition celebrates their innovative composting operations, where they convert agricultural residues into high-quality compost. By doing so, Florida Crystals has demonstrated how industrial-scale composting can advance environmental sustainability. Additionally, their work sets a benchmark for integrating composting practices within the agribusiness sector.
The Foodbank of Dayton, Ohio, was recognized as the Compost Manufacturer of the Year 鈥� Small Scale for its community composting facility. This facility is the first commercial food waste composting facility in the region and is also assisting the University of Dayton with their composting operations. By diverting food waste from local businesses and providing compost for community gardens, the Foodbank of Dayton facility exemplifies how composting can drive social and environmental benefits. The facility鈥檚 model highlights the powerful intersection of food security and sustainability.
The Town of Cary, NC, received the Organics Diversion Program of the Year Award for its Dropoff Program, which began as a pilot initiative and has since become a model for municipalities aiming to implement sustainable waste management practices. The town鈥檚 Dropoff Program began in 2022 with a pilot that expanded in 2024 with a second drop-off. To date, 159 tons of compostable material has been collected at these drop-off sites, with 69 tons of that material being collected in 2024 alone. This program鈥檚 ability to engage residents and divert significant amounts of organic waste underscores its success.
Neil Edgar was awarded the Hi Kellogg Award for Outstanding Service to the Industry. Neil has consulted on dozens of projects, specializing in green and food materials recovery, technical and financial feasibility, collection options, land use compatibility, site design, operations, grant and loan funding, tipping fee pricing, and market development. His leadership and advocacy have advanced the adoption of composting practices and inspired countless professionals in the field. Neil鈥檚 work extends beyond the industry, influencing policy and educating the public about the benefits of composting.
Gary Gittere of McGill Compost Systems was honored with a Board of Directors Service Award for his 14 years of exceptional service on the USCC Board of Directors. During his tenure, Gary led sales and marketing efforts, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to promoting composting nationwide. Gary participated in the USCC Market Development Committee (MDC) and has lead many Compost Operations Trainings Courses (COTCs) while leading the North Carolina Composting Council (NCCC). His strategic vision and marketing expertise helped shape how the compost industry communicates about compost as a soil amendment.
Jeff Ziegenbein, Senior Manager of Organics for Waste Management, received a Board of Directors Service Award in recognition of his invaluable contributions to the USCC Board of Directors. His leadership has been instrumental in advancing organics recycling and fostering industry growth. Jeff has used his expertise to testify at the US Capitol advocating for the compost industry. He has been an active participant in the USCC Executive Committee, Finance Committee, and Membership Committee. Jeff is a leader in the Association of Compost Producers (ACP) and as a board member of the Compost Research and Education Foundation (CREF). Jeff also played a key role in mentoring new leaders within the Council.
Dave Gavlick of St. Louis Composting was celebrated as the Volunteer of the Year for his tireless dedication to making the annual Equipment Demonstration Day (Demo Day) a success year after year. His efforts have significantly enhanced the visibility and impact of this key event, bringing stakeholders together and showcasing industry innovation. Dave鈥檚 attention to detail and commitment to collaboration set a high standard for volunteer efforts.
The Top Learner Award is given to someone who is enrolled in the Compost Scholar Program in Compost University鈩�, the US Composting Council鈥檚 online learning management system. In 2024, Liv Johansson, Science and Permitting Manager for Engineered Compost Systems, completed 21 hours of coursework in CompostU鈩� on topics from Using DNA Sequencing to Improve Compost Products, Compost Feedstock in the Circular Economy to Sustainable Landscaping Research.
USCC Young Professional of the Year goes to Lauren Click. Lauren has led transformative efforts in composting accessibility, securing over $200,000 in funding and partnering with over 110 schools nationwide. Her dedication to policy advancement and inclusivity continues to inspire and expand composting initiatives nationwide. Lauren鈥檚 accolades include Non-Profit of the Year (Circular Arizona) and the Mercedes-Benz beVisioneers Fellowship. She continues to drive systemic change in composting while pursuing advanced studies in sustainable food systems.
The Arizona Composting Council (AZCC) received the State Chapter Rookie of the Year Award, recognizing their stellar efforts as a newly formed chapter within the past five years. The Arizona Chapter鈥檚 innovative approaches and commitment to growth earned them this distinction. Competing through a pitch and Q&A process designed by the USCC Chapter Advisory Committee, the Arizona Chapter鈥檚 innovative approaches and commitment to growth earned them this notable distinction.
The Minnesota Composting Council (MNCC) was presented with the State Chapter of Excellence Award for demonstrating outstanding achievements in composting advocacy and operations. Evaluated against criteria set by the USCC鈥檚 Chapter Relations and Nominations Committee, their accomplishments reflect excellence in leadership, education, and community engagement. MNCC secured a $935,000 USEPA grant in 2024 to create an Organics Recycling Toolkit aimed at boosting participation and reducing contamination in residential organics recycling programs. Their work in market leadership, policy advocacy, and research underscores their impact on the composting industry.
Nathan Rutz received the H. Clark Gregory Award for his dedication to grassroots composting initiatives. Nathan, has been a key member of the Ohio Organics Council (OHCC), bringing people together from across Ohio to celebrate compost, and is always there to help communities or regions just getting started with their own program. His efforts have brought communities together to embrace composting as a solution for environmental challenges. Nathan is proud of being part of an employee-owned company in Ohio, and he loves to educate people on the power of soil.
Awardees are nominated by peers and honored each year at the US Composting Council’s Annual Conference and Tradeshow. The USCC is proud of the outstanding efforts of this year鈥檚 group of distinguished awardees.