Definition of Compost

  1. Material derived from aerobic decomposition of recycled plant waste, biosolids, fish or other organic material. The material shall be fully composted and to have maintained a temperature above 55 degrees Centigrade or 131 degrees Farenheit for at least 15 days per EPA/40 CFR Part 503. The composted material has a moisture content such that no visible free water or dust is produced when handling the material.
  2. Compost products shall meet the following physical criteria:
    1. 100 percent shall pass through a 1-inch sieve when tested in accordance with AASHTO T87 and T88.
    2. The pH range shall be between 5.0 and 8.5.
    3. Foreign material (plastic, minerals soils, concrete, metal, etc.) shall not be more than 2 percent of the compost dry weight.
    4. Compost shall comprise not more than 50% amended of the soil.
  3. Acceptance of composted products shall be based on the following submittals by the contractor:
    1. A request for Approval of a Material Source.
    2. A copy of the Composting Permit for the Material Source selected.
    3. Certification by the supplier that the compost product originates 100 percent from recycled organic material that has been aerobically composted.
Introduction | Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation | Alaska Earth Works Project, Sitka | Alaskan Fish and Chips, Haines | Ed Bostrom, North Pole | ARCO, Prudhoe Bay | Anchorage Regional Composting Facility | Golden Heart Utilties | Composting Dog Waste | Tell us about your program

University of Alaska Fairbanks Logo