2011-2012

YCOMP: Introduction to School Composting Manual

Vineeta Nangia and Matt Ostrow YCOMP: Youth Composting Organization for the Massachusetts' Populace

Table of Contents
Section One: General Information Who are we? What is our mission statement? What do we do? What bins do we provide? Why should you compost? What is the purpose of this manual? Section Two: The Basics of Composting What is composting? What are the different types of composting? What is finished compost? What are the nutrient cycles behind composting? What are the benefits of composting? Why is composting specifically good for schools? What materials can and cannot be composted? Section Three: How does my school get started? Propose the idea Find a core group of people Other essential people Budget Section Four: Implementing the Compost System Setting up the composting process: checklist Materials needed for compost system: checklist The actual composting process at schools: checklist Section Five: Maintaining Bin Health Is my bin healthy? Temperature Moisture Odor Section Six: Other Fundraising Publicity Section Seven: Thanks Section Eight: Appendix A Institutional Notification Form Works Cited

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Section 1: General Information

Who are we? Our 501(c)(3) non-profit organization is called YCOMP: Youth Composting Organization for the Massachusetts' Populace. We are a youth based organization geared towards promoting composting in school, home, and town environments. We believe that we can make a difference by combining education about waste management and sustainability with compost bins and services at a reduced price to consumers in Massachusetts. What is our mission statement? We aim to promote composting and waste management awareness as means to increase environmental responsibility; our efforts focus on education, advocacy, and implementation powered by youth-volunteerism throughout the state of Massachusetts. What do we do? We travel across the state educating individuals, businesses, schools, and towns about the environmental benefits and process of composting. We sell compost bins at a reduced price and help establish composting programs throughout the state. We hope that the combination of education and distribution can raise the amount of composting done in Massachusetts. What bins do we provide? We offer bins available through the Massachusetts' state contract FAC61, which allows for the purchase of reduced price compost bins and other sustainable resources from a specified list of manufacturers. Specifically, two styles of bins are available through the MassDEP program: the Earth Machine and the New Age Composter. The benefits of these two bins include easy assembly, resistance of rodents, and the ease of aerobic composting. Both bins are made from a minimum of 50% post-consumer recycled plastic collected or processed in Massachusetts. The main differences between the two bin types are size and design. The New Age Composter has a twenty-four cubic feet capacity while the Earth Machine has a ten cubic feet capacity. Additionally, the New Age Composter has holes in the cover to allow moisture to get in and a cone-shaped floor that aerates from below. Why should you compost? Getting a school community to encourage composting is the first big step towards a greener earth. Education starts with the youth, who will grow up with a "green" mindset. Composting provides many environmental, economic, and community benefits. Moreover, all YCOMP servicesranging from printable posters to information sheets to presentationsare free. Composting closes the recycling loop for organic waste. If composting is done on-site, organic waste can be managed 3|Page
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locally and finished compost will be available for use in school gardens as well as other gardening and landscaping projects. What is the purpose of this manual? This manual is designed to: 1. educate schools about the basics of composting and as well as its importance and benefits 2. provide an introduction to an option that may help schools reduce waste NOTE: This manual is in no way intended to serve as a detailed, step-by-step implementation guide for school composting programs in Massachusetts, especially for schools larger than 300-500 students. Rather, its purpose is to provide a general overview of information necessary for consideration in order to compost at schools.

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Section Two: The Basics of Composting

What is composting? Composting is the management of the natural decomposition of organic material, or matter capable of decay. What are the different types of composting? On-Site Composting On-site composting is conducted on premise for schools, businesses, and other small-quantity generators of organic waste. The entire composting process, from the addition of organic materials to the decomposition and maturation of these materials, occurs at the location where the compostable materials are collected. Worm Composting Worm composting takes place in small containers or bins filled with worms, which will help speed up the compost process. Worm composting can be done all year-round due to the small space the containers occupy and the lack of odor. Worm composting can also be done indoors. For these reasons, it is a good option for apartment buildings, offices, etc. Off-Site Composting Off-site composting can be compared to trash collection. Compostable materials are not kept on premise to be composted at a conveniently located bin. Instead, materials are taken to a composting facility. Off-site composting is a good option with large-quantity generators of organic waste, including entire towns, etc. What laws and regulations are necessary to follow in order to run a composting program? In Massachusetts, state law 310 CMR 16, (Click for link) which discusses site assignment regulations for solid waste facilities, including schools and other locations, must be followed. 310 CMR 16.05 (4)(D) specifically references schools: (d) Composting on Industrial, Commercial or Institutional Sites or Zoos. A composting operation located at an industrial, commercial or institutional site or zoo which composts less than four cubic yards or less than two tons per week of vegetative materials, food materials or animal manures that are generated on-site; and where, at least 30 days prior to commencement of operations, the operator notifies the Department and the board of health, using a form as may be supplied by the Department. Notification to both your local Board of Health as well as the MassDEP is required 30 days PRIOR to implementation. The Institution Notification Form is located in Appendix A. 5|Page
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What is finished compost? Compost is the dark brown or black organic product that results from the composting process. Mature compost contains a material called humus, a stable, soil-like material created from the combination of organic material such as fruits, vegetables, paper, leaves, etc. Finished compost can be used for the following: as a soil supplement to grow plants as mulch for trees and shrubs as a fertilizer for vegetables, flowers and grass to retain moisture in soil

What are the nutrients that are involved with composting? Nitrogen Materials that contain high amounts of nitrogen , such as vegetable and fruit scraps, grass clippings, and manure, need to be limited to a maximum of 25% of the contents of the composting receptacle in proportion to high-carbon materials. As the nitrogen-containing material in the compost bin decomposes, bacteria then convert these forms of nitrogen into forms that plants can use. The organisms use the nitrogen in order to build their own cells and increase their body mass. Nitrogen is also used in the formation of amino acids. Plants use the nitrogen present in the compost to grow. Carbon Cycle The microbes that convert waste into finished compost need carbon material as an energy source and to form their own cells. All of the materials placed into the compost bin contains carbon as they are organic. Thus, it is important to have 75% of your compost pile contain high-carbon materials. Some carbon is sequestered in the soil when finished compost is used. What are the benefits of composting? Environmental benefits of composting include: composting reduces the amount of garbage sent to the landfill or incinerator less methane (by avoiding its production that occurs via anaerobic decomposition that occurs in some landfills) is released into the environment the use of compost helps plants resist diseases and pests and allows better root growth less/no chemical fertilizers are needed when compost is used to grow plants an increased crop yield can result from compost use, depending on various other environmental factors

Economic benefits of composting include: 6|Page

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finished compost can sometimes be sold for a profit; mature compost has been sold for as much as $100 per ton. The price would depend on the quantity and quality produced. Sometimes there is a lesser cost to manage waste as fewer trash bags are needed to be purchased if organic waste is being composted instead of thrown out reduced soil purchases if finished compost is used reduced waste disposal costs

Community benefits of composting include: community unites behind a common cause community members become educated about sustainability the community shifts towards a "greener" mindset closes the recycling loop for organic material locally

Why is composting specifically good for schools? the school's waste output will be reduced the school community (and youth) will be educated about sustainability and composting the finished compost can be used for landscaping projects at the school

What materials can and cannot be composted? Materials that can be composted in on-site systems vegetables fruits clean, unprinted paper cardboard rolls coffee grounds and filters eggshells shredded newspaper tea bags Materials that cannot be composted on-site and reason why dairy products o dairy products can cause bad odors in the school environment and attract unwanted insects and other pests such as maggots and houseflies. fats, grease, oil o fats, grease, and oil can cause bad odors in the school environment and attract unwanted insects and other pests such as maggots and houseflies meat

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o fish

meat can cause bad odors in the school environment and attract unwanted insects and other pests such as maggots and house flies

fish can cause bad odors in the school environment and attract unwanted insects and other pests such as maggots and houseflies diseased plants, leaves, twigs, etc. o may transfer disease into the compost, which may survive the composting process. o

Note: Many herbicides and pesticides, as well as some chemical (synthetic) fertilizers are ok as the microbes will eventually degrade them. However, it is best not to use these products in the first place in order to minimize risks to health and to the environment. Schools in particular are not supposed to use pesticides and must develop and follow an Integrated Pest Management Program.

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Section Three: How does my school get started?

(Adapted from School Composting: A Manual for Connecticut Schools)

Propose the idea The idea to start a composting program at a school can come from anywhere: the students, the parents, the teachers, or the administration. The key aspect to creating a successful composting program is to develop the idea and realize that there will be both successes and failures along the way. Find a core group of people Once the idea of a composting system has been proposed, support must be garnered. This support should come foremost from the students and the administration. Arrange a meeting with the administration to discuss the possibility of a compost system. Once the administration is on board, a core group of people must be found. This group will be in charge of developing, promoting and carrying out the school composting system and should meet on a regular basis. These meetings can range from once a week to once a month, depending on the complexities of the program and the availability of members. A school-wide compost system will affect all members of the school community. Therefore, it is important to include all members of the community and ensure they know their thoughts and concerns are being heard. Key members of such a group include: An administrative team o This team is required to include the principal, assistant principal(s), superintendent. facilities and maintenance directors, custodial director and staff, health director, and other administrations for all Massachusetts schools. A Green Team Teacher o The Green Team is a state-wide environmental club for Massachusetts' schools geared towards kindergarten through grade twelve. The Green Team focuses on education and aiding teachers and students in helping the environment through waste reduction, reuse, recycling, composting, energy conservation, and pollution prevention. It is sponsored by the MassDEP. o The Green Team teacher will be the member to order the bin(s) when needed. o If your school does not have a Green Team teacher, no worries. There are a few easy steps in which a teacher can become a member. They are: Go to the Green Team website: www.thegreenteam.org Submit a completed registration form by fax, mail, or on-line.

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The teacher will then receive a Green Team classroom kit, which contains a program guide, poster, Green Team achievement stickers, lesson plans and other resources. The teacher will then able to order a compost bin available through the Green Team. Local Board of Health and MassDEP o To comply with 310 CMR 16, one must contact the local Board of Health and receive approval 30 days in advance (as well as sending the document in Appendix A to the MassDEP, also 30 days in advance) before implementing a program. PTO o Involving the PTO is a good way to gain parent support and help with the composting program o An article in the PTO newsletter can help to publicize the composting program and spread awareness. Town Recycling Coordinator o The Town Recycling Coordinator is essential for providing knowledge about recycling, waste management, composting, and sustainability o He/she may be able to help determine what bin is best, how many bins are needed, and other logistics of the composting system Kitchen Staff o The kitchen staff is an essential component of the program. While students will be composting their organic materials from lunches, the kitchen staff will be doing the same with food items used to make lunches. o Ensure the needs of the kitchen staff are being heard and met. Discuss what materials can be composted and the best method for collecting food preparation scraps. o Ask what you can do to help to make their job easier and ease the process of collecting food preparation scraps. Custodial Staff o The cooperation and guidance of the custodial staff is essential for implementing the composting program and ensuring the success. o The custodial staff can provide valuable knowledge about and should approve of a good location of the bin(s). o Depending on the program, the custodial staff can manage the maintenance of compostable material receptacles in the cafeteria transport them to the designated on-site compost bins.

Budget The cost of a composting program depends on the location, school size, program scope, and effort applied to the program. For the most part, this manual deals with minor-scale composting 10 | P a g e
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initiatives in order to bring awareness to schools. However, if bins need to be built, as the Green Team bins may not be large enough or rodent-proof enough for a school-wide cafeteria program, then the cost of the materials to build this bin would need to be factored in. Estimates for the cost of additional materials can be up to several hundred dollars in order to purchase lumber, wire mesh, hardware, tools (depending on the needs of a specific bin), gloves for all students and other people involved with the compost, bag liners (if multiple bags are needed daily in the cafeteria), hose and nozzle (for maintaining proper moisture levels), and other materials. Containers to hold leaves and other high- carbon materials should be considered in ones budget. Containers for collecting food waste, if not provided by the Green Team, should be accounted for. Some of these products, including additional home-composting, may be available for at-cost purchase from YCOMP. Please email president@ycomp.org for more details.

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Section Four: Implementing the Composting System

(Adapted from School Composting: A Manual for Connecticut Schools)

The next section of the composting manual focuses on setting up the composting process and the actual process itself. Rather than complicate the process with long, wordy paragraphs, we provided simple, easy checklists. If any assistance is needed, a YCOMP representative can be reached to answer any questions or concerns at 339-364-8459. Setting Up the Composting Process: Checklist Determine how much output the school is producing and how much compost will be managed. Decide on a type of bin. o The two bins endorsed by YCOMP and provided under MA state contract FAC61 are the New Age Composter and the Earth Machine. Details about both are listed previously. o For large scale composting endeavors or for large schools (more than 350-500 students), compost bins may need to be built from scratch. Many large-scale compost bin models can be found online for reference. o Multiple small bins could also be used for moderately-sized schools, but please be cautious of the capacity needed and use the school's output to determine what type of compost bin system will suit your school best. Order Bin. o The New Age Composter can be ordered directly by the Green Team Teacher through the Green Team Website under the "Request Materials" tab. o On behalf of the school, a YCOMP member will order the Earth Machine from a designated manufacturer listed under MA State Contract FAC61, given that school only wants to try minor levels of composting or engage in Compost Week (see below). These bins are too small for a functional school wide program for more than a few hundred students. o If a large school decides to use the New Age Composter or Earth Machine, many bins will be needed or another larger bin can be built. Designate location of bin. (Seek opinion of School Administration, Custodial Staff, and School Superintendent.) o The best location is in a place not subject to high winds. o The bin should also be easily accessible. o The bin should be kept away from areas where there is a lot of people and movement such as sports fields. o The bin needs to be near a source of water (within reach of a hose). o The bin should be placed near where the compost will be used, if possible. Set Up Bin 12 | P a g e
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All bins come with an easy-to-follow manual complete with pictures. However, if more assistance is needed, a YCOMP representative can be reached at 339-3648459. o A school may also need to set-up a bin of its own design. Designate certain trash barrels in the cafeteria to be used for the collection of compostable materials. o Custodial and Facility staff members must be consulted before acquiring, marking, and placing these barrels in order to avoid mixing trash with compost. o To expand the program later, smaller countertop bins can be ordered through MA State Contract FAC61 and placed in places such as the teachers' lounge, classrooms, etc. where a lot of eating is done. Place fliers, posters, and other educational materials about composting throughout the school, especially in the cafeteria. Especially important is information about what can and cannot be composted. Educational materials are available through YCOMP. To request materials, email president@ycomp.org. If YCOMP has not presented at the school, have a formalized presentation about composting basics and the composting system. Designate at least three to five students and one adult to be the people who do the actual composting. This group can work on a rotating schedule. Acquire Needed Materials (See Checklist Below) Begin Composting! o

Materials Needed for Composting System: Checklist The items listed below comprise a basic list of materials needed for a composting system. A school may find it needs some, all, or more than the items listed. Compost Bin o Place near a source of water, ideally near a hose with a nozzle. o Soil or partially composted material to add to fresh material to inoculate. Barrels located in cafeteria o Barrels should be lined with plastic bags to ease clean-up o Barrels should be clearly designated with labels for compostable materials o Barrels should be equipped with wheels for easy transportation Bulking Materials (leaves, newspaper, hay, wood chips) o bulking materials need to be constantly replenished and available Scale Pitchfork (Not to be used with the New Age Composter as the prongs may get stuck in the base. It is ok to use with wooden bins) Shovel Work Gloves 13 | P a g e
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Compost Thermometer Reotemp, http://www.reotemp.com/backyard_compost_thermometers.html._ Material for Compost Records o Clipboard o Binder o Paper o Writing Utensils Materials to clean pitchfork, shovel, etc. Hoe (works well managing the contents of the New Age Composter)

The Actual Composting Process at Schools: Checklist Collect Food Scraps from Designated Bins in Cafeteria o If program has been expanded, the group will need to collect food scraps from smaller bins located around the school. The easiest method to do so is to carry around one trash barrel fitted with a plastic garbage bag and wheels and deposit food scraps into it. o Smaller bins must be washed each time unless they are lined with a plastic bag. Although open bags can be used as liners, pails and unlined containers must be washed. o Food scraps must be collected everyday to ensure a lack of odor and insects. Weigh Scraps o To calculate the total weight of the food scraps, place each trash barrel on the scale. o Subtract the weight of the actual bin from the total weight. o Record final amount. o This number can later be used to show: amount of material not thrown away the ratio of food scrap weight to final compost weight if more compost bins will later be needed to meet output Bring Scraps to Compost Bin o If barrels are equipped with wheels, the group may only need to wheel scraps out to the bin, depending on the location in relation to the barrels. Measure Temperature of Compost Pile o Make sure to measure the center of the compost pile. o Record temperature. o Temperature is one indicator (there are also other key factors) of the health of bin. See "Maintaining Bin Health" section. Composting thermometers can be bought from Reotemp, http://www.reotemp.com/backyard_compost_thermometers.html. 14 | P a g e
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o Transfer Scraps o The easier way to do this is to pick the bag up from the barrel and dump into the bin. o The pitchfork will come in handy here to layer the food scraps. Ensure Health of Compost Bin o This includes, enough oxygen, 50% moisture, and a balance of materials. There should be about 25% nitrogen containing materials (maximum) and 75% high carbon materials. o See "Maintaining Bin Health" section o Layer the top of the bin with bulking material after completing other steps to ensure health. This layer usually needs to be watered each time (as materials are often dry), unless the materials are pre-dampened. o Add approximately 1 of soil or partially composted material after every 6 inches of fresh materials in order to inoculate the pile with microbes and other decomposers. Microbes maintain the temperature of the bin. o A properly balanced bin will retain no odor and will not attract animals. Clean compost turner, thermometer, etc. Clean barrel if necessary, bring back to cafeteria

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Section Five: Maintaining Bin Health

To ensure the health of the bin, a few factors should be kept in account: Material being placed in the bin Oxygen Moisture Volume and temperature Carbon: nitrogen ratio Odor Material being placed in the bin As described earlier, vegetable and fruit scraps, coffee grounds and filters, newspapers, eggshells, and tea bags may be composted. However, animal products such as meats, oils, fats, and cheeses should be kept out of the bin in order to minimize odor and unwanted animals and pests. Oxygen The compost bin provides a suitable environment for decomposer organisms such as bacteria, fungi, mold, earthworms, etc. that eat and break down organic material. These organisms need oxygen to live. Therefore, it is important to turn the contents of the compost bin. Moisture The compost bin should be kept moist at all times with about 50% moisture. When leaves are added to the compost bin, they should be damp. If the contents of the bin are too wet but there is no smell, add bulking material and turn pile. If the contents of the bin are wet and smell rancid, turn the pile and a lot of bulking material. Ensure no fats, oils, meats, etc. are entering the compost pile. Volume and temperature A sufficient volume is necessary to heat up and maintain hot compost. Typically, one cubic yard is the minimum volume for this to occur. The pile should be hottest in the center. If the pile is not hot enough and the contents are dry, add water and turn the pile. If the contents are wet and smell fine, but the pile is cooler than expected, more nitrogen needs to be added to the pile. Mix in "greens" including grass and more food scraps. If the pile gets too hot, make sure to turn it and add brown carbon materials such as dead leaves, straw, newspaper, etc. Carbon to nitrogen ration

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For a bin to be healthy, the high-nitrogen (green) materials and the high-carbon (brown) materials must be balanced. The ratio of carbon to nitrogen should be 30:1, or in practice, 3 parts brown volume to one part green volume. Odor A healthy bin will not smell bad, although it will have an earthy smell. If the bin starts to smell unpleasant and attract animals, ensure no meat or fats are entering the pile. If meats and oils are not present, ensure the compost is well covered with a layer of bulking material.covered by a 1-2 layer of soil. If odors continue to

persist, stop adding food scraps and continue to add browns until odors are no longer a problem.

If you experience any other problems, a YCOMP Representative can be reached at president@ycomp.org or 339-364-8459.

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Section Six: Other

Fundraising In order to help garner funds to benefit your composting program, here are some ideas to help raise money for YCOMP to help benefit your school: Sell Equal Exchange Coffee and Tea Products (composting coffee grinds helps produce great quality compost!) 40% of the proceeds of the purchases will go directly to your school, with no money going directly towards YCOMP as an organization. Email president@ycomp.org to get catalogs and order forms. Make purchases through ycomp.org of composting-related items on greenfundraiser.com! A portion of the profits (30-40%) will go straight to your school if you send us receipts of the items you ordered! Please use this link: http://www.greenfundraiserstore.com/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.bro wse&category_id=24&Itemid=133&vmcchk=1&Itemid=133 Sell flowers and gardening-related items to help encourage composting! Any typical fundraising ideas (from bake sales to car washes to raffles) will work to help improve the environmentally sustainable practices of your community!

Publicity Use YCOMP Resources to publicize your efforts: Post on the YCOMP Facebook page facebook.com/ycomp Tag SharonYCOMP on Twitter E-mail an update to president@ycomp.org to be posted on ycomp.org Use the posters and informational pamphlets on ycomp.org Get articles and interviews from local newspapers Get a press release posted through your school Take a video of your efforts and post in on YouTube. E-mail president@ycomp.org to get it posted on the YCOMP YouTube account Write an article for our monthly newsletter. E-mail president@ycomp.org

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Section Seven: Thanks

We would like to especially thank Kathi Mirza and Ann McGovern of the MassDEP for advising YCOMP in the creation of this manual and for their support of YCOMPs efforts.

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Section Eight: Appendix A

Institutional Notification Form __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Notification Form Conditionally Exempt Composting Operations Industrial, Commercial or Institutional Sites and Zoos Instructions: This notification form is for composting operations located at an industrial, commercial or institutional site or zoo which compost, pursuant to 310 CMR 16.05(4)(d), less than four cubic yards or less than two tons per week of vegetative materials, food materials or animal manures that are generated on-site. This notice must be filed at least 30 days prior to commencement of operations by the operator with the MassDEP Regional Office where the operation is located and with the local Board of Health. Complete text of the regulation can be found at: http://www.mass.gov/dep/service/regulations/310cmr16.pdf Date: Name of Site: Address: City/Town: Contact Name: Zip Code: Phone (___) 20 | P a g e
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Contact Email: ________________________________________________________________________ Type and Quantities of Materials to be composted. Check all that apply and include volume (cubic yards or tonnage composted per week): Material Vegetative Food Manure Bulking Material Other Quantity Description of Materials _______________ _________________ ________________ ______________________ ______________________

Description of Composting Operation. Please provide a description of the composting operation including schedule for turning/mixing the compost; procedures to prevent nuisance conditions (odors, dust and vectors); measures to prevent unpermitted discharges (storm water runoff) to nearby resource areas (wetlands waterways); and end use of the compost. Site Sketch: Please attach a sketch showing the location of the compost site. An aerial photograph (or a satellite image from the web) is recommended for this purpose, but not required.

Signature of Applicant or Authorized Representative: Date: Submit to your local Board of Health and the MassDEP regional office for the region where your operation is located:
MassDEP, Northeast Region ATTN: Solid Waste Section Chief 205B Lowell Street Wilmington, Massachusetts 01887 Main Phone: 978-694-3200 MassDEP Southeast Region, Lakeville & Barnstable ATTN: Solid Waste Section Chief 20 Riverside Drive Lakeville, MA 02347 Main Phone: 508-946-2700 MassDEP Western Region

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ATTN: Solid Waste Section Chief 436 Dwight Street Springfield, MA 01103 Main Phone: 413-784-1100
MassDEP Central Region ATTN: Solid Waste Section Chief 627 Main Street Worcester, Massachusetts 01608 Main Phone: 508-792-7650

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Works Cited
"Backyard or Onsite Composting." Epa.gov. United States Environmental Protection Agency, 26 July 2011. Web. 3 Sept. 2011. <http://www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/rrr/composting/backyard.htm>. "Basic Information." Epa.gov. United States Environmental Protection Agency, 26 July 2011. Web. 2 Sept. 2011. <http://www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/rrr/composting/basic.htm>. "Composting Problems." Composting101.com. Sparky Boy Enterprises, 2006. Web. 30 Sept. 2011. <http://www.composting101.com/troubleshooting.html>. Dax, Randee, Hayden A., and Daniel B. "What Is the Carbon Cycle?" Thinkquest.org. Oracle ThinkQuest Education Foundation. Web. 9 Sept. 2011. <http://library.thinkquest.org/11226/why.htm>. "Frequently Asked Questions." Thegreenteam.org. Massachusetts' Department of Environmental Protection. Web. 11 Nov. 2011. <http://www.thegreenteam.org/faq.html>. Friend, Duane, Holly Johnson, and Martha Smith. "Building Your Compost Pile." University of Illinois. Web. 15 Sept. 2011. <http://web.extension.illinois.edu/homecompost/building.html>. "Home Composting Tips: A Guide to Composting Yard & Food Waste." Mass.gov. Massachusetts' Department of Environmental Protection. Web. 11 Nov. 2011. <http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/reduce/compos01.htm>. "The Nitrogen Cycle." 23 Feb. 2011. Web. 2 Sept. 2011. <http://users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.ultranet/BiologyPages/N/NitrogenCycle.html>. United States. State of Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection. Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection Recycling. School Composting: A Manual for Connecticut Schools. Ed. Kathy Alexander and Margaret Enkler. By Paula Coughlin. Comp. Virginia Walton. Connecticut

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Department of Environmental Protection, 2002. Web. 14 Sept. 2011. <http://www.ct.gov/dep/lib/dep/compost/compost_pdf/schmanual.pdf>.

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