Intro to Compost

Through this course students will learn what compost is, what it is useful for, and how to produce and measure compost. It focuses on training individuals to create and manage compost piles, then cover various practices around application. We emphasize hands-on skills that are industry-valued alongside business and job opportunities.

To learn more about this emergent industry, it’s ecosystem, and job opportunities, please dive into our Industry & Labor Market Analysis (ILMA)!

Download Syllabus

Course Format

Course Length: 32 Hours

16 hours in person on REAP’s Alameda Campus
8 hours live with the instructor online
8 hours independent, asynchronous work

Course Price $2500

Stand-alone Course: $1850

Course with Certificate: $2500

*For accessibility, many of the trainings are available on our site for free or online for free or as on-campus donation-based workshops.

Check our scholarship page for other funding opportunities.

Schedule

Next offering: March - May 2026 through the Regenerative Jobs Program Scholarship.

Want to be notified when this course is offered next? Sign up for updates with this interest form!

Module 1: Intro to the Course and the Industry

2 Lessons
- 0.0 Pre-Course Information
  
  What do I need to complete before I show up on day one?
- Module 1: Intro to the Course and the Industry
  
  1.1 Course Overview
  1.2 Industry Introduction
Module 2: Foundational Knowledge

1 Lesson
- 2.1 What is the history of this practice?
  Learning Objectives
  Origins and history of compost as a practice
  History, globally and locally of compost as an industry
Module 3: Inputs, Methods, & Equipment

1 Lesson
- Module 3: Inputs, Methods, & Equipment
  What are feedstocks and how do they impact compost production and application?
  Learning Objectives
  Overview different compost inputs and how they are handled differently.
  Explain how different feedstocks create different quality composts with unique application strengths.
  Explain how different feedstocks can be combined to get specific nutrient levels in the compost produced to support different yields.
Module 4: Monitoring, Data Collection, & Quality Control

1 Lesson
- Module 4: Monitoring, Data Collection, & Quality Control
  What are the reasons and practices for monitoring compost?
  Learning Objectives
  Explain what compost monitoring is and why you do it.
  Job Skill: Develop ability to monitor compost using specific equipment and methods.
  Job Skill: Develop the ability to record and standardize your findings.
Module 5: Compost Applications

1 Lesson
- Module 5 Compost Applications
  How do you apply compost?
  Learning Objectives
  Explain some of the different methods and equipment for applying compost.
  Provide hands-on experience in application methods.
Module 6: Policy & Industry Deep Dive

1 Lesson
- Module 6: Policy & Industry Deep Dive
Module 7: Related Emergent Industries

0 Lessons
Module 8: Opportunities & Conclusion

0 Lessons

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Intro to Compost

Course Format

Course Price $2500

Schedule

0.0 Pre-Course Information

Module 1: Intro to the Course and the Industry

2.1 What is the history of this practice?

Module 3: Inputs, Methods, & Equipment

Module 4: Monitoring, Data Collection, & Quality Control

Module 5 Compost Applications

Module 6: Policy & Industry Deep Dive