♻️ Compost Heroes Certified and Ready to Transform Waste ♻️ 

This month, we’re celebrating the newly certified compost operators I had the privilege of teaching at the NMED Compost Facility Operator Certification Course (NMRC). These individuals are now equipped with the tools and knowledge to tackle one of our communities’ most pressing challenges—waste management—by turning it into something transformative: high-quality compost.

During the course, we broke down the nuts and bolts of compost quality—what makes it effective, safe, and sustainable—and how it directly impacts the way communities manage waste streams. From persistent herbicides to animal mortality composting, these operators are now empowered to create nutrient-rich compost that not only improves soil health but also reduces landfill burdens and mitigates environmental risks.

One memorable moment came when a participant approached me after class and said, “I’ve been doing this for 28 years, and today you taught this old dog some new ways to think about things.” For me, that was the ultimate affirmation of the work we’re doing—sparking new ideas and building capacity for change at the community level.

These newly certified compost heroes are ready to make a difference in communities across New Mexico. Whether it’s improving soil for local agriculture or creating more sustainable waste systems, their work is laying the groundwork for a healthier future.

Here’s to the folks getting their hands dirty for cleaner, greener communities!

Learn more about composting at home →