USCC members from the State of Florida have affiliated with the US Composting Council as an official chapter to promote the compost manufacturing industry. The Florida Composting Council (FLCC) has been organized by a group of USCC members working in the consulting, non-profit, public education and legal fields. These members are working towards a more robust organics and food waste recycling industry in the state. Officially, FLCC becomes a chapter through the affiliation of Recycle Florida Today (RFT), Florida’s state recycling organization and premier association educating recycling and environmental professionals throughout Florida from both the public, private and non-profit sectors.

“It was only natural to become a partner and share resources to expand the use of organics and, of course, the benefits for the overall environment are tremendous,” said Carmen Bruno, Hernando County, Florida, Solid Waste Operations Manager and RFT chair.

“We are excited about the Florida Composting Council Chapter and USCC affiliation to help lead Florida’s efforts in advocacy, education and member training for the goal of advancing composting and organics recycling in the state of Florida,” said Heather Armstrong, executive director for RFT.

The group, which is seeking Florida members, will educate state regulators, local officials and the public about the importance of the compost manufacturing industry to local waste management programs, jobs and business development, as well as the benefits of using compost in commercial and residential landscaping, and for storm water management, erosion control and green infrastructure. The FLCC and USCC will jointly take positions on regulations and legislation that affect the industry and the market for compost in the state.

“The USCC – and the compost industry – is most effective in states where a local and organized industry group is at the table,” said Frank Franciosi, executive director of the USCC. “RFT has long nurtured the organics industry through its organics committee and we are delighted to welcome the new chapter under its umbrella.”

“Florida is one of the top agricultural producers in the country,” said Chris Snow, vice president of corporate operations, Veransa, Inc., RFT board treasurer and co –chair of the organics recycling committee. “It makes sense that Florida would put an increased emphasis on large-scale composting, to reuse organic matter that holds water better than manufactured, chemical fertilizers, has the beneficial microbes that support plant growth and supports climate change initiatives.”

The Florida chapter becomes the fifteenth chapter of the USCC. California, Minnesota, Colorado, Virginia, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Nebraska, New Jersey, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas and North Carolina all have USCC Chapters, and a committee is operating in the Maryland-DC region.

 

 

Membership Committee
The function of this committee is to recruit new and retain existing members. The committee shall establish yearly membership goals which may include, the number of new members to be gained, number of membership renewals achieved, and a degree of services. Membership is required to solicit nominations and prepare the ballot for FLCC Board elections and other matters requiring voting by the membership.

 

Education and Outreach Committee
The function of this committee is to establish and coordinate FLCC training, conferences, seminars, educational outreach events and other meetings. All FLCC Board sponsored programs or meetings are to be approved by the committee. The committee works in collaboration with the Membership Committee to build industry relationships and encourage collaboration with other organizations. The committee will also develop and expand FLCC’s presence and influence while enhance its image and credibility inside and outside the organization. It is responsible for creating and maintaining effective communication standards, assisting the organization and its membership communicate effectively with one another and increase marketing and communications links between the FLCC and potential members, other organizations, potential partners and general public.

 

Advocacy Committee
The function of this committee is to work with policy makers, regulators and its members to advance legislation, policy and funding that enhance opportunities to increase compost production and use in Florida.

 

Marketing and Social Media Committee –
The function of this committee is to work create and post content in support of FLCC and the committees.