News just out about a Good Housekeeping-kind of Seal of Approval for compost.  The US Composting Council created and managed the Seal of Testing Assurance established standards...
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The US Composting Council Introduces
the Consumer Compost Use Program

Look for the logos!



What's the easiest and best way to find quality compost, perfectly suited for your gardening needs? The US Composting Council thinks that the new Consumer Compost Use Program answers this question! Just look for these logos on compost producer's packages, websites and literature to assure that you get compost that has been tested at certified labs and certified as effective for the uses listed.

The Consumer Compost Use Program will require compost producers that participate in the STA Program to link the analytical data to 3 compost use classifications. They are:
Trees & Shrubs
Flower & Vegetable Gardens
Lawn
Each compost use classification will be represented by easily interpreted icons that reflect the use (or uses) of the compost product. USCC President, Frank Franciosi, said, "We now have an easy way for the homeowner to identify quality compost products that can be applied to their specific gardening needs."

The Consumer Compost Use Program takes the USCC's Seal of Testing Assurance Program (STA) to the next level, and to the retail consumer, in an easy to understand format. The USCC created and has managed the STA Program since 2000. The STA Program is a compost testing, labeling and information disclosure program whereby compost producers must test their compost anywhere from quarterly to monthly, based on production tonnage. The compost test suite, arrived at through a consensus process that included the leading compost research scientists and industry experts from across the US, includes chemical, physical and biological compost tests. It also includes EPA testing for health and safety standards (pathogens and metals). The results, along with feedstock information and specific compost use directions, are required to be disseminated to all prospects and customers.

Ten years of STA data and compost use research led to the development of the new Consumer Compost Use Program and standards. Compost can be purchased at landscape supply centers, nurseries and building supply centers in bulk or packages around the country.The use of STA compost will help consumers easily and confidently purchase the right compost for all of their gardening needs!

Please visit the US Composting Council's website at www.compostingcouncil.org, for more information on the Consumer Compost Use Program, a list of STA compost producers and all issues related to compost.