City’s Solid Waste & Recycling Department Earns OMRI Listed Status for Compost Product

The City of Greensboro's Solid Waste & Recycling Department has earned OMRI Listed status for its screened compost product, marking a major milestone for the City's yard waste and organics operations. The City of Greensboro becomes the third OMRI-certified municipality in the State of North Carolina, and joins the ranks of 14 other OMRI-certified producers in the state.

The Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) determined that the City's "Compost Screened" product is approved for use in compliance with the USDA National Organic Program. The certification allows the City to market its compost product for use in certified organic operations and expands opportunities within the growing organic materials market.

"White Street Landfill Supervisor Marcus Nichols and Interim Yard Waste Crew Supervisor Dustin Gordon invested significant time and effort into the testing, documentation, and operational processes required to achieve the OMRI certification," said Solid Waste & Recycling Director Griffin Hatchell. "This achievement highlights how the City is turning yard waste into a valuable resource while supporting sustainability efforts through the production of high-quality compost suitable for organic use."

The City produces finished compost through a controlled windrow composting process that transforms yard and garden waste into a stable, nutrient-rich product suitable for organic use. Materials such as leaves, grass clippings, woody debris, and garden waste are inspected, processed, and actively managed throughout the composting cycle to maintain proper moisture, oxygen levels, and temperatures needed to reduce pathogens and weed seeds.

Following the active composting phase, the material undergoes an extended curing process before being screened to create a uniform finished product that meets OMRI standards for organic production.

The OMRI Listed designation means the City's compost product is fully approved for organic growing and may now be marketed with the official OMRI seal. The certification creates new opportunities to reach organic farmers, growers, and other buyers seeking OMRI-approved materials. This certification will also provide additional revenue for the City's Solid Waste & Recycling Operations, while further demonstrating the value of the City's yard waste and composting operations.

OMRI is a nonprofit organization that reviews products against organic standards established under the USDA National Organic Program. Products that meet those standards are eligible to carry the OMRI Listed designation. More information about OMRI is available at OMRI.org.