Compost Program

The City of Moscow is now offering compost free of charge to residents of the City of Moscow and Latah County. The compost is produced at the Solid Waste Processing Facility, which is operated by Latah Sanitation, Inc.

Compost Uses & Best Practices

  • Compost produced and distributed at Latah Sanitation, Inc. is safe for use on lawns, turf and as landscape mulch.
  • The compost is not recommended for use in vegetable or flower gardens. Trace residues of broadleaf herbicide may be present and potentially affect sensitive plants.
  • This compost should only be used in a manner consistent with these recommendations to avoid risks to sensitive plants.
  • Compost will be distributed to Latah County residents, free of charge, at the Latah Sanitation, Inc. Solid Waste Processing and Composting Facility located at 3299 Highway 8.

Local & Sustainable Compost Process

The compost is produced from two local feed stocks. The first being biosolids produced from the City of Moscow Waste Water Treatment Plant. The City produces approximately 4,000 tons of biosolids annually. The second is yard waste. Approximately 3,500 tons of this material is collected annually from a number of sites including; Moscow Recycling Facility, City of Potlatch, City of Genesee and self-hauled material at the Solid Waste Processing Facility.

Yard Waste

The yard waste is ground, using a large tub grinder, then blended with the biosolids at approximately 5 or 6 to1 ratio, by volume with the biosolids. The blended material is then piled in covered bays that are equipped with a controlled and sophisticated aeration system built under the concrete floor.

Aerobic & Decomposition Process

The aerobic process and decomposition process begins as air is applied to the piles. This increases the temperature of the pile, which is constantly monitored from various locations, to a point when pathogen destruction and reduction of vector attraction occurs. This process can be completed in 15 to 30 days.

Curing Piles

The piles are then moved outside to cool and cure. The curing piles are sampled and tested before the screening and distribution takes place to assure compliance of Class A material has been achieved in conformance with EPA 40 CFR 503 regulations. The Compost Facility and process is regularly inspected by regulatory agencies and the City of Moscow.