Composting Facility Operation

Certificate

Course Details

Course Code	SG_SCOMP_S06
Level	6
Duration	1 semester
Credits	10
Method of Delivery	Blended
Campus Locations	Sligo
Mode of Delivery	Part Time

How to Apply

How to Apply

Course Overview

This course provides compost operators, regulators of facilities and anyone interested in starting a composting facility with practical knowledge of composting, how to produce a high quality compost product and how to be compliant with all the regulations. The course was developed by Cré- Composting and Anaerobic Digestion Association of Ireland in co-operation with ATU Sligo (formerly IT Sligo) in 2007. To date, 142 people have completed this course. Attendees on the course have been Local Authority/ Environmental Protection Agency Enforcement staff, compost operators, compost facility developers and technology providers. The course allows participants to satisfy the general Environmental Protection Agency requirement for a suitably qualified and experienced facility manager to operate a licenced composting facility.

Composting Operator Training Programme Content

Definitions and Biology of Composting
Composting Process
Composting Technologies
Process Control
Potential Environmental Impacts & Environmental Management
Compliance with Regulatory Framework
Health and Safety
Facility Maintenance
Compost Uses and Marketing
Community Relations

The programme is limited to a maximum of 30 students per programme. The programme is provided and managed by the Atlantic Technological University, Sligo on behalf of Cré.

Course Details

Year 1

Semester	Module Details	Credits	Mandatory / Elective
1	Compost Facility Operations This module is designed for compost operators, regulators of facilities and anyone interested in starting a composting facility with the theoretical and practical knowledge on how to compost properly, how to produce a high quality compost product and how to be compliant with legal obligations. Learning Outcomes 1. Know how to compost properly. 2. Understand the Composting Process. 3. Describe the different Composting Technologies. 4. Monitor and control the Composting Process. 5. Mitigate Environmental Impacts and to comply with the requirements of their Environment Management System. 6. Understand and comply with the Regulatory Framework (waste licenses, waste permits, and animal by-product regulation). 7. Understand and comply with health and safety regulations. 8. Maintain a compost facility. 9. Understand market requirements for compost and identify additional market opportunities. 10. Develop good Community Relations.	10	Mandatory

Recommended Study Hours per week

The programme is delivered over 6 days, comprising three blocks of 2 days over a period of two months.

Examination and Assessment

Students are required to complete reports of site visits and other assignments and to undertake an exam at the end of the course.
Note: Where assessment on the programme involves examinations, these are held on campus or at another exam venue in the Republic of Ireland. There are typically two exam periods: January and May. Times scheduled for examinations (face to face / online exams ) are in GMT.
Students who are resident overseas and those with extenuating circumstances may apply to take examinations online with an external online invigilation service (online proctored exams), where this is available. Places are limited for this service.

On-Campus Attendance Requirement

The course comprises lectures and site visits to a large green waste composting facility (windrow technology), a small green waste composting facility and food waste composting facility (In- vessel/Animal By- Product Facility).
Note: Check programme Examination and Assessment requirements, as they may involve examinations to be taken on campus.

Download a prospectus

Undergraduate Prospectus Online, Flexible & Professional Development Prospectus

Entry Requirements

If you are interested in this programme please contact Cré by emailing Tony@cre.ie

“Broadness of speakers/items covered was excellent. Group exercises were a fantastic example of how everyone comes up with different ideas. The interaction was also an excellent way to meet and converse with others” “I now have a great insight into the composting industry in Ireland”
Katie O’Neill , Atkins Ireland Ltd.

Fees

Total Fees EU: €1950

Fees for this course are paid directly to Cré.

Further information on fees

Further Information

Start Date

January 2026

Who Should Apply?

This programme is suitable for local authority or Environmental Protection Agency enforcement staff, compost operators, compost facility developers and technology providers.