Proper attention to health and safety concerns can minimize most occupational risks while composting.
Health concerns relating to compost are dependant both on the individual and on the material being composted. While few human pathogenic organisms are found in vegetative wastes or farm animal manures, normal sanitary measures (i.e., washing hands before touching food, eyes, etc.) are important.
Some individuals may be particularly sensitive to some of the organisms in compost. The high populations of many different species of molds and fungi in an active compost process can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, though most experience no adverse reaction. Conditions that may predispose individuals to infection or an allergic response include: a weakened immune system, allergies, asthma, some medications such as antibiotics and adrenal cortical hormones, or a punctured eardrum. Workers with these conditions should not normally be assigned to a composting operation.
To minimize the risk of infection, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)-approved dust masks or respirators should be worn under dry and dusty conditions, especially when the compost is being turned. If, following these precautions, workers still develop an infection or have an allergic reaction to compost, they should consult a medical professional.
Healthy Soils, Healthy Communities is a research and education partnership with urban gardeners.
The effectiveness of inactivating pathogens through composting is generally assessed by monitoring the reduction in indicator organisms.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a wide class of long-lasting chemical compounds, "forever chemicals", that have been highlighted due to concerns for human health and agriculture.
Over 25,000 dead deer and numerous carcasses of other animals such as raccoons, coyote and fox are managed annually by the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT).
Composting involves mechanical equipment, physical labor and handling of diverse biological materials. It is usually practiced outdoors for long hours, in all types of weather. Even when composting takes place indoors the environment can be difficult for workers.
Additional Resources
- Health Impacts of Composting Air Emissions. Article published in Biocycle 48(11):44-50, 2007.
- Compost Facilities: Off-Site Air Emissions and Health. Literature review, 2007.
- Composting Safety & Health. 35p document addressing worker safety and health at composting facilities, 2016.
- Health & Safety Guidance for Composting in the School Setting. 2p illustrated fact sheet, 2005.
- Hygienic Implications of Small Scale Composting in New York State. 71p report on home compost quality, 2004.
- Health & Safety Guidance for Small Scale Composting. 2p illustrated fact sheet, 2004.
- Health & Safety Planning in Anaerobic Digestion. BioCycle 57(4):51-53, 2016
- Health & Safety Precautions. Municipal Yard Waste Composting: Operator's Fact Sheet #9 of 10 addressing compost workers, 1995, updated 2000.
- Worker Protection at Composting Sites. Biocycle 53(1):47. By Nellie Brown, 2012.
- Compost Facilities: Health Studies. Literature review, 2007.
- Composting Health Considerations. 1p discussion, 1996
- Health Impacts of Composting Air Emissions. Article published in BioCycle 48(11:44-50), 2007.
- Municipal Yard Waste Composting: Operator's fact sheet.
- Compost Air Emissions Health Studies. Literature review, 2007.
- Compost Facilities: Off-Site Air Emissions and Health. Literature review, 2007.
- Investigation of Alleged Sludge Health Incidents Associated with Land Application of Sewage Sludges. 22p article published in New Solutions 12(4):387-408, 2002
- Sewage Biosolids Land Application: Reported Health Incidents. 2p summary of health investigations and link to a matrix of locations of incidents and symptoms reported, 2007