Compost in the USA vs Australia: Challenges, Progress, and a Smarter Future

Composting is gaining momentum worldwide as industries, governments, and communities recognise its power to reduce waste and enrich soil. But when we compare composting in the USA and Australia, we see two nations tackling similar challenges—each with unique approaches and varying levels of success.

From contamination issues to the push for FOGO (Food Organics and Garden Organics) programs, both countries are working to refine their composting systems. However, the road ahead requires not just policy changes but also smarter solutions. That’s where technology, like Monty Pro, can make a game-changing impact.

Composting in the USA: A Growing Movement with Hurdles to Overcome

In the USA, composting is expanding, but it still faces significant challenges:

?? Contamination: One of the biggest obstacles is the presence of non-compostable materials—plastic, glass, and other contaminants—making it harder for facilities to produce high-quality compost.

?? FOGO Implementation: Many cities and states are exploring FOGO programs to streamline food and garden waste collection. However, adoption varies, and scaling these programs requires education, infrastructure, and investment.

?? Patchwork Policies: Composting regulations differ across states, making it challenging to create a unified national approach.

Despite these hurdles, there’s positive momentum. Cities like San Francisco and New York have introduced mandatory composting laws, while large corporations are investing in industrial composting to meet sustainability goals.

Australia’s Composting Scene: Similar Goals, Different Landscape

Australia shares many of the USA’s composting challenges—contamination and inconsistent regulations being top concerns. However, Australia has made notable progress:

? FOGO Expansion: Many councils have successfully implemented FOGO programs, with a national goal of diverting 80% of organic waste from landfill by 2030.

? Policy Support: States like Victoria and New South Wales have introduced stronger mandates to improve composting infrastructure.

? Circular Economy Approach: There’s a growing emphasis on treating organic waste as a valuable resource rather than just waste.

While Australia has seen more widespread FOGO adoption than the USA, both countries are grappling with contamination and the need for better monitoring and education.

How Monty Pro Helps Solve These Challenges

One of the key barriers to successful composting—whether in the USA or Australia—is quality control. Contamination leads to lower-grade compost, inefficiencies, and increased costs for industrial composters.

This is where Monty Pro, our low-cost industrial compost monitor, steps in as a game-changing solution. By providing real-time data on compost conditions, Monty Pro helps facilities:

?? Reduce contamination risks by ensuring proper temperature and moisture conditions, preventing improper decomposition

?? Improve efficiency by offering instant insights, reducing the need for manual monitoring

?? Lower operational costs by optimising processing time and minimising waste

With better monitoring, better composting becomes possible—and that’s a win for businesses, governments, and the environment.

The Future of Composting: A Shared Responsibility

Both the USA and Australia are on a journey toward better composting systems, and technology will play a crucial role in getting us there. By integrating smart solutions like Monty Pro, composters can overcome contamination challenges, streamline FOGO programs, and create high-quality compost at scale.

The question now is: How can we accelerate this change? Whether you're in the USA or Australia, composting success depends on collaboration— between industries, policymakers, and innovators.

If you're interested in learning more about how Monty Pro can transform your composting operations, reach out to: [email protected]