In 2009, the total amount of waste thrown away by American industries, businesses and homes exceeded 243 million tons. 33% of this waste, or approximately 82 million tons of waste, was recycled or composted. However, 28% of this waste was recyclable and 67% compostable. The American population does not understand the effect that mass composting could have on their lives. Mass composting has had a fundamental impact on many ecological issues, reducing approximately 42% of annual greenhouse gas emissions; by composting or recycling that same 33% of America's waste in 2009, an estimated 178 million tons of carbon dioxide were not released into the atmosphere. However, with the current state of the domestic composting industry, a viable industry is impossible. In order to create a viable composting industry with recognizable ecological and economic benefits, private composting institutions must be offered modified and nationally recognized standards; mandatory and state-issued health and safety regulations; and federal grants. Composting has probably been around since the 15th century. Until recently, the process had always been done on a small scale and used for gardens. Industrial composting facilities began operating in the late 1980s. In 1990, the US Composting Council (USCC) was founded, the only national organization dedicated to the development, growth and promotion of the composting industry. The USCC accomplishes this goal by performing compost-related research, promoting processes, establishing standards, educating professionals and the public about the benefits of composting and using compost, improving the quality of the compost product, and developing training materials for composters and markets for compost.... .. middle of paper....... "USCC Compost Rules." US Composting Council Model Compost Rules. Composting Council of the United States, nd Web. May 5, 2014..Washington State Department of Ecology, . “Guidelines for Biosolids Management in Washington State.” Washington State Department of Ecology (2000): 4-5, 9-12.Web. 2 April 2014..Appendix:USCC - US Composting CouncilMCRT - Model Compost Rule Template established by USCCFeedstock - Initial material to be compostedBiomass - Biodegradable material (see page 2)Productivity - Quantity of product returned compared to the quantity of raw material used