58 Million tons of organic waste are landfilled every year.
Wasted food generates 58% of methane emissions at landfills.
At least $14 Billion are needed for composting infrastructure.
Composters struggle to find the right capital fit.
Capital providers don't fully understand composting.
No dedicated space for composting and capital discussions.
Compost Capital Network bridges this gap.
CCN is a network of composters, haulers, capital providers, and service and technology providers working together to build local composting capacity in the United States.
We see a future where every community has access to composting and where the economic and environmental benefits of organics recycling flow back to the places where they're generated.
We exist to expand composting infrastructure through education and capital connections.
This half-day workshop brought together haulers, composters, entrepreneurs, finance and equipment experts to dig into real-world financing options for composting in NC, with information applicable in other states. Participants gained practical tools and insights on financing options, capital readiness, equipment investment, and strategies for sustainable growth. Attendance: 33, including 6 remote.
Jorge Montezuma — Wanu Organics
Locke Raper — Self-Help Credit Union
Frank Franciosi — formerly US Composting Council Executive Director
Noel Lyons — McGill Environmental
Wittmeier & Boettger — NC DEQ
US Composting Council
Grow Your Compost Business — Bank Loan Kit, Composting Practices in the US, Finding Funds for Your Business, and MoreClosed Loop Partners — Composting Consortium
A Guide for Investment in Composting InfrastructureInstitute for Local Self-Reliance
Keep Compost Local: A Roadmap for Local Governments to Build Community Prosperity with CompostingEREF & US Composting Council
Composting State of Practice: Results from a National Operations Survey
Laurel Mountain has a deep history of success investing, developing, and operating in the environmental services sector through the independent sponsor model. We've bought more than 100 companies and created tremendous value for owners and investors alike. This came through great leadership, true entrepreneurial spirit, and treating people like family. Today, we continue our focus in the Environmental Services sector and have developed fresh strategies to meet the needs of today's changing industry. Our young entrepreneurial team brings diverse experience from their backgrounds in several industry sectors.
Our Core Strategies: (1) An independent sponsor model where we partner with business owners as they transition out or look for new ways to grow. (2) A senior subordinated debt and minority equity strategy where we give business owners another avenue for growth.
Contact: Meredith Mattson, Email
Clairvest was founded by entrepreneurs over 35 years ago with a mission to support other entrepreneurs in building strategically significant businesses. We have been investing in the environmental services sector for nearly 20 years and have made ten platform investments to date. Clairvest is flexible in how we partner – more than half of our investments have been as significant minority shareholders. We are passionate about the composting and organics sector and are actively seeking equity partnerships with businesses in this space.
Contact: Michael Castellarin Webb, Email
CompostNow is building for the long haul. We've grown into one of the most recognized platforms in the space — powered by innovative technology, standout branding, and world-class operations. Our roots run deep in a simple but urgent mission: starve landfills and rebuild healthy soil.
CompostNow is bringing together like-minded companies through strategic partnerships, investments and acquisitions across the value chain. We think in decades, act with urgency, and have a lot of fun along the way. If you share the vision, we'd love to explore how we can grow stronger together.
Contact: Justin Senkbeil, Email
CCN Founder
Principal Consultant & Founder at Wanu Organics. 14 years in the composting industry. Previously with Atlas Organics, LA County Sanitation Districts, NC DEQ, Smith Gardner, Peace Corps, and AmeriCorps. BS Environmental Engineering, Cal Poly. Master's Agricultural Engineering, NC State.
Energy Markets Manager at Generate Upcycle. 10 years in research, ESG strategy, climate investing. Previously with Rubicon, Michigan Climate Venture, Third Derivative, and Albertsons/EDF Climate Corps. MBA/MS Sustainable Systems, University of Michigan. BA Environmental Studies and Political Science, Tulane.
CCN Advisor
Principal, Environmental and Sustainability Law Group at Offit Kurman Law Firm. 9 years of experience with the composting industry. Contracts, litigation, financing, compliance, permitting and other legal matters.