Mature Compost should be stable and

Mature Compost should be stable and free of pathogens. Research at Wood Ends Laboratory indicated that many immature types of compost are available on the market, with little or no quality testing behind them (Brinton 2004). The immature compost is less stable and may harbor pathogens. In California, commercial composters are required to meet specific regulatory requirements on the compost process itself that protect health and safety. The most important indicators of compost stability are the temperature cycles in composting process and the carbon to nitrogen content (C: N). The C: N ratio decreases as compost becomes more mature or stable (Noble 2005). Calrecylce.org has published quality standards for finish compost that can be accessed at
http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/organics/products/Quality/Needs.htm