Composting is generally thought of as an environmentally-conscious waste management method. At present, the fundamental challenge composting facilities face is in properly aerating the piles. New and turned piles quickly begin to go anaerobic which can lead to pathogen growth, production of greenhouse gases and odors, and attraction of pests (vectors). Rising diesel and equipment costs have made the turning of compost the main input cost. Frequent turning also exacerbates odor and dust issues, releasing ammonium (NH₄ and methane CH₄ gases into the air, resulting in loss of valuable nutrients and organic mass. This makes for angry neighbors, numerous flies, and loss of profits.

EM•1^® is compatible with numerous types of commercial composting systems (including in-vessel systems), and can be used to effectively treat green waste, livestock waste, food waste, and most other agricultural industrial wastes that will be composted. EM•1^® can also be used at transfer stations for safe and effective odor control.