Microbiology testing of compost

With this range of testing compost and growing media's can be tested for undesirable micro-organisms such as Salmonella and E.coli.

About this testing

If the composting process is not completed properly undesirable micro-organisms can be present in the incomplete compost.  These organisms can represent a potential health hazard.

The micro-organisms that we test and report in compost and growing media's as present or absent are:

• E.coli O157
• Listeria
• Legionella
• Salmonella
• Campylobacter

The micro-organisms that we test and report in compost and growing media's as counts/gram of material:

• Faecal coliforms
• E.coli
• Salmonella
•  Campylobacter

Please request if you required a present or absent test or counts/gram test for Salmonella or Campylobacter.

Please contact one of our Client Services Managers to arrange testing.

Taking a sample

Collect 300g of representative sample by collecting 10 small hand grab samples. Use a labelled sterile jar or other resealable clean plastic bag and squeeze air from the bag. Samples should be kept chilled and sent to the lab within 24 hours of sampling. If you require sterile jars for sampling, order the 400ml STER plastic jars (order code "STER").

Compost and Growing Media samples should be sent directly to the Christchurch Laboratory