Material Processing

At Restoration Soils, we make high-quality compost right here in Flagstaff—no imports, no junk, and no shortcuts. As the only local compost facility, we use a carefully managed process that transforms food scraps and other organic wastes into clean, nutrient-rich compost for local gardens and landscapers.

We start with organic waste from trusted local partners. These are blended with sawdust and wood chips from Northern Arizona mills to hit the right carbon-to-nitrogen ratio. We then add water and mix the materials together to create the composting environment.

The Compost Part

Our piles heat up to 140–160°F during the active composting phase. This kills weed seeds and pathogens.

  • Must reach 135°F for at least 3 days

  • Regular turning ensures airflow and microbial activity

  • No added chemicals—just time, heat, and biology

After the heating phase, compost continues to cook and cure for 4–6 months. We test every batch for:

  • Nutrient profile

  • Moisture level

  • pH and C:N ratio

This ensures stable, garden-ready compost every time.

We screen finished compost (once it has cooled to 120 degrees) through a 3/8” trommel to remove large chunks, leaving behind a soft, workable texture ideal for garden beds, landscaping, and soil mixing.

Check out what we have available on site!

Compost and Soil Mixes

All of our compost and soil based products. See price and product information.

Wood Chip Mulches

See our various wood-chip mulches. Great for ground cover and landscaping.

Rock Based Products

Boulders, recycled asphalt and concrete. Select availability for pickup.

Restoration Soils is a thermophilic composting facility located in Flagstaff. We utilize a variety organic waste streams (nitrogen) and mix with biomass (carbon) feedstocks. We mix water, carbon and nitrogen together to activate the biological processes that starts the thermophilic composting process. Our piles take about 6-8 months to go through the active compost process and transform waste products in to useful soil amendments and finished compost. We monitor the temperatures of our piles to ensure they hit minimum of 135 F for three days. Typically our windrows run from 140 to 160° .

Our protocol calls for mixing and turning regularly and ensuring adequate moisture and oxygen enters the piles. We test for nutrient content, PH level and carbon: nitrogen ratios. We screen our compost after it has cooled down to 125° with a 3/8” minus screen.

Restoration Soils does not currently accept any manure or animal waste.

Because we utilize and finish smaller batches (approximately 20 to 40 yards at a time) we do not always have compost available.

Please email us at compost@restorationsoils.com if you would like to be put on a waiting list in case we are sold out.

Thank you so much for supporting organic recycling and composting in Flagstaff.