1. Introduction (L.F. Diaz). 2. History of composting (L.F. Diaz, M. de Bertoldi). 3. Microbiology of the composting process (H. Insam, M. de Bertoldi). 4. Factors that affect the process (L.F. Diaz, G.M. Savage). 5. Systems used in composting (L.F. Diaz, G.M. Savage, L.L. Eggerth). 6. Design of composting plants (U. de Bertoldi-Schnappinger). 7. Quality and agronomic use of compost (F. Tittarelli, G. Petruzelli, et al.). 8. Bioremediation (G.M. Savage, L.F. Diaz). 9. Pathogenic agents (R. Boehm). 10. Suppression of soil-borne phytopathogens by compost (J.D. van Elsas, J. Postma). 11. Odor emissions from composting plants (W. Bidlingmaier, J. Muesken). 12. Marketing of composts (L.L. Eggerth, L.F. Diaz, et al.).