The contents of lead,cadmium and chromium in compost samples from two municipal solid waste treatment facilities were determined by FA AS and ICP-OES methods.The results were compared by parallel test,certified reference material test and recovery test.The results showed that there was no significant difference between the two methods for the determination of Ph,Cd and Cr in compost samples and standard materials,all meet the standard requirements.Compared with FAAS,ICP-OES method is more efficient and less time-consuming.The ICP-OES method is more suitable for the determination of multiple metal elements in compost samples.