Bowie Begins Backyard Composting Program

Bowie is encouraging residents to take up backyard composting by selling compost bins at the discounted price of $20 each, according to a news release.

The city joined with local non-profit Newspaper in Education Institute to reduce the cost of bins by negotiating a bulk purchase price and subsidizing the already reduced cost. The bins went on sale Monday.

Roughly 20 to 30 percent of the material in a typical landfill, including yard trimmings and kitchen scraps, is compostable. By promoting backyard composting, city leaders hope to reduce the trash waste stream, save money on tipping fees, and reduce energy and greenhouse gas emissions associated with putting unnecessary materials in landfills.

Compost bins can be purchased at City Hall during normal business hours and during special event days at the Bowie Farmers’ Market. Cash and check are accepted, but after 5 p.m., and on weekends, payment must be made with a check.

Residents in the incorporated city limits can purchase up to two bins per address, and the bins must be placed in backyards. For more details on the program, residents can visit the city’s composting page.

Any questions can be directed to the City’s Sustainability Planner, Kristin Larson, at klarson@cityofbowie.org or 301-809-3044.