Become a Host to Compost and Reduce Your Solid Waste Output

If you are a Middlesex County resident who is concerned about the environment, now is the time to learn how to reduce waste and improve soil, right in your own backyard.

New workshops are being offered to show residents how to cut down on trash and create a natural gardening resource by composting yard waste and kitchen scraps.

Two free composting seminars are being held at the Middlesex County EARTH Center in Davidson’s Mill Pond Park, 42 Riva Ave., South Brunswick. Classes run about 2 hours
and feature an overview and explanation of two composting techniques:

Backyard Composting 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17

Vermi-Composting (using worms) 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21

Please call the Middlesex County Office of Solid Waste Management at 732-745-4170 or e-mail solidwaste@co.middlesex.nj.us to register for these free workshops.

Workshop attendees may also pick up pre-purchased compost bins at the workshops. Call the Solid Waste Office before the workshop for a list of available compost bins.

The backyard composting seminar will introduce the basics of collecting kitchen scraps and yard waste in a compost bin, and allowing the natural breakdown to create
compost, an earthy, soil-like material. If you do not have a yard of your own, you can still learn about composting and benefit from it at the second workshop, which
teaches vermi-composting. In this process, the breakdown of waste is performed by worms in a plastic container.

“I encourage residents to attend one of these informative events,” said Freeholder Kenneth Armwood, Chair of the County’s Business Development and Education Committee.

“Keeping conservation in mind today will ensure that the County remains a beautiful and healthy place to live.”

“The EARTH Center offers a host of environmental services to the County,” said Freeholder Director Ronald G. Rios. “Not only do the workshops offer knowledge on gardening,
they also help residents learn how to safely use pesticides, identify unsafe conditions in their yards, and keep their plants and soil healthy using natural methods.”

For more information on programs offered by the Middlesex County’s Cooperative Extension call 732-398-5260.

Rutgers Cooperative Extension educational programs are offered to all without regard to race, religion, color, age, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.