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Composting at Home
Composting
Composting is an easy, all-natural method of turning much of your yard and kitchen waste into a valuable landscape amendment. It's the original form of recycling! Composting conserves resources, creates less waste, and contributes to a beautiful, healthy green garden.
According to the EPA, more food reaches landfills and incinerators than any other single material in the waste stream. In 2010 alone, more than 34 million tons of food waste was generated, with only 3 percent diverted from landfills and incinerators for composting. What can you do? Shop smart, cook smart...and compost!
Composting is an easy, all-natural method of turning much of your yard and kitchen waste into a valuable landscape amendment. It's the original form of recycling! Composting conserves resources, creates less waste, and contributes to a beautiful, healthy green garden.
- To get started, download our handout 'Give Backyard Composting a Try'.
According to the EPA, more food reaches landfills and incinerators than any other single material in the waste stream. In 2010 alone, more than 34 million tons of food waste was generated, with only 3 percent diverted from landfills and incinerators for composting. What can you do? Shop smart, cook smart...and compost!
Compost Bins for Sale!
The Frederick County Department of Solid Waste Management sells Geo-Bin composters, available at wholesale pricing, year round.
Bins may be purchased at the landfill administrative office located at 9031 Reichs Ford Road, Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Each bin costs $20 (payable by check only) and comes with informative handouts on composting methods, tips, and facts.
Geobin
This model of compost bin is quick and easy to set up, but will require stakes (not included) for support and anchoring in the unit in place. The Geobin is ideal for yard waste composting, but may also be used for food waste composting. It is also an ideal "holding bin" for gathering materials to be composted later (such as fallen leaves or yard debris). This adjustable bin will hold over 14 bushels of compostable ingredients and its well-ventilated design encourages faster composting.
If you would like to see other compost bins commercially available elsewhere (through online or local retailers), please visit our Home Composting Demonstration Area, located at the recycling drop off site at the Reichs Ford Road facilities. Here more than 10 different types of compost bins suitable for home use may be examined.
The Frederick County Department of Solid Waste Management sells Geo-Bin composters, available at wholesale pricing, year round.
Bins may be purchased at the landfill administrative office located at 9031 Reichs Ford Road, Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Each bin costs $20 (payable by check only) and comes with informative handouts on composting methods, tips, and facts.
Geobin
This model of compost bin is quick and easy to set up, but will require stakes (not included) for support and anchoring in the unit in place. The Geobin is ideal for yard waste composting, but may also be used for food waste composting. It is also an ideal "holding bin" for gathering materials to be composted later (such as fallen leaves or yard debris). This adjustable bin will hold over 14 bushels of compostable ingredients and its well-ventilated design encourages faster composting.
If you would like to see other compost bins commercially available elsewhere (through online or local retailers), please visit our Home Composting Demonstration Area, located at the recycling drop off site at the Reichs Ford Road facilities. Here more than 10 different types of compost bins suitable for home use may be examined.
Free Home Composting Classes!
Everything you ever wanted to know about composting but didn't know who to ask...
Composting is a natural, simple way to create less waste and, as a bonus, improves the quality of your garden. But many folks are worried that it's too complicated or will cause a nuisance, and others may have not had much success with past attempts because they didn't know the basic rules for successful composting. We're here to help!
We offer free composting classes every spring. Our fun, free classes discuss the art and science of composting and boil it all down to what you need to know to create a simple system that works for your household.
Classes are held at the DSWM Reichs Ford Road facility and include a tour. The program is free, but advance registration is required as space is limited. To register, please email recycle@frederickcountymd.gov or call 301-600-2960.
2019 class dates include:
- Sunday, June 9, 12 - 2pm
- Wednesday, June 12, 9:30 - 11:30am
- Saturday, June 15, 2:30 - 4:30pm