Pierce County Offering Free Composting Classes

Residents can learn how to reduce the amount of waste they produce by attending Pierce County’s free composting classes this spring. Classes will be offered on yard waste and food waste.

"These classes are a great way to learn about the two kinds of composting,” said Mary Coleman, Pierce County Public Works and Utilities environmental educator. “Whether you are a beginner or have been composting for years, the classes have something to offer you."

In the yard waste class, students will learn how to choose a bin, where to put it and how to maintain a healthy compost pile.

“Using compost in your garden and landscaping can help you improve soil quality and eliminate the need for costly chemical fertilizers,” Coleman said.

In Pierce County, food makes up a third of the waste going to the landfill. The food waste class will show students how composting with red worms reduces the amount of kitchen waste a family produces. Compost produced by worms can be added to potted plants and small landscaped areas.

“One of the easiest and most economical ways to reduce our overall waste is for residents to compost their food waste at home,” said Coleman. “Food waste composting is a great solution for people who live in apartments or have small yards.”

Food waste class attendees have the option of purchasing a starter bin and worms for $30.

Yard Waste classes

• Thursday, Feb. 28: 6-8 p.m., Environmental Services Building, 9850 64th St. W in University Place. Note: This class will be interpreted into ASL for the deaf and hard of hearing.
• Saturday, April 6: 10 a.m. to noon, Washington State University - Victoria Room, 2607 W Pioneer in Puyallup 
• Saturday, April 27: 10 a.m. to noon, East Pierce Fire and Rescue, 18421 Veterans Memorial Drive E in Bonney Lake
• Saturday, May 4: 10 a.m. to noon, Sprinker Recreation Center, 18424 C St. S in Spanaway

Food Waste classes

• Saturday, March 16: 10 a.m. to noon, Sprinker Recreation Center, Spanaway
• Saturday, March 23: 10 a.m. to noon, East Pierce Fire and Rescue, Bonney Lake 
• Tuesday, April 23: 6-8 p.m., Environmental Services Building, University Place
• Wednesday, May 15: 6-8 p.m., Washington State University - Puyallup, Victoria Room

Pre-registration is required. To register for a workshop, visit www.piercecountywa.org/composting or call 253-798-4133. The classes are taught by environmental educators from Pierce County Public Works and Utilities.

Information courtesy of Pierce County.