Fight Waste and Pollution by Composting; Free Classes Offered

November 3, 2009 – Fall is upon us again. Leaves have turned color and are falling rapidly. Cabarrus County residents can learn how to turn this “waste” into a valuable lawn and garden nutrient — right in your backyard. Cabarrus County Solid Waste Department is offering free backyard composting classes to help county residents manage yard waste and kitchen scraps responsibly and use them to build healthier soil. Participants will learn how to enrich the clay soil in your yard and garden with compost. The class also teaches residents how to compost properly to save time, energy, and keep odors and animals at bay.

“Composting is a great benefit to lawn and garden. Compost is a wonderful natural fertilizer, it helps retain moisture, and has even been shown to reduce the number of weeds in a garden.” said Pete Pasterz, Cabarrus County waste reduction coordinator. “About one–third of household trash is compostable; if landfilled, this organic waste causes methane to form, which is more potent than carbon dioxide as a climate warming gas.”

Cabarrus residents can participate in one of two classes offered this fall. Classes will be held Saturday, November 14 from 9:30 until 11:30 am and Thursday, November 19 from 6 until 8 pm. There will be refreshments and door prizes. All participants will take home a wire compost bin and composting guide.

Space is limited. To reserve a spot, email at papasterz@cabarruscounty.us or call Pasterz at 704-920-3280.