Waukesha County Celebrates International Compost Awareness Week With Sale, Workshop

April 25, 2019
(WAUKESHA, WI) – Waukesha County encourages residents to learn more about composting during International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW) from May 5-11. To help celebrate, residents can purchase compost bins at a reduced rate and attend a free workshop on backyard composting.

“Composting is a great way to keep organic materials out of the landfill,” said Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow. “Residents and municipalities can save money by reducing the need for fertilizers and garden debris collection services. Plus, compost helps create high quality soil for gardens and lawns.”

Compost Bin Sale
Residents can save $10 on a home composter bin during the sale. The Compost Bin Sale will begin on Sunday, May 5 and ends on Saturday, May 11 at Retzer Nature Center, S14 W28167 Madison St., Waukesha. The bins will sell for $50 and have a capacity of 13 cubic feet, measuring 36” x 30” once assembled. They are made of 100% recycled plastic and feature dual slide-up doors and large locking lids. A composting book is also included.
 
Free Home Composting Workshop
Residents interested in learning more are invited to attend the free home composting workshop on Wednesday, May 9 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Retzer Nature Center, S14 W28167 Madison St., Waukesha. Attendees will learn how to create and use compost in their yards and gardens. Registration is free, but recommended before the event.

According to Wisconsin waste management specialists, almost 25% of household trash is organic material that can be composted. Composting also improves water quality by helping soil hold moisture and reducing water runoff. Composting leaves and yard waste can reduce phosphorus reaching our lakes and rivers by 60%, which reduces weed growth and harmful algae blooms. Composting also helps to grow healthy plants and encourages biodiversity.

About Waukesha County Recycling
For more information about composting and recycling, visit www.waukeshacounty.gov/recycling or call 262-896-8300. Like Waukesha County Recycles on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and use the hashtag #ICAW2019 to learn more.
 
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