Wake County's Division of Solid Waste Management is partnering with Wake County Public Libraries to offer residents the chance to learn about the hows and whys of backyard composting, a simple, environmentally friendly method for disposing of organic matter at home instead of sending it to the landfill.
“Composting is an easy way to dispose of waste that's made easier with the help of our excellent staff,” said Wake County Commissioner Shinica Thomas. “Educational programming like this has many long-term benefits to our residents and our environment."
Starting this week and continuing through May, residents can attend free classes at local libraries to learn from environmental educators about what backyard composting is and how it can benefit them. In Wake County, about 41% of waste brought to the South Wake Landfill is organic waste that could be composted. In addition to reducing landfilled waste, composting provides multiple benefits such as enriching soil to improve plant health, reducing erosion, assisting in water conservation and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions.
Events will be hosted at the following Wake County libraries:
- Athens Drive Community Library – Thursday, Feb. 26, 5:30–6:30 p.m.
- Holly Springs Community Library – Wednesday, March 11, 2–3 p.m.
- Morrisville Community Library – Thursday, March 12, 3–4 p.m.
- Northeast Regional Library – Friday, March 20, 10–11 a.m.
- Cary Regional Library – Tuesday, March 24, 2:30–3:30 p.m.
- North Regional Library – Tuesday, April 21, 11 a.m.–noon
- Eva Perry Regional Library – Tuesday, May 19, 2:30–3:30 p.m.
- Virtual – Wednesday, May 20, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
All events are free, and registration is requested. To sign up, visit Wake County Public Libraries' event calendar. All who attend a class will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win a free compost bin.
Along with these classes, people can also learn about backyard composting by checking out Wake County’s online backyard composting guide.
About Wake County Solid Waste Management
The Wake County Solid Waste Management Division provides waste disposal and recycling services to residents and businesses in Wake County. The division manages 17 waste facilities including a landfill, waste transfer station, residential waste and recycling convenience centers, household hazardous waste and multi-material recycling drop-off facilities.
To learn more, visit wake.gov/recycling. Also, join the conversation on Facebook to learn about other sustainability programs and pick up tips about recycling, composting and more.
