BLOOMINGTON — Monroe County residents looking for a simple way to shrink their trash bills, fight climate change, and score free nutrients for their gardens can do it all at an upcoming local event.
The Monroe County Solid Waste Management District (Waste Reduction District) has announced it will host a free Compost 101 Workshop on the morning of Saturday, June 6.
The interactive session will take place in the Administration Building at the South Walnut Recycling Center at 3400 South Walnut Street in Bloomington.
Composting is often called nature’s ultimate way of recycling. By breaking down organic matter at home, residents can actively participate in a nationwide sustainability movement.
According to workshop organizers, keeping food scraps out of the garbage offers major benefits:
- Lower Trash Bills: For residents who contract with a private waste hauler, diverting heavy food waste out of the garbage can dramatically reduce total trash volume, potentially lowering monthly utility bills.
- Climate Action: When food waste rots in a compressed landfill, it produces harmful greenhouse gases. Home composting allows the material to decompose naturally, significantly reducing your carbon footprint.
- Fertile Soil: The process turns everyday kitchen scraps and yard waste into rich, fertile “black gold” soil to nourish lawns, flowerbeds, and vegetable gardens completely free of charge.
The morning session is designed to give beginners and intermediate gardeners a complete roadmap to backyard success. Attendees will learn the exact “what, where, how, and why” of managing a home compost bin effectively without attracting pests or creating odors.
In addition to the composting curriculum, the district will feature a special segment dedicated to identifying invasive plants in Southern Indiana and teaching homeowners practical, eco-friendly strategies to eradicate them from their properties.
While the workshop is entirely free to the public, registration is required to secure a seat and workshop materials.
To sign up, residents can call the Waste Reduction District directly at 812-349-2866, email epokral@mcswmd.org, or visit wastereductiondistrict.com.
