Households can compost more than a third of their waste
Want to cut your carbon footprint? Looking to feed your garden and save money on fertilizer? Wake County makes it easy to get started with backyard composting!
During the month of May, Wake County is partnering with BrandBuilders to sell up to 750 Earth Machine compost bins for just $55. That’s 50% off the retail price, and orders include a 20-page handbook explaining the ins and outs of composting.
“Backyard composting is one of the best things you can do for the environment,” Wake County Environmental Program Coordinator Sara Davarbakhsh said. “Composting feeds your plants and keeps organic waste out of the landfill. Plus, doing it in your backyard cuts down on the number of trips garbage trucks have to make.”
Orders will be accepted online through May 31, and bins will be available for pickup by appointment starting in mid-June at the North Wake Solid Waste Management Facilities, 9025 Deponie Drive, Raleigh. Appointments will be available weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Buyers will receive appointment registration information and detailed pick-up instructions in June.
In addition to the handbook that comes with each Earth Machine, Wake County has videos demonstrating how to assemble your Earth Machine and the fundamentals of composting at home.
Why compost?
Whether you’re looking to enrich your soil or take better care of the planet, there are plenty of reasons to start composting.
“Composting has always been popular with gardeners because it really helps plants to flourish,” Davarbakhsh said. “As residents have become more environmentally conscious in recent years, we’ve seen a lot more interest from people who, above all, want to help the planet and reduce their carbon footprint.”
A recent study at the South Wake Landfill showed more than one third of the waste generated by the average Wake County household could be compostable. Keeping these items out of your trashcan frees up space at the landfill and cuts down on carbon and methane emissions released when organic materials breakdown in a landfill.
Composting also reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, helps soil retain moisture, curtails the need for watering and prevents soil erosion. Plus, it’s a great way to teach your children about the nutrient cycle and natural resource conservation.
To learn more and order your bin, visit wakegov.com/compost. You do not have to live in Wake County to place an order.
About the Wake County Solid Waste Management Division
The Wake County Solid Waste Management Division provides waste disposal and recycling services to residents and businesses in Wake County. The division manages 19 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 wakegov.com/recycling.
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