Composting at Home

Did You Know...

According to the EPA, more food reaches landfills and incinerators than any other single material in the waste stream. In 2010 alone, more than 34 million tons of food waste was generated, with only 3 percent diverted from landfills and incinerators for composting. What can you do? Shop smart, cook smart...and compost!

Composting

is an easy, all-natural method of turning much of your kitchen and yard waste into a valuable landscape amendment. It's the original form of recycling! Composting conserves resources, creates less waste, and contributes to a beautiful, healthy green garden.

Free Home Composting Classes!


Everything you ever wanted to know about composting but didn't know who to ask...

Composting is a natural, simple way to decrease waste and, as a bonus, creates a product that improves the quality of your garden. But, many folks are worried that it's too complicated or will be a nuisance, and some may not have had much success in the past because they didn't know the basics of composting. We're here to help- and to make it EASY!

Our free composting classes discuss the art and science of composting and then pares it all down to a simple system that can work for your household, budget, and schedule. We host classes at our site each spring, but are happy to provide a program for any group of six or more participants, at your site or ours, any time. Please contact Annmarie Creamer for more information; 301-600-7405 or acreamer@frederickcountymd.gov.

Spring 2018 Class Dates:

  • Monday, April 30, 1 - 3pm
  • Friday, May 18, 6-8pm
  • Sunday May 20, 12:30 - 2:30pm
  • Tuesday May 22, 9-11am
Classes are held at the DSWM 9031 Reichs Ford Road site and include a facility tour. 
The program is free, but advance registration is required as space is limited.
Please sign up by calling 301-600-7405 or by sending email to acreamer@frederickcountymd.gov.

Compost Bins for Sale!


The Frederick County Department of Solid Waste Management sells Geo-Bin composters, available at wholesale pricing, year round.

Bins may be purchased at the landfill administrative office located at 9031 Reichs Ford Road, Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Each bin costs $20 (payable by check only) and comes with informative handouts on composting methods, tips, and facts.

Geobin


This model of compost bin is quick and easy to set up, but will require stakes (not included) for support and anchoring in the unit in place. The Geobin is ideal for yard waste composting, but may also be used for food waste composting. It is also an ideal "holding bin" for gathering materials to be composted later (such as fallen leaves or yard debris). This adjustable bin will hold over 14 bushels of compostable ingredients and its well-ventilated design encourages faster composting.

Geobin


If you would like to see other compost bins commercially available elsewhere (through online or local retailers), please visit our Home Composting Demonstration Area, located at the recycling drop off site at the Reichs Ford Road facilities. Here more than 10 different types of compost bins suitable for home use may be examined.