Backyard Composting and Universal Recycling Q&A

Master Composters: Connor Magnuson, Elaine Nordmayer

Universal Recycling Specialists: Celia Riechel, Lily Myers

Host: Carl Diethelm, Rutland County Solid Waste District

Community Agreement

1. One diva, one mic, all ears2. Move up, move up3. No one knows everything, but together we know a lot4. Remember why we’re here

Why Should I Compost? -- The BenefitsEconomic: Avoid some charges for pay as you throw trash and future hauling fees.

Environmental: Reduce strain on Vermont’s

landfill, and your Climate change impact

Health: Grow stronger, bountiful, more

nutritious plants with your compost.

Composting Basics1. Collect materials- find greens and browns (Nitrogen vs. Carbon)

2. Select a container- Do-It-Yourself or purchase convenient bins

3. Choose a location- moisture, odor, and aesthetics matter

4. Build a pile- alternate greens and browns, wet and dry

5. Let it decompose- for a few months or more

6. Put it in your garden!

Kitchen Scrapper Soil Saver

Questions?Act 148 Compliance

● When will there be an option to have my food scraps taken away?

● Can I take and compost my neighbors’ food scraps?

● Will compost from facilities be for sale?● Will other public locations than transfer

stations will allow food scrap drop-off?● How can I get a job at a compost facility?● How much will composting reduce

Vermont’s carbon foodprint?

● What should I avoid putting in a compost pile?

● Rodents are still coming around my rodent-proof bin. How do I deter them?

● I didn’t put my socks in the pile, but it smells like stinky feet… Why?

● Can I get any heat or energy for my home from my food scraps?

● How much will composting reduce my carbon foodprint?

Backyard Composting