Free classes teach residents how to compost food and yard waste at home | Pierce County

Residents can learn how to compost at home by attending Pierce County’s free classes this spring.

The county will offer a food waste composting class and a yard waste composting class, along with a class that teaches both techniques in one session.

“These classes are a great way to learn about the kinds of composting you can do at home,” said Mary Coleman, Pierce County Public Works and Utilities environmental educator. “Whether you are a beginner or have been composting for years, you’ll learn something new.”

Food waste composting

This class shows how composting food scraps with red worms reduces the amount of kitchen waste a family sends to the landfill. Food waste composting is a great solution for people who live in apartments or have small yards. Compost produced by worms can be added to potted plants and small landscaped areas.

“Feed your worms instead of your trash can.” said Coleman. “You’ll have less trash to set out at the curb and the nutrients in the food scraps make wonderful compost for your plants.”

Food waste class attendees can purchase a $30 starter kit that includes a bin and worms.

Yard waste composting

In the yard waste class, students will learn how to choose a bin, where to put it and how to maintain a healthy compost pile.

“By adding compost to your garden and landscaping, you can improve soil quality and eliminate the need for costly chemical fertilizers,” Coleman said.

Food waste class schedule

May 6: 6 to 8 p.m., Nichols Community Center, 690 9th Ave., Fox Island
May 30: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Washington State University (WSU) Puyallup, Victoria Room, 2607 W Pioneer, Puyallup
June 23: 6 to 8 p.m., Washington State Soldiers Home, 1301 Orting Kapowsin Highway E, Orting

Yard waste class schedule

April 28: 6 to 8 p.m., Washington State Soldiers Home, Orting
May 20: 6 to 8 p.m., Washington State University (WSU) Puyallup, Victoria Room
May 27: 6 to 8 p.m., Nichols Community Center, Fox Island

Food and yard waste class schedule (learn both types in a single class)

May 9: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Nichols Community Center, Fox Island
May 16:* 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Ever Green Community Garden, 10118 249th St. E, Graham. *Please note: This class will be interpreted into ASL for the deaf and hard of hearing.

Register at www.piercecountywa.org/compost or call (253) 798-4133. The classes are taught by environmental educators from Pierce County Public Works and Utilities.