By Riverside County
Contributed
Looking for a safe, socially-distanced way to learn how to create a soil amendment that’s great for gardens? On Saturday, Oct. 3, the Riverside County Department of Waste Resources will host free virtual backyard composting and vermicomposting classes that can be accessed on any computer, tablet or smartphone.
Learn how to recycle organic resources such as yard trimmings, as well as fruit and vegetable waste into a dark, crumbly, sweet-smelling soil conditioner.
The first virtual class will teach residents how compost can be used to enrich the soil in gardens, lawns and house plants. Instead of putting organic waste into the garbage to be hauled to the landfill, learn to compost.
The free virtual backyard composting class begins at 9 a.m. and can be accessed via the sign-up link found at www.rcwaste.org/classes. Composting is nature’s way of recycling. It’s a great way to turn waste into a garden.
In composting, organic material is mixed together in a pile or bin, where literally millions of tiny microbes digest the material and turn it into a nutrient-rich soil amendment.
Following the virtual composting class, attendees can then learn how to further break down food and yard waste with help from worms through a process known as vermicomposting. The virtual vermicomposting class will begin at 11 a.m. The composting and vermicomposting classes can be taken independently from one another, or attendees can choose to attend both virtual sessions.
If attendees would like to put the principles taught in the classes into practice, compost bins are available for purchase at our headquarters facility in Moreno Valley.
These bins are only available for purchase by Riverside County residents and have a limit of three per household. They are $12 each. Cash is not accepted. Purchase the bins over the phone. Bin purchase and pickup (curbside) are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to noon. For more details visit http://www.rcwaste.org/composting/bins.
The virtual classes are free and will end by 1 p.m. These programs are offered to teach residents about the ease and advantages of organic material recycling and how composting helps preserve valuable space in county landfills.
For more information, call 951-486-3200, visit www.rcwaste.org/classes or email [email protected].
