Free composting class in St. Joseph on May 5 and 19

By Region D Recycling & Solid Waste Management District
Submitted to Corner Post

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — A free composting class for residents of Andrew, Buchanan, Clinton, and DeKalb Counties will be offered on two different dates in May to educate people on the process and benefits of composting at home.

Todd Higgins, a horticulture specialist with MU Extension-Buchanan County, will teach the introductory class May 5 from 2-4 pm and May 19 from 6-8 pm at the MU Extension Office, located at 4125 Mitchell Ave.

Participants will learn how to recycle fruit and vegetable scraps, leaves, and plant cuttings into compost with a backyard compost bin. Composting is a beneficial practice that helps keep food waste out of the landfill and provides a nutrient-rich soil amendment for gardens. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), more food reaches landfills than any other single material in everyday trash, constituting 24 percent of municipal solid waste. It is estimated that only 4 percent of the over 63 million tons of food waste generated in the commercial, institutional, and residential sectors in 2018 was managed through composting.

“Attendees will learn how they can benefit from composting their organic waste and the environmental benefits of less kitchen scraps entering the landfill,” Higgins said.

Those interested must sign up for the class online at https://rg.gy/ku85ek, call the Region D office at 816-393-5250, or email regiond@regiondrecycling.com. A minimum of 10 participants is required and the maximum class size is 25.

This educational opportunity is sponsored by Region D Recycling and Solid Waste Management District (SWMD).

Formed under Senate Bill 530 to reduce the amount of trash disposed of in landfills, Region D Recycling and SWMD was officially recognized by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) in February 1992 and consists of Andrew, Buchanan, Clinton, and DeKalb counties in Northwest Missouri. The Region has a 2020 Census population of 135,141 and covers an area of 1,700 square miles. For more information call Hayley Howard at 816-393-5250 or visit www.regiondrecycling.com to learn more about the region’s recycling services.