Composting to Reduce Waste

Issue:
Over 20% of the Maryland waste stream that enterslandfills each year is made up of yard waste. Backyard compostingcan divert a large portion of this waste while improving soil andwater quality and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.

Actions:

MCE's Master Gardener Program employs a statewide network ofactive volunteers to promote backyard composting.
Over 3,000 hours of volunteer time is spent in 13 counties andBaltimore City educating the public about backyard compostingthrough demonstrations, workshops, and classes.
Volunteers maintain 10 composting demonstration sites toprovide hands-on education to residents.
Hundreds of elementary school students learn about wormcomposting each year from dozens of Master Gardenervolunteers.

Impacts:

Tons of yard waste destined for landfills has been diverted asa result of Master Gardener composting education efforts.
Residents who learn grasscycling and composting skills from MCEhave been able to reduce the amount of purchased fertilizersapplied to lawns and gardens.

For more information, contact Robert Tjaden

Last updated: 03/10/2009