Composting to Reduce Waste

Issue:

Over 20% of the Maryland waste stream that enters landfills each year is made up of yard waste. Backyard composting can divert a large portion of this waste while improving soil and water quality and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.

Actions:

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

Impacts:

Tons of yard waste destined for landfills has been diverted as a result of Master Gardener composting education efforts.
Residents who learn grass cycling and composting skills from UME have been able to reduce the amount of purchased fertilizers applied to lawns and gardens.

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For more information, contact Dr Nick Place

Last updated: 11/13/2009