We wondered about that too! With this in mind, a group of UC Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners toured the City of Modesto's Compost Facility on 7001 Jennings Road.
Recently in California, there has been an emphasis on green waste collection. This was sparked from recent legislation, AB1383-short-lived climate pollutant reduction strategy--, which in simple terms is to “adopt regulations that achieve the specified targets for reducing organic waste in landfills.” Of course, there is much more to the legislation, but how does this relate to the ‘green cans?' Earlier legislation started the ball rolling, AB 939, AB341 and AB 1826 which focused more on commercial waste.
The main goal of this bill is to reduce the materials taken to our local landfills, which have ever-diminishing space. When organic materials are sent to the landfill, they create methane gas, toxic soup leachate, and hydrogen sulfide (rotten egg gas). Not only that, but homeowners are missing out on a great resource. This compostable material could be kept at home, providing environmental and gardening benefits!
Environmental benefits: Waste reduction, keeping soil fertile, improving air quality, water conservation. Gardening benefits: saves money, enriches soil, contributes to health lifestyle.
How can you benefit from using the green waste from your garden? Come learn more at our workshop. Even if you are already composting or want to learn how to best put that waste to use in your garden, come join us and see how much fun composting can be. We will also talk about vermicomposting and show you how to start your own container of green-waste-eating worms.
Registration Details:
Date: Saturday, September 9, 2023
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Where: Harvest Hall Rooms AB&C
Register: https://ucanr.edu/compost/2023
The workshop is free! However, if you'd like an 11 gallon compost bin to take home, you can make a $35 donation to our program (while supplies last). Children interested in learning about compost and worms are also welcome at this workshop!