Composting
Composting is nature’s way of recycling. By utilizing the natural process of decomposition, organic materials often considered “waste,” such as grass clippings, food scraps, autumn leaves and even paper, can be recycled back into a rich soil conditioner. Through this transition, soil organisms, many of which are too small to see, break down the organic material in a compost pile so that valuable plant nutrients can be released for future generations of plants to use. Composting helps you reduce your waste stream, it improves the health of your gardens, and most of all its easy to do and enjoyable.
Classes
This workshop thoroughly covers the importance of composting, setting up a compost pile, proper maintenance and ways of using finished compost. Participants will receive an Earth Machine Compost Bin with attendance. This bin, approved across the state as an ideal bin for urban and suburban areas, has an eighty-gallon capacity.
PRC West Backyard Composting Classes (Southwestern PA)
This summer PRC's BYC workshops are back by popular demand! We have a few workshops coming up in some new locations and one "troubleshooting" workshop open to those of you who have been composting for while and need a refresher!!
June 21st (Saturday) Homewood Gardens, Squirrel Hill
This workshop is open to beginners seeking a compost bin and those who are already composting and need some trouble shooting assistance!
Time: 11am - 1pm
Cost: $40 Single/$50 Couple/$15 No Compost Bin, Just Lecture
June 24th (Tuesday) WYEP Community Broadcast Center, South Side
Time:6pm - 7:45pm
Cost: $40 Single/$50 Couple
WYEP and PRC Members Recieve a $5 Discount! Participants may also participate in a tour of the WYEP Community Broadcast Center, the "first green station in the nation"!
August 9th (Saturday) Boyd Community Center, O'Hara Township
Time: 11am - 1pm
Cost: $40 Single/$50 Couple
For more information or to sign up contact Erika Ninos at
(412) 488-7490 ext. 325.
PRC East Backyard Composting Classes
(held at PRC Office at 3606 Providence Road, Newtown Square unless otherwise indicated)
PRC Office
Monday, April 28th 7:00 PM
Whole Foods Market, Devon
Thursday, May 5th 7:00 PM
PRC Office
Thursday, May 22nd 7:00 PM
PRC Office
Monday, June 23rd 7:00 PM
PRC Office
Thursday, July 17th 7:00 PM
PRC Office
Tuesday, August 19th 7:00 PM
For more information or to sign up contact Barley Van Clief at
(610) 353-1555 ext. 221
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Worm Composting
“ All the fertile areas of this planet have at least once passed through the bodies of earthworms.” -- Charles Darwin
Worm composting or vermicomposting ("Vermi" is Latin for "worm.") is an effective way to recycle both food and paper waste. According to the EPA, approximately 10% of the waste stream is food and over 38% of the waste stream is paper. These materials can be removed from the waste stream and used as resources, specifically food and bedding, for a worm bin. Not only is vermicomposting valuable in reducing the waste stream, it also produces two highly marketable products: worms and castings. Red worms are marketable within the fishing industry and worm castings are for sale in many lawn and garden centers as a rich, organic soil fertilizer.
Worm your way into composting with one of nature’s most efficient recyclers, the lowly earthworm. Worm composting is an easy way to recycle organic kitchen waste and turn it into valuable and nutrient-rich soil fertilizer.
Classes
Learn about the benefits of composting with worms. It’s easy, fun, odorless and produces a great soil additive! Class participants will learn how to house, feed, harvest and care for their own worms. Be prepared to roll-up your sleeves and make your own worm composting bin! Each participant or couple will be provided with a bin, instructions, and worms. You will go home with a complete, ready to use vermiculture system!
Cost:
Contact us for details
PRC West Vermicomposting Composting Classes (Southwestern PA)
June 28th (Saturday) Boyd Community Center, O'Hara Township
Time: 11am - 1pm
Cost: $45 Single/$55 Couple/Family
For more information or to sign up contact Erika Ninos at
(412) 488-7490 ext. 325.
See PRC discuss the backyard and vermicomposting classes in this At Home With the Environment Segment on KDKA’s Pittsburgh Today Live.
PRC East Vermicomposting Composting Classes
(held at PRC Office at 3606 Providence Road, Newtown Square unless otherwise indicated)
PRC Office
Thursday, May 8th 7:00 PM
For more information or to sign up contact Barley Van Clief at
(610) 353-1555 ext. 221
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