1. Backyard Composting and
Universal Recycling Q&A
Master Composters: Connor Magnuson, Elaine Nordmayer
Universal Recycling Specialists: Celia Riechel, Lily Myers
Host: Carl Diethelm, Rutland County Solid Waste District

2. Community Agreement
1. One diva, one mic, all ears
2. Move up, move up
3. No one knows everything, but together we know a lot
4. Remember why we’re here

4. Why Should I Compost? -- The Benefits
Economic: Avoid some charges for pay as
you throw trash and future hauling fees.
Environmental: Reduce strain on Vermont’s
landfill, and your Climate change impact
Health: Grow stronger, bountiful, more
nutritious plants with your compost.

5. Composting Basics
1. Collect materials- find greens and browns (Nitrogen vs. Carbon)
2. Select a container- Do-It-Yourself or purchase convenient bins
3. Choose a location- moisture, odor, and aesthetics matter
4. Build a pile- alternate greens and browns, wet and dry
5. Let it decompose- for a few months or more
6. Put it in your garden!

9. Kitchen Scrapper Soil Saver

11. Questions?
Act 148 Compliance
● When will there be an option to have my
food scraps taken away?
● Can I take and compost my neighbors’
food scraps?
● Will compost from facilities be for sale?
● Will other public locations than transfer
stations will allow food scrap drop-off?
● How can I get a job at a compost facility?
● How much will composting reduce
Vermont’s carbon foodprint?
● What should I avoid putting in a compost
pile?
● Rodents are still coming around my
rodent-proof bin. How do I deter them?
● I didn’t put my socks in the pile, but it
smells like stinky feet… Why?
● Can I get any heat or energy for my home
from my food scraps?
● How much will composting reduce my
carbon foodprint?
Backyard Composting