Free compost classes and services offered by County Waste Department

The Riverside County Department of Waste Resources has several upcoming ways for residents to learn about composting.

On Saturday, April 5, the Department will be hosting a free Backyard Composting and Make Your Own Worm Bin workshop from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at the department headquarters (14310 Frederick Street, Moreno Valley, 92553). Residents will learn how to transform organic materials, like yard trimming and produce waste, into a nutrient-rich soil conditioner.

The composting instruction and demonstration will begin at 9 am. Instructors with over a decade of experience will explain how bacteria digest organic material to create compost. Low-cost compost bins are available for $18 (limit three per household). The Vermicomposting and Make Your Own Worm Bin workshop will begin at 10:00 a.m., immediately following the composting portion. Vermicomposting is the process of using worms to break down food waste. Compost produced through traditional

composting or vermicomposting helps you grow a healthy garden, lawn, or house plants, while also reducing the amount of material that goes to the landfill.

Adult county residents can purchase a worm bin kit or make their own. Pre-assembled worm bins will be available for purchase for $35 (limit one per household). Tools will be provided, but participants must bring their own materials (click here for a list of required materials). Aspiring vermicomposters will receive worms for free to jumpstart their bin.

Bins can be pre-purchased or bought on-site using Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or by calling the department at (951) 486-3200 during normal business hours.

If you want to receive more comprehensive education, the Department offers a free, virtual, self-paced Master Composter Training course, open to residents of all learning levels. Registration is required. Participants who complete the course will receive a certificate of completion.

Don’t have the time to compost yourself but want to use compost in your home? Stop by Lamb Canyon Landfill (16411 Lamb Canyon Road, Beaumont, CA 92223) or Badlands Landfill (31125 Ironwood Avenue, Moreno Valley, CA 92555) to pick up compost for free! Both facilities operate during normal operating hours, Monday through Saturday, from 6:00 am to 4:30 pm.   

All visitors must check in at the Gate Fee Booth before entering the landfill and follow landfill rules. Visitors are required to bring their own tools, such as gloves, shovels, bags, and buckets, to collect compost. Composted material is on a first-come first-served basis. Find the full list of rules here.

The Department of Waste Resources offers a variety of FREE environmental education classes and services. These programs are offered to increase awareness of waste reduction and advantages of recycling to help preserve valuable space in county landfills.

For more information, call (951) 486-3200, visit www.rcwaste.org/composting/how or email [email protected].