Updated May 14th, 2024
Get started composting
Cut your waste and feed your garden by creating a compost area at home. To get started, all you need is a little know-how and a space big enough for a container or bin.
Why compost?
Organic waste, such as food and yard waste, make 25% to 50% of what people throw away. While you may not be able to compost all of the organic waste you generate, composting can significantly cut down on your overall trash.
- Applying compost to your soil makes for happy plants and a better time tending your garden.
- Composting can help conserve many resources, including water, energy and even money.
- Compositing also reduces the large amount of garbage that is sent to landfills, which pollute the air.
- Composting can be used as a direct substitute for chemical fertilizers.
Get going
Download this composting guide to learn more and help you get started at home today. For those who want a deeper dive into composting, register for Compost Kitchen on July 11 at Possum Creek MetroPark. This free, two-part series is in partnership with Montgomery County Environmental Services and covers everything you need to know to start composting. Explore soil ecology, compost-centric gardening and waste-management practices. Those who complete both sessions will receive a free composter. Register here.
Hear from some of our dedicated volunteers about their at-home compost arrangements:
In addition to teaching others how to compost, MetroParks composts at its facilities. See examples below:
MetroParks also commits to hosting waste-free events, such as the Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience and Bike to Work Day Pancake Breakfast.
Learn more ways to be sustainable at home by visiting https://www.metroparks.org/make-a-difference/take-action/at-home/.
Need a little extra help?
Thanks to Waste-Free Dayton and GoZERO Services, the 2nd Street Market offers composting for those who register on Waste-Free Dayton’s website. This is an option perfect for those who have limited space in their homes and want to help eliminate food waste. Waste-Free Dayton offers this program for free, but donations are encouraged. Sign up and learn more.
