Interested in learning more about composting? Join Pennsylvania Resources Council in celebrating National Composting Week by taking part in a free statewide Backyard Composting webinar on Wednesday, May 10, at 6 p.m.
The 30-minute Backyard Composting “crash course” is an abridged version of PRC’s Backyard Composting class covering the basics of composting, according to a news release, including placing a bin, feeding and managing your compost setup, and determining when your compost is finished.
“National Compost Week reminds us that we can act every day to reduce our environmental impact,” PRC Executive Director Darren Spielman said in the release. “Food is the largest portion of the American waste stream by weight. Composting food scraps and yard waste reduces greenhouse gas emissions and produces a valuable resource.”
Advance registration is required for the free May 10 webinar.
“According to the EPA, an average person creates 4.4 pounds of waste each day, and much of this waste can be recycled in some fashion, including composting,” said Spielman. “PRC is proud to help Pennsylvanians become environmental stewards by teaching them how to waste less and reuse and recycle more.”
For an expanded introduction to composting, residents can register for one of PRC’s 60-minute Backyard Composting webinars or workshops. The $70 course fee includes an 82-gallon compost bin.
Registration opens for PRC weekday e-waste collections
Throughout May, PRC will collect electronics for recycling on designated weekdays in Allegheny County, including Mondays and Wednesdays in South Park.
Registration is open for the four-week collection series taking place as follows:
Mondays, May 1, 8, 15 and 22 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m; and Wednesdays, May 3, 10, 17 and 24 from noon-3 p.m.
Participants must register in advance online or by calling 412-488-7490, ext. 1.
For a $5 participant fee, individuals can drop off unlimited cell or home phones, computer towers and peripheral equipment (keyboards, laptops, mice, etc.), video game consoles, and DVD players.
For a fee, individuals can drop off televisions, computer monitors and printers on the following schedule: all computer monitors (flat screen & CRT) for $20 each, televisions for $30 each, console or rear-projection TVs for $40 each, and printers for $5 each.
The $5 participant fee will be waived if an individual pays for disposal of TV, tires or other materials listed in the fee section.
PRC officials urge residents to sign up fast as last year the events sold out.
For weekday collection details, visit the PRC site.
This 2023 PRC weekday e-waste collection campaign is sponsored by Allegheny County Health Department and Allegheny County Parks Department.
Helen is a copy editor at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, but she's currently on strike. Contact her at hfallon@unionprogress.com.