The Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority will be hosting additional free composting classes on April 7 from 9:30-10:30am and April 11 from 6:30-7:30pm.

The class will cover what type of bin is best for you, where to locate your bin, what to put into it and what to avoid, and how to manage the bin. Troubleshooting, harvesting the compost and vermicomposting will also be covered. Workshop class participants will be able to purchase composters for $25, which usually retail at $100 or more.

Separating organic materials from the trash should be thought of as a resource, not a waste. More food reaches landfills and incinerators than any other single material in our everyday trash. Composting at home reduces the amount of material you need to put out at the curb each week. It enables you to turn vegetable and yard waste into a valuable soil conditioner for use in your backyard. Finished compost is dark and crumbly, and good for the soil. Mix it into the earth before planting flowers and vegetables or use it as mulch. It will help retain moisture, smother weeds and help prevent soil compaction.

For more information and to register for a class, visit HRRA.org/Organics-Food-Scraps. Location: 162 Whisconier Rd, Brookfield.