Composting
What is it?
The process of recycling organic waste, like food scraps, yard debris, and paper, into nutrient-rich soil. It reduces landfill waste, lowers methane emissions, and improves soil health. Composting supports sustainability by closing the waste loop, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers, and helping retain moisture in soil, which conserves water used in home or public gardens and landscaping.
Who’s working on it in the Tri-Cities?
- Horn Rapids Landfill – The City of Richland operates the Horn Rapids Landfill where they create and sell compost. The soil is sampled and tested according to the Seal of Testing Assurance Program of the United States Composting Council (USCC).
- Washington State University (WSU) Extension Master Gardener Program – Provide instruction on how to make your own compost.
- Beaver Bark – Sells certified and organic compost.
- Eagle Rock – Sells organic and plant compost.
- Job’s Nursery – Sells compost and provides learning events.