Success StoryThe Development of a Backyard Composting Program



The Development of a Backyard Composting Program

Author: DJ Scully

Planning Unit: Campbell County CES

Major Program: Water and Soil Quality and Conservation

Plan of Work: Environmental Management - Environmental Awareness, Education, and Action

Outcome: Long-Term Outcome

The Extension Service and Conservation District recently convened to address the issue of the emerging need for composting options. We received $10,500 in grants from the Kentucky Division of Waste Management to develop a composting education and implementation program. We purchased 600 compost bins and provided them to households at four educational events in the fall 2020 and six events in 2021 held at the Extension Office. Extension partnered with the City of Fort Thomas to provide bins at their Earth Day Celebration in Tower Park on April 29, 2022. Over 70% of participants were first-time extension users and 95% live in the highly urban Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky metro area. Surveys indicated the average household diverted about 100 lbs. of food waste and 25 gal. of yard waste from the landfill by composting. The average household made over 30 gal. of compost and used it as a soil amendment / fertilizer. Participant testimonials indicate, “I’ve always been intimidated by composting but now I’m learning so much.”   “It was good to see just how much we kept out of the landfill. Of course, there is a benefit to our gardens by enriching the soil. A neighbor did this as well and we would chat about it. It was a good community project.”  “We are excited to have nutrient rich compost to add to our garden in the spring. Great hands-on educational process for children and adults.  We definitely reduced the amount of trash we have; I have noticed that I doesn’t need to be taken out as often. I like that we are helping to reduce food waste and making a positive difference in our community.”






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