Penn State Cooperative Extension, the Butler County Department of Recycling and Waste Management, and the state Department of Environmental Protection are once again teaming up to offer composting workshops and free backyard composting bins to Butler County residents.

Why compost? Composting is the natural decomposition of organic matter. The process creates a material that is, in turn, used to condition the soil. By diverting yard and other organic household wastes from landfills, we preserve landfill space, conserve natural resources, and when compost is used in gardens, flower beds, and on lawns we save money, time and effort.

These backyard composting classes are being offered to all Butler County residents with an interest in composting and gardening, recycling yard and household organic wastes, and reducing the amount of these wastes entering landfills. Our goal is to begin composting and to provide assistance to those who are already composting.

Program participants will receive one free composting bin per household after completion of the workshop. In addition, participants will receive educational materials that will help them in their composting efforts.

The scheduled workshop sessions will be held in the lower level meeting room of the Butler County Cooperative Extension Office located in Building 10 on the grounds of Sunnyview Home in Butler Twp.

Three evening sessions have been scheduled for April 21 and 28 and May 12. The sessions will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Pre-registration is required. Space is limited to 30 participants per session. Registrants should indicate their first and second choice of dates. This will be the final opportunity for county residents to receive a composting bin as part of the current program.

Registrations are being accepted through the Butler County Extension Office. Call 724-287-4761 for a copy of the registration brochure. Registrations will be accepted by phone.

For additional information on composting, contact Butler County Extension Director Donna Zang at 724-287-4761 or Butler County Recycling and Waste Management Coordinator Sheryl Kelly at 724-284-5300.