Why Compost?
Composting is a vital practice with profound benefits for both the environment and personal sustainability. At its core, composting involves the natural decomposition of organic matter into nutrient-rich soil conditioner. This process not only diverts organic waste from landfills, where it emits harmful greenhouse gasses, but also creates a valuable resource for enriching soils and supporting plant growth.
By composting organic materials such as kitchen scraps, yard waste, and paper products, individuals can significantly reduce their ecological footprint and contribute to a more circular economy. Compost-amended soil improves soil structure, enhances moisture retention, and promotes healthy microbial activity, fostering robust plant growth and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.
Furthermore, composting helps mitigate climate change by sequestering carbon in the soil, thereby reducing atmospheric CO2 levels. It also reduces the strain on municipal waste management systems and minimizes landfill pollution. Embracing composting as a daily practice empowers individuals to play an active role in environmental stewardship while reaping the rewards of healthier, more sustainable gardens and landscapes.
DUG offers several workshops throughout the year on composting and vermicomposting, or composting with worms. Each spring, we also offer the Denver Community Composter Training Program, a ten-session training course hosted in partnership with Denver’s Office of Climate Action, Sustainability & Resiliency (CASR) and Denver’s Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI).
Upcoming Workshops
Ready to make your own ‘black gold’? Want to give your plants extra nutrition through the application of compost tea? Healthy soils lead to healthy food and healthy people. There are many ways to practice composting, whether by processing end-of-season plant materials in your backyard, vermicomposting with worms, or utilizing a green cart pick-up service. Learn ways to utilize composting to tread more gently on the earth.
All public compost and vermicompost classes are hosted at the Compost Demonstration site at DUG’s Gove Community Garden located at 1325 Colorado Blvd. All participants must register to reserve a spot in the class. If you cannot make the class, please email us at compost@dug.org so that we can open your spot to another person.
Events
Looking for organic waste collection services?
NOTICE
In January 2023, the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure began the Expanded Waste Collection Service. All Solid Waste Management customers now have weekly recycling pick-up with weekly compost service rolling out in phases throughout the City. To learn more, visit Expanded Waste Collection Services – COMPOST
For information on recycling and compost collections services for apartment complexes, restaurants, office buildings, and other businesses, visit the Waste No More Ordinance Task Force page.
In partnership with Denver’s Office of Climate Action, Sustainability & Resiliency, Denver Urban Gardens offers public composting classes during the growing season.
