EAST LONGMEADOW MAKES COMPOSTING EASIER

Many of us are wondering what to do with all the leaves and yard waste we have at this time of year. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection banned disposal of leaves, yard waste and grass clippings because it is more environmentally sound to recycle them through composting than to put them in landfills or incinerators. It is also against the law to burn leaves or to dump yard waste into wetlands, streams or ponds.

Yard waste makes up an astounding 18% of typical household waste. But did you know that this material, which we tend to think of as “waste,” can be turned into an organic product that can help lawns and gardens survive droughts? Yard waste isn’t trash, it’s a resource. There are several options for managing it that are easy, good for the environment and great for your yard. You can participate in East Longmeadow’s municipal compost program, compost it in your backyard or use it as mulch around shrubs, in gardens and wooded areas.

If you would like to reduce household waste, why not try backyard composting? In addition to leaves and yard waste, you can compost fruit and vegetable scraps, tea bags, coffee grounds, egg shells, paper towels, napkins and even paper bags. Composting is easy and can eliminate half your trash. The Town of East Longmeadow makes it even easier by offering a limited number of rodent-resistant home composting bins for $20, over 50% off the retail price. This special offer is made possible through a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. To obtain a discounted compost bin, stop by the Selectmen’s office at the East Longmeadow Town Hall and they will be happy to assist you.

The compost bins help hold in heat and moisture, keep animals out, and are more attractive than open compost heaps. Organic material will turn to compost in the bins in 3 to 6 months. Compost, known as "black gold" to gardeners, replenishes nutrients in the soil, helps retain moisture, and makes plants so healthy they can overcome adverse conditions without pesticides or chemical fertilizers. Compost benefits all plants and can be used in many ways – to enrich soil, reseed lawns, mulch existing plantings and improve potting soil.

East Longmeadow Public Access will begin showing some educational information on composting on ELCAT (Channel 5) in the month of August. For more information on making and using compost, visit the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s web site, www.mass.gov/dep/recycle.