In recognition of the International Compost Awareness Week (May 6–12), staff from the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC), a not-for-profit intergovernmental agency compromised of 23 municipalities in northern Cook County, recently built a composting demonstration system at its Glenview Transfer Station. Several types of backyard bins are featured for educators and residents to learn the science behind mixing yard waste, such as leaves, grass and small twigs, with acceptable food scraps to make a nutrient-rich soil amendment for lawns, gardens, flowers, and plants. SWANCC is partnering with the University of Illinois Extension Master Composters, organized by Arlington Heights resident Diane Bolash to teach the workshops.

Thirty residents attended the first workshop held on May 19, 2012 at SWANCC’s Glenview Transfer Station. Additional workshops during the summer include:

• Saturday, June 9, 2012 (full)
• Saturday, July 14, 2012
• Saturday, August 11, 2012

All workshops will be held at the Glenview Transfer Station, 1151 N. River Road from 12:30 – 1:30 pm. There is no fee to attend, but registration is required. To register, send an email to mary@swancc.org with the preferred date, community you live in and a cell phone number. A follow up confirmation will be sent to you with additional information and directions.

Additionally, SWANCC compiled an Eco-Landscaping Guide to highlight alternative lawn care techniques for maintaining outdoor green spaces without using synthetic chemicals. This guide presents resources to assist home owners, businesses, schools and municipalities to use alternatives to conventional lawn care methods.

For Agency program details and resources, please visit swancc.org.