Yard & Food Waste

Historically yard waste (leaves, brush, branches, etc.) has been burned in rural areas in order to remove it from the grounds. However, burning yard waste (although seemingly all natural substances) has negative effects on the air we breathe, our lakes and the environment as a whole. To learn more about the effects of open burning and to find alternatives visit the Before You Burn page.

Composting is a great alternative to burning but beware of invasive species! Invasive species CAN NOT be composted, learn which plants are invasive in Barry County and how to handle them.  Hazardous Plants


Backyard Composting
As much as 35% of household waste is made up of organic materials such as such as vegetative food scraps from the kitchen, dead houseplants, leaves, twigs, grass clippings, Flower Yard and Food Waste AdobeStock_75682298garden trimmings, and weeds. These materials can be managed in your own backyard through a composting system. Composting is a natural way to break down these materials and provide you with a rich soil enhancer called compost. 

Resources:
Learn How to Compost
Michigan Organics Council - Impacts of Compost

Composting with Worms
Worms are a natural part of t
he decomposition of organic materials and can be used to manage your kitchen scraps. Setting up and managing a worm bin is a fun and educational way to get the whole family involved in creating a healthy nutrient for plants. 

Resources:

Setting Up a Worm Bin
Worm Composting In the Classroom


Food Waste Resources:
US EPA Sustainable Food Management
Natural Resources Defense Council - Save the Food
Natural Resources Defense Council - Food Waste Issues