Classes & Workshops

Our Compost Education Program offers classes and workshops for individuals throughout the year to help you succeed at composting at your home or apartment.  See the descriptions below, and visit our Events page for specific dates.

Compost Learning Collaborative training

Tuesday, Sept. 11, 5:30-6:15pm at the Compost Demo Site at the Ithaca Community Garden

Description: Become a member of the Compost Learning Collaborative (CLC) at the Ithaca Community Gardens. Learn skills to compost at the training, and meet others involved in the collaborative. New members may compost their food scraps in the designated bins at any time following the training. To register, please register online or call 607-272-2292.

Advanced Compost Series

Sat, Mar. 24, 10am-Noon at CCETC, 615 Willow Ave, Ithaca

Description: Go beyond the basics and "dig deeper" into the art and science of composting in this three-class series. Take home with some new ideas, and with a more complete understanding of how composting works. We guarantee better home composting just in time for the fall leaf season! To register, please register online or call 607-272-2292.

Fall Worm Composting Class

Sat, Oct. 20, 10am-Noon at CCETC, 615 Willow Ave, Ithaca

Description: Learn how worms can make fast, rich compost for your garden while disposing of your food scraps. Take home the bin, a starter population of worms, and the knowledge to tend to your new pets. Register early, space is limited. $10 per household. To register, please register online or call 607-272-2292.

Bokashi Composting Class

Sat, Nov. 17, 10am-Noon at CCETC, 615 Willow Ave, Ithaca

Description:This Japanese composting technique involves natural fermentation and offers a way for people to manage food scraps. The liquid produced can be used to water houseplants while the food scraps are pre-digested, and can then be composted or buried in the soil to finish. Join local bokashi enthusiasts to learn about the practice and go home with your own bokashi starter kit. Fee: $10 per household. To register, please register online or call 607-272-2292.

*CANCELED* Annual Leaf Swap and Compost Giveaway

Historically held in November between Veteran's Day and Thanksgiving

Explanation: After much deliberation, and consulting with researchers, we have decided to CANCEL our popular Leaf Swap and Compost Giveaway event. An invasive earthworm commonly called the Jumping Worm has been spreading in Tompkins County. It is spread through the transportation of soil (i.e. potted plants) and organic matter like compost and mulch. It is highly likely that these worms and their cocoons can be spread through transporting fallen leaves. Once established, the Jumping Worm alters the texture of the soil, and rapidly consumes leaf litter on the forest floor. It therefore alters the ecosystem in some undesirable ways. To learn more, and find out what you can do to help slow the spread, please visit our Invasive and Nuisance Species page.

Other Compost Classes and Workshops

• Master Composter training (application deadline in January)
• Spring Worm Compost Class (spring)

Last updated September 4, 2018