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Home composting, use of natural mulches, and "letting the clips fall on the lawn," are three effective ways to reduce the yard waste sent to landfills. Master Composter education programs in two neighboring communities--Southeastern Oakland County, Michigan, and Essex County/Windsor, Ontario--are demonstrating the benefits of citizen volunteer involvement. These programs are two of a growing number that are modeled after efforts in Seattle and King County, Washington, and Toronto, Ontario. As they have matured, so have the methods of volunteers to distribute information to the public.
The use of the portable display booth has proven effective in the neighboring communities of Michigan and Ontario. The display allows Master Composters to go where people are gathered, minimizing cost and time involved in advertising special events. On a per hour basis, they provide opportunities for public education which often exceeds small group workshops and printed materials. At the right location, it is possible for two volunteers to talk to 50 people an hour.
SOUTHEASTERN OAKLAND COUNTY
The Southeastern Oakland County Resource Recovery Authority (SOCRRA), was formed in 1953 to manage solid waste from 14 cities, home to 310,000 residents north of Detroit. Recycling, composting and yard waste reduction education activities are coordinated among the cities through the SOCRRA Recycling Committee. Public works staff, recycling coordinators, and citizen representatives participate on this committee and provide a wealth of innovative ideas for public education at the municipal level.
The SOCRRA compost facility has served its municipalities with leaf composting services since 1971. Grass clippings were added in 1988, after a successful pilot project demonstrated that residents are willing...