Learn how to create a worm composting system to recycle food waste, produce rich organic castings (compost) for the garden, cultivate fish bait, and potentially reduce your garbage bill. This course will teach you how to setup and maintain a worm bin.

This class is recommended for ages 6 to adult. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

This course is taught by Environmental Educators with the Pierce County Solid Waste Division, a division of Public Works and Utilities.

Why Compost?

• Compost enriches the soil by returning organic matter to it in a useable form
• It improves the health of the soil by increasing its water-holding capacity, strengthening its structure, and making nutrients more available.
• Healthier soil means healthier plants.
• Most people use compost in their gardens, but it's also great for trees, shrubs, flowers and household.

There are two options:

• $30 class (includes instruction, compost bin & 1 # of worms)
  
  
• Free (instruction only, no compost bin or worms provided)

• A pre-drilled 14-gallon plastic worm bin with top (see photo)
• Instruction for setting up and maintaining a worm bin
• One pound of red wriggler worms
• Composting reference materials
• A certificate of completion

• You must enroll to reserve space.
• After you enroll, we will send you a letter and confirmation form to submit with payment.
• You are not registered until payment is received with the confirmation form.
• Registration is limited to the first 30 confirmation forms returned.
• After the class is full, we will offer you the option of being placed on a waiting list, registration in the next available composting class, or a refund.

• This class provides instruction for setting up and maintaining a worm bin and a certificate of completion. No worm bin, reference materials or worms are provided.
• You must enroll to reserve space.
• Once you enroll, we will send you a letter and confirmation form.
• You are not registered for the class until you complete and return the confirmation form to our office.
• Registration is limited to the first 30 confirmation forms returned.
• After the class is full, we will offer you the option of being placed on a waiting list, registration in the next available composting class, or a refund.
• You may bring a guest free of charge. Guests will receive instruction only. You must enroll the guest to reserve a space.

• One guest may attend per registered student.
• Minimum age per guest is 6-years old and must be accompanied by an adult.
• There is no charge for the guest to attend, but enrollment is required to reserve space.
• You MUST enroll the guest when you register. Classes are very popular and fill quickly, and there may not be sufficient space for a guest registered later.
• Each guest will receive instruction for setting up and maintaining a worm bin and a certificate of completion.

Refund:

• The registration fee is fully refundable if you cancel at least six (6) business days before the class. Contact us by phone at (253) 798-2179 or by e-mail at pcsolidwaste@co.pierce.wa.us.
• Registrants who do not attend and fail to cancel are subject to the complete fee. Refunds may take 3-4 weeks to process.

Cancellation:

The Pierce County Solid Waste Division reserves the right to cancel or reschedule a workshop in the event of insufficient enrollment or unforeseen circumstances. You will be notified six (6) before your scheduled session, and we will either reschedule or refund your registration fee, if any.

• The compost bin currently provided is a 14-gallon pre-drilled plastic bin with lid.
• Dimensions are approximately 12 inches (height) x 23 inches (width) by
  14 1/2 inches (depth).
• We reserve the right to substitute a bin of equal quality.

If you have any questions, please contact us:

Pierce County Public Works & Utilities
Solid Waste Division
9850 64th Street West
University Place, WA 98467-1078
(253) 798-2179
e-mail: pcsolidwaste@co.pierce.wa.us

Office Hours:
Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed all legal holidays.