{"id":248,"date":"2025-01-03T06:55:35","date_gmt":"2025-01-03T06:55:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dev-dug.flywheelsites.com\/?page_id=248"},"modified":"2025-05-14T20:27:54","modified_gmt":"2025-05-14T20:27:54","slug":"composting-guide","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/dug.org\/learn\/resources\/composting-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Composting Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” bg_image=”855″ bg_position=”right center” background_image_loading=”default” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”10%” bottom_padding=”4%” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” enable_gradient=”true” color_overlay=”#000000″ color_overlay_2=”rgba(0,0,0,0.15)” overlay_strength=”0.8″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” parallax_bg=”true” parallax_bg_speed=”fast” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”2\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][nectar_highlighted_text text_color=”#ffffff” scribble_color=”#d1eb2f” style=”scribble” scribble_thickness=”thin” scribble_speed=”1.3s” scribble_easing=”ease_in_out” text_direction=”default”]\n

Composting with DUG<\/h1>\n[\/nectar_highlighted_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” equal_height=”yes” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”5%” constrain_group_1=”yes” bottom_padding=”5%” top_padding_tablet=”10%” constrain_group_3=”yes” bottom_padding_tablet=”10%” top_padding_phone=”15%” constrain_group_5=”yes” bottom_padding_phone=”15%” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” sticky_content=”true” sticky_content_functionality=”css” sticky_content_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]\n

Why Compost?<\/h4>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”3\/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]\n
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Composting is a vital practice with profound benefits for both the environment and personal sustainability. At its core, composting involves the natural decomposition of organic matter into nutrient-rich soil conditioner. This process not only diverts organic waste from landfills, where it emits harmful greenhouse gasses, but also creates a valuable resource for enriching soils and supporting plant growth.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

By composting organic materials such as kitchen scraps, yard waste, and paper products, individuals can significantly reduce their ecological footprint and contribute to a more circular economy. Compost-amended soil improves soil structure, enhances moisture retention, and promotes healthy microbial activity, fostering robust plant growth and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, composting helps mitigate climate change by sequestering carbon in the soil, thereby reducing atmospheric CO2 levels. It also reduces the strain on municipal waste management systems and minimizes landfill pollution. Embracing composting as a daily practice empowers individuals to play an active role in environmental stewardship while reaping the rewards of healthier, more sustainable gardens and landscapes.<\/p>\n

DUG offers several workshops throughout the year on composting and vermicomposting, or composting with worms. Each spring, we also offer the Denver Community Composter Training Program, a ten-session training course hosted in partnership with Denver\u2019s Office of Climate Action, Sustainability & Resiliency (CASR) and Denver\u2019s Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI).[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”45″][vc_video link=”https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=-THW3-k1eQk” align=”center” css=””][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_content” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”extra-color-3″ custom_height=”1″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”5%” constrain_group_1=”yes” bottom_padding=”5%” top_padding_tablet=”10%” constrain_group_3=”yes” bottom_padding_tablet=”10%” top_padding_phone=”15%” constrain_group_5=”yes” bottom_padding_phone=”15%” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]\n

Upcoming Workshops<\/h2>\n

Ready to make your own \u2018black gold\u2019? Want to give your plants extra nutrition through the application of compost tea? Healthy soils lead to healthy food and healthy people. There are many ways to practice composting, whether by processing end-of-season plant materials in your backyard, vermicomposting with worms, or utilizing a green cart pick-up service. Learn ways to utilize composting to tread more gently on the earth.<\/p>\n

All public compost and vermicompost classes are hosted at the Compost Demonstration site at DUG\u2019s\u00a0Gove Community Garden<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0located at 1325 Colorado Blvd.\u00a0All participants must register to reserve a spot in the class. If you cannot make the class, please email us at\u00a0compost@dug.org<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0so that we can open your spot to another person.[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_raw_html css=””]JTVCZXZlbnRzJTIwc2hvd19maWx0ZXJzJTNEJTIyZmFsc2UlMjIlMjBldmVudF90eXBlcyUzRCUyMmNvbXBvc3QlMjIlMjBldmVudHMlMjBvcmRlcmJ5JTNEJTIwJTIyZXZlbnRfc3RhcnRfZGF0ZSUyMiUyMG9yZGVyJTNEJTIwJTIyQVNDJTIyJTVE[\/vc_raw_html][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”60px” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” bg_color=”#f0f0f0″ scene_position=”center” top_padding=”5%” bottom_padding=”5%” top_padding_tablet=”10%” constrain_group_3=”yes” bottom_padding_tablet=”10%” top_padding_phone=”15%” bottom_padding_phone=”15%” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”3\/5″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_video link=”https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=t6zFW8-EeQg” align=”center” css=””][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”2\/5″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]\n

More Resources<\/h3>\n