Sign Up Now For Spring Master Composter Course

Residents interested in learning about the techniques and benefits of composting may now register for the spring Master Composter Program to be held at the San Marcos Discovery Center (formerly the San Marcos Nature Center), 430 Riverside Drive.

The City of San Marcos and Bobcat Blend, a student-run composting organizations at Texas State University, have teamed up for the Master Compost Certification Program to educate and promote composting. The program is administered by the State of Texas Alliance for Recycling (S.T.A.R).

“An estimated 20-30 percent of residential trash waste can be diverted from the landfill and composted,” said Amy Kirwin, Solid Waste Coordinator. “Composted material helps with plant nutrition, soil life and soil structure- an overall benefit for a healthy lawn and garden.”

What is composting?

Composting results in humus-rich material that has a unique ability to improve the chemical balance, texture and biological characteristics of soils. Without composting, garbage thrown into landfills will increase and chemical pesticides will be active in our gardens to kill plants and microorganisms. Composting promotes plant growth with the help of bacteria, insects and worms.

What CAN be composted?

• Fruits, vegetables, egg shells, soiled paper
• What CAN NOT be composted?
• Dairy, meats, breads, fats and oils, plastic, metal or glass

Program expectations:

• $20 for textbook
• 20 hours of total classroom time
• 20 hours of volunteering within 12 months of classroom completion

Classroom Dates and Times:

• March 21, 23, 28, 30 @ 6-8:30 p.m.
• March 26 and April 2 @ 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Residents interested in signing up, or wanting more information for the Master Composter Certification should contact Amy Kirwin at 512.393.8407 or akirwin@sanmarcostx.gov.