Calculators, eyeglasses and compost

What do you do with your old batteries from your remote control or calculators?
A friend at work tossed a pair of computer speakers in her trash can and the janitor retrieved them. He knew that electronic waste cannot be disposed of in the weekly garbage pickup.
The answers to these questions and more were provided to me and other Solano County residents on April 12 by Jane Bogner. VALCORE sponsored a community recycling event that morning in Vacaville and in Suisun Valley in the afternoon.
Jane began her presentation by holding up The Yellow Pages. As I sat outside on a lovely spring afternoon, I wondered to myself what a telephone book had to do with a recycling presentation.
Little did I know that there is a comprehensive Solano County Recycle Guide in the Yellow Pages. The Recycle Guide is extensive. You can learn where to take your used cooking oil and/or motor oil. There is information on how to recycle tires as well. What do you do with your old eyeglasses? Instead of disposing of them in the garbage, the Recycle Guide will give you a list of retailers who accept used eye glasses.
Spring starts the remodel process for so many homeowners. The Recycle Guide will tell you where to take demolition material from your projects instead of the landfill.
Some of the key information for the Recycle Guide is also in Spanish.
Jane has been presenting recycling workshops for many years and I have attended several of them. I am never surprised at what new information I learn from her.
California is required by legislation to reduce the volume of trash it sends to our landfills. All of us with lawns can do our part by recycling our grass clippings. Leaving grass clippings on the lawn is effortless and places nutrients back into the soil.
If anyone can get you excited about composting, Jane Bogner is your woman. Jane wants everyone to enjoy the benefits of composting and she is committed to make it easy, convenient and economical for you to participate.
Buying a compost bin is not required. Jane showed us how you can make your own compost pile. Her explanation of the requirements for a successful compost pile did not require a science degree to understand. She explained the basics of brown and green ingredients and how often to turn the compost pile. The more you turn the pile, the quicker you will have compost for your garden.
VALCORE has pamphlets which go into great detail on how to compost. You can telephone the composting hotline at 707-55-EARTH or go online to http://www.recycle-guide.com for more information.
The difference between making your own “black gold” and buying manufactured compost is like growing your own tomatoes or buying the ones in the grocery store that are tough and tasteless. It is definitely worth the effort and besides being great for the environment; there is nothing better for your garden than homemade compost.
Unfortunately, compost bins are not for everyone. If you live in a condo and only have a balcony, do not despair. Worm bins are the answer.
Jane brought a worm bin to the workshop and I was surprised at how much compost the worms actually make. Earthworms compost kitchen waste (banana peels, tea bags, coffee grounds) and much more.
Worms do have some requirements to be able to do their job properly. Their environment needs to be kept moist (not perpetually wet) and their bedding can be shredded newspaper (not the slick advertising supplements though).
The Web site http://www.worms.com will provide you with all the information you need to get started composting with worms.
More recycling workshops will be held throughout the year. To find out how you can attend one in your area, give VALCORE a call at (707) 645-8258.
You will be surprised at how much plant material you actually throw away every day from your daily meals. The fruit that you did not have a chance to eat before it got too soft is a perfect ingredient for the compost pile. Egg shells are another great element to add to that compost pile. The list is endless. Some chain coffee shops give away their coffee grounds for your compost pile as well. All you have to do is ask them for it.
Remember to think before you throw anything in the trash. Ask yourself if it can be recycled or put in your compost pile. Being “green” is easy and a natural way of living.
--Shirl Watson