Learn about an ongoing, innovative compost experiment at Russell Gulch Landfill Oct. 22 during Thursday’s weekly webinar hosted by University of Arizona Cooperative Extension here in Gila County. As Gila County’s Landfill and Recycling Manager Kenny Keith will explain during the free one-hour online forum, the ongoing experiment is one that should sound immediately familiar to local gardeners.
“At the most basic level - we’re composting, just as anyone can do at home with your leftover veggies, grass clippings and green yard waste,” said, Keith. “But here at Russell Gulch Landfill we’re talking about compost on a much bigger scale -- using a front-end loader to churn tons of combined green waste, treated sludge and recycled paper and thousands of gallons of water to moisturize the mixture and provide just the right environment for healthy bacteria to work their magic, resulting in a product that we’ll be able to re-use in landscaping projects this winter and next spring.”
On the job for just over a year, Keith took the reins at the county landfill after decades of experience managing solid waste at other communities across Arizona; and most recently as a faculty member and instructor at Northland Pioneer College.
Reported as front page news in the Silver Belt a few weeks ago, the compost pilot project has two main goals: to extend the life of the Gila County Landfill at Russell Gulch by producing environmentally safe and useful compost. Waste paper, cardboard and wood chips shredded from tree branches and limbs are mixed with processed sludge from community wastewater to make the compost. Turned and closely monitored over several weeks to assure the mixture reaches optimal compost temperatures, the finished compost is eventually tested for the presence of coliform bacteria, any metals or possibly even hazardous waste to assure it is safe and of a quality suitable for landscaping.
Cooperative Extension’s excellent series of free weekly online presentations are arranged and hosted by Chris Jones, Extension Agent with University of Arizona Gila County Cooperative Extension. To be added to Mr. Jones’ invite list for gardening and horticulture workshops, email ckjones@email.arizona.edu or call 928-402-8586.
Please log in up to 10 minutes prior to the webinar; you’ll find easy and convenient direct hotlinks at extension.arizona.edu/gila, where you can also view previous programs, such as ‘Winter Gardening’ and ‘Payson’s New Fire Adapted Community Code.’ Cooperative Extension’s website above has an array of links to programs, talks and resources for Rim Country gardeners. Links to this week’s webinar are also conveniently posted each week on Facebook, where you can join Chris Jones and a local network of gardeners and green-thumbed followers at facebook.com/gilaextension
Mark Your Calendar For These Webinars
