Home Composting Program
District of Columbia residents can earn a maximum rebate of $75 on a home composting system through the Department of Public Works’ Home Composting Program. The exact amount of the rebate is determined by a sliding-scale. Rebate amount is subject to change October 1 of each year.
Worm Composting Workshop Information Below.
What is Composting?
Composting is a process whereby microbes and fungi break down organic matter into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. It is both a science and an art where you need the right mixture of nitrogen (food waste, fresh grass clippings), carbon (leaves, straw), oxygen, and water.
Vermicomposting is where worms consume fruit and vegetable scraps and create high-quality worm castings that can be added to your house plants or garden.
What are the benefits?
Composting reduces methane emissions and lowers your carbon footprint by diverting organic material from landfills. Using compost in your garden enriches soil and retains moisture.
Workshops
The workshops will last approximately 2-3 hours, and will teach you the science of composting, what can be composted at home, how to compost at home, different types of home composting systems, best management practices, and more!
Workshops are for District residents only and are first come, first serve.
-
Worm Composting Workshops
Saturday, December 7th - 10am - 12pm
Cultivate the City's H Street Farm - 910 Bladensburg Road NE, Washington, DC 20002 (inside the W.S. Jenks and Son Building)
Workshop is at capacity. Email [email protected] to get on the waitlist
Saturday, February 22nd - 10am - 12pm
Location TBA
Check back later for a sign up link.
-
Backyard Home Composting Workshops
Workshops for backyard (stationary bins and tumblers) will occur in the spring and summer. Dates will be announced later.
Rebate
To qualify for a rebate, you must attend one of the workshops offered through the program, purchase a home composting system (traditional bin, tumbler, or worm) at a store or online, and submit a complete application including receipt of the bin and proof of DC residency. Receipts must be dated after July 17, 2018.
The rebate amount will equal the cost of the system (not including tax and shipping costs) minus $25. The maximum rebate amount is $75.
Rebate Amounts
Rebate application should only be completed by individuals that have completed a workshop.
Other resources
Please check back for our online Home Composting guide - COMING SOON!.
If you would like more detailed information on home composting, you can request a free copy of Home Composting Made Easy to be mailed to you. Please email [email protected] to request a copy. Mailing address must be within the District of Columbia.
Any person engaging in home composting also has the responsibility to ensure their bin is properly maintained. If you have questions or need trouble-shooting tips, please contact DPW’s Office of Waste Diversion by emailing [email protected] or call (202) 673-6833.