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.
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 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 the 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.