Staff Writer
CARIBOU — While the proverb ‘waste not, want not’ may as well have etymological roots in Aroostook County, some parts of popular foods are simply inedible while others — like banana peels and pepper seeds — which can technically be eaten are mostly discarded. Instead of tossing these items to the curb where they will take up unnecessary space in the landfill, the Northern Maine Development Commission (NMDC), Maine State Planning Office (MSPO) and Maine Department of Environmental Protection (MDEP) will be hosting a workshop on Thursday, June 3 outlining the organics diversion process and how to establish a composting facility.
According to a Environmental Planner at NMDC Connie Bondeson, workshop participants will learn the basics of large and small scale composting, how to conduct a waste audit at your business or facility, training needs for generators and composters, siting and operational concerns, developing markets, securing support for communities and the critical participation of waste generators.
Participants will also hear from Ron Slater of the Sandy River Recycling Association, Mark King of MDEP and Sam Morris of MSPO.
The educational workshop is free of charge and lunch will be provided but individuals interested in attending will need to RSVP to Bondeson by June 2; she can be reached at 1-800-427-8736 or through e-mail at cbondeson@nmdc.org.
The workshop will be held from 11 a.m until 1 p.m. at the NMDC building located at 11 West Presque Isle Road in Caribou.
