Why spend money on potting soil, fertilizers and other items for your garden when you can make your own for free, by composting waste you already have?

Turn your scraps into rich soil for planting. This is a great way to recycle your fruit and vegetables scraps, coffee grounds, egg shells, grass clippings, leaves and more. Composting your food waste will reduce waste, your cost for disposal and also save valuable landfill space.The Monroe County Municipal Waste Management Authority is offering three composting classes this year. They will be held the second Saturday of the month, June, September and October. Classes will start at 9 a.m. and last approximately 1½ hours. The classes are free and composter bins will be available to purchase at cost.One winner will receive a free backyard composter. All classes will be held at the facility in Blakeslee, and a certified master gardener will be teaching the classes. In order to participate, you must register with the Monroe County Waste Authority. Classes are limited to 20 people.For more information or to register, visit

www.thewasteauthority.com, email

cparks@thewasteauthority.com or call 570-643-6100.