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. Recycle your fruit and vegetables scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells, 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 will hold a free composting class Oct. 14 for county residents. The class will start at 9 a.m. and last approximately one hour. The class is free and compost bins will be available to purchase at cost.One person will receive a free backyard composter. All classes will be held at the authority's facility in Blakeslee. 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.