WSU Extension > Kitsap County > Backyard Composting Workshops

Backyard Composting Workshops

Welcome to Hands-On Backyard Composting Education

Washington State University Kitsap Extension, in partnership with Kitsap County Solid Waste, offers this workshop series to expand community access to research-based backyard composting education. Through hands-on learning and live demonstration, participants explore four core composting methods—Active Composting, Passive Composting, Bokashi, and Vermiculture—all designed to reduce the amount of yard and food waste entering the waste stream.

About the Series 

The Backyard Composting Workshop Series empowers community members of all backgrounds to become informed, active participants in environmental stewardship by learning how to recycle like nature. Organic waste belongs back in the soil—and even better when it goes back into your soil.

Nearly one-third of the material sent to landfills is organic. In an anaerobic landfill environment, even something like a head of lettuce can take decades to break down, producing methane instead of building healthy soil. Reducing food waste is one of the most impactful steps we can take to lessen our environmental footprint. Composting is a simple but powerful action you can take to be a better steward of your resources.

Whether you are just beginning your composting journey or looking to deepen your expertise, we invite you to join us.

Each of the four workshops focuses on a specific composting method, allowing participants to build skills that fit their household, space, and sustainability goals.

Workshop Composting Events:

This workshop series will be offered twice in 2026 — to support gardeners and composters at key points in the growing season. Classes are held in person and run approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on the topic and participant engagement activities.

Currently Scheduled

April 10th

  • Bokashi Composting 5pm
  • Vermiculture Composting 7pm

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Workshop Offerings

Participants learn directly from WSU educators, WSU Master Gardeners, and local specialists who bring both technical knowledge and practical experience. Each class blends presentation, guided instruction, and hands‑on activities to create a rich, experiential learning environment.

Prior to class attendance, we have a short list of videos that should be watched. They share context for behind the scene life of compost and the impact you are having when joining this movement of stewardship.

Passive Composting

Learning Objectives:
-What passive composting is and how it differs from active (hot) composting
-How decomposition occurs –
-How to set up simple systems such as piles, bins, trenches, or sheet composting
-What materials to add (and avoid) for balanced breakdown
-How to manage moisture, airflow, and expectations for slower composting
-Troubleshooting tips to avoid common mistakes

Active Composting

Learning Objectives:
-What hot composting is and how high temperatures accelerate decomposition
-How to set up and maintain a hot compost pile, including DIY options
-Step-by-step guidance on managing the process for best results
-How to safely kill weed seeds and pathogens through proper heat management
-Troubleshooting tips to avoid common mistakes

Bokashi

What you’ll learn:
-What Bokashi composting is and how the fermentation process works
-How to set up a Bokashi system, including DIY options
-Step-by-step guidance on managing the process
-Common troubleshooting tips and how to avoid common mistakes
-How to Use Bokashi Tea

Vermiculture

Learning Objectives:
-Benefits of worm bin composting and how it differs from traditional composting. 
-Worm biology/behavior: Ideal living conditions for worms 
-How to set up a worm bin for backyard scale composting 
-Harvesting and using worm bin castings 
-Troubleshooting common issues 

Workshop Series Registration

Prior to class attendance, we recommended these materials for viewing to give our cohort of learners shared context as we discuss composting and the relationships within the soil.

Additional educational materials may be provided during the class sessions to enhance your instruction.

Registration

Workshops are free of charge for Kitsap County residents, but registration is required.

Register for a Composting Workshop

Enrollment is first‑come, first‑served and limited to 25 participants per series to ensure a high‑quality, interactive learning experience.

Participation Expectations:

This workshop series is focused on creating experiential learning through demonstration and hand’s-on activity.

Our Compost Demonstration site provided in partnership with WSU Kitsap Master Gardeners and Bremerton City Parks & Recreation.

Master Gardener Logo
City of Bremerton Parks and Recreation Logo

Located at: Blueberry Park, 737 Sylvan Way, Bremerton, WA 98310

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Wire bin compost system
Pile
3 bin

Funding for this education is provided by Kitsap County Public Works, Solid Waste Division.

Kitsap County Public Works Solid Waste Division