Oct. 24, 2008
Vol. 38, No. 492

For more information contact James Short or Bill Miller, Solid and Hazardous Waste Management Branch, 302-739-9403, or Joanna Wilson, Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.

DNREC Offers Free Mulch for Nominal Loading Fee at Mid-County Yard Waste Site near Bear

            Need mulch? On Saturday, Nov. 1, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., a DNREC contractor will be available to load pickup trucks and open-top trailers with free mulch for a loading fee of $10 at the DNREC/DART Mid-County Community Yard Waste at the southwest corner of Route 13 and 72 near Bear.

            Available while supplies last, the free mulch is made from processed yard waste – including cut and fallen branches, grass clippings, leaves, prunings and brush – that was dropped off at the site. Recycling yard waste saves valuable landfill space.

The mid-county site currently has an abundance of mulch that has aged sufficiently to meet the time and temperature requirements for disease and weed control and has an ideal balance of carbon and nitrogen for composting.

            Why mulch? Mulch can improve your garden in a variety of ways by:

• Controlling weeds, conserving moisture, improving water infiltration, reducing soil compaction, controlling erosion and protecting roots from freezing.
• Keeping soil at a uniform temperature and promoting the growth of garden-friendly microorganisms and earthworms.
• Acting as a slow release fertilizer as it decays.
• Acting as a blanket for soil and keeping it in an ideal condition for maximum plant growth.
• Saving time and money by reducing the need to weed, water and fertilize.

“All these benefits, and autumn is an ideal time to mulch!” said Environmental Scientist James Short of the Solid and Hazardous Waste Management Branch.