The Prince William County Solid Waste Division announced on Apr. 6 that it will hold a free Compost Awareness Day event on Saturday, May 9, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Prince William Compost Facility in Manassas.
The event aims to promote composting and environmental sustainability within the community by offering information sessions, facility tours, and hands-on activities related to composting and gardening.
Volunteers from the Virginia Cooperative Extension Prince William Master Gardeners will be available to answer questions about composting and gardening practices. Keep Prince William Beautiful volunteers will share opportunities for community beautification projects, while staff from the Prince William Soil and Water District and Environmental Services will provide additional resources for attendees. Monster Organics staff will discuss their food waste collection operations, with an opportunity for participants to drop off food scraps for composting.
Convertus, which operates the county’s compost manufacturing facility, will offer free compost samples during the event as well as guided tours of the facility at scheduled times throughout the morning. Other features include backyard compost bin door prize drawings, a special coupon for discounted Convertus products valid through June 10, food scrap drop-off services, and displays with information about both home-scale and commercial-scale composting.
This local initiative supports International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW), which is described as “the compost industry’s largest and most comprehensive education initiative.” The theme for ICAW in 2026 is “Compost! Feed the Soil that Feeds Us,” emphasizing how high-quality compost improves soil health and supports resilient communities by providing clean water and nutritious food.
Since October 2021, Prince William County has operated a yard waste collection program that diverts organic material—making up approximately thirteen percent of local waste—from landfills into productive use at its Compost Facility. Residents are encouraged to bring yard trimmings directly or use curbside pickup during designated months so these materials can be processed into mulch or sold as finished compost products.
Organizers invite residents of all backgrounds to attend Compost Awareness Day on May 9 at Hansen Farm Road in Manassas to learn more about how individual actions can contribute toward a sustainable future.
