Marian and I are going to the City Give-Back center tomorrow to see what materials are available. We will most likely have our next meeting there on Saturday, Oct. 24, at 1:30 PM, so you can pick up materials for Fall garden enrichment. Marian will discuss compost: what is it? Make it, buy it, pick it up free?
Materials Give Back Program
Providing compost, woodchips, and chipstone to city residents free of charge
The Materials Give Back Program is a "green" way that the City of Rochester provides various recycled materials to city residents free of charge. Individuals use these materials for household landscaping or other improvement projects. For example, after leaves are collected at curbside, they are treated and offered to the public as compost. Holiday trees are sent through a wood chipper and converted into mulch; a material perfect for flowerbeds or other landscaping projects (note: mulch is not suitable for vegetable gardens). Scrap wood and brush is collected and ground or chipped and returned to residents as wood chips. Finally, excess chipstone from the City's chip seal program, buildable fill, and scrap lumber pieces are returned to the public for their use.Â

How can I take advantage of the program?
Availability of materials changes often. Before you come (or to request a large amount of material), call 311 to see what is currently being offered. From outside city limits, call (585) 428-5990.
The Give Back Center is open seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 7Â p.m. at the Solid Waste Collection facility on Ferrano Street, near Colfax Street.

We can meet at 79 Enterprise St. first, then go to Colfax St. More info to come.