The Recycling and Waste Reduction District of Porter County (RWRD) is inviting residents to mark International Compost Awareness Week—Monday, May 6, through Saturday, May 11–by visiting its Valparaiso or Portage compost sites, according to the Town of Chesterton Facebook page.

During that week, RWRD will be offering free loading of compost and mulch for Porter County residents.

Non-residents will be charged a fee of $10 per cubic yard for compost.

Limit of 9 cubic yards a day per resident.

VALPARAISO COMPOST SITE: 2150 W. Lincolnway, Valparaiso. Loading hours for compost and mulch: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 12:30 to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

PORTAGE COMPOST SITE: 6451 U.S. 12. Loading hours for compost and mulch: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday; and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

“Composting is a resourceful method of recycling organic materials such as leaves and grass clippings, which create a nutrient-rich soil amendment,” the Town of Chesterton said on its Facebook page. “Compost can improve lawn and garden health, reduce soil erosion, keep waste out of landfills, and create carbon rich soil.”

For more information, go to PorterCountyRecycling.org or call 219-465-3694.