Reducing the amount of waste that goes to landfill has a number of benefits, including lessening landfill space, management costs and methane gas emissions.

Up to 40 per cent of the waste that currently goes to landfill is food scraps.

Most of this waste can be composted at home and significantly reduce the impact on the environment.

In the Composting and Worm Farming Workshop, residents will learn how to:

* Create wonderful, rich compost, the basis of any great garden;

* A number of different ways to compost, including a practical session creating a compost heap from freely obtainable resources;

* Worm farming and how to use "worm tea" and "worm castings"; and

* How to create your own worm farm from "waste" products.

The workshop on Saturday, May 18, from 9am until 1pm, will also provide free lunch and morning tea.

Bookings are essential as places are limited.

But, bring a hat and closed shoes.

Compost bins are also available from council for $40.

For more information or to reserve your spot, contact council's Sustainability Unit on 6549 3700 or email Sustainability@muswellbrook.nsw.gov.au