Residents can get some ideas on how to cut waste disposal costs during a free tour of the Mariposa County Compost Facility. The tour will be offered on Wednesday, Aug. 4 at 10 a.m. Groups as well as individuals are welcome. However, space is limited, and reservations are required. To make a reservation call 966- 5165 by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 3.

Participants will learn how their biodegradable garbage is transformed into a composted end product that is used as daily cover on the local landfill. They will also learn ways to reduce their waste, such as choosing products packaged in recycled and recyclable materials, thereby lowering their disposal costs and helping the compost facility to operate efficiently,

The compost facility is one component of the Mariposa County solid waste management system that also includes a recycling center, landfill and transfer stations. The facility is the first of its kind in California with an invessel composting system entirely enclosed within a building, including an air and odor control system and a water re-circulation system.

For more information about the facility and materials that are accepted for recycling in the county, go to www.mariposacounty. org/solid waste.