Free Composting Drop Now Offered at Great Barrington Transfer Station

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — In collaboration with Berkshire Compost, the town Transfer Station will now accept composted food waste from residents of Great Barrington and Housatonic. 
 
The program is free.
 
Compost is food waste that would otherwise end up in a landfill: scraps leftover from cooking or meals, cardboard and certain paper products. 
 
Composting food waste significantly reduces the garbage that heads to the landfill. Compost is filled with nutrients used in farming and agriculture to fertilize soil.
 
"Composting is a natural, sustainable way to recycle food waste, it is used to build healthy soil for gardening and agriculture," said Rebecca Jurczyk, health agent for the Great Barrington Board of Health. "Composting is easy and helps to replenish our nutrient depleted soils."
 
Transfer station hours are Friday, 8 a.m. – 3  p.m., Saturday, 7 a.m.-3 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
 
Accepted compost includes:
  • Fruit & vegetable peels
  • Dairy, eggs, grains, bread
  • Meat, fish, poultry
  • Bones, shells
  • Soiled cardboard
  • Napkins, paper towels
 
Not accepted:
  • Compostable-ware
  • Coffee cups, wrappers
  • Plastic, metal, glass
  • Berkshire Compost is a commercial composting company serving Southern Berkshire towns.
 
The composting program is a project of the Board of Health, which received funding from the Berkshire Public Health Appliance to pilot the program for one year.

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Berkshire Waldorf School Annual Holiday Handcraft Fair

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Berkshire Waldorf School, formerly Great Barrington Rudolf Steiner School, invites the community to its 52nd Annual Holiday Handcraft Fair on Saturday, Nov. 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 35 West Plain Road.
 
The event features handmade gifts, activities, and entertainment for all ages, including puppet shows, craft-making, jump rope making, beeswax candle dipping, and more. Admission and parking are free. The event is rain or shine.
 
Highlights include:
  • The Little Peoples' Shop, where children can choose their own treasures.
  • The Handcraft Room with handmade goods and the Berkshire Country Store offering unique gifts and gourmet treats.
  • Rudy's Diner, featuring local food vendors including Authentic Eats by Oleg and Los Lopez Taco Truck, with vegetarian and gluten-free options.
  • A Waldorf puppet show and a Children's Craft Room for making personalized gifts.
  • A special Sweet Spot game with live music and a chance to win dessert.
  • Adults can enjoy the Auction Room, featuring premium local goods, handmade toys, and services, with online bidding available leading up to the event. The Raffle Room offers a variety of prizes, including a $1,000 grocery card and the annual Community Afghan.
All proceeds benefit Berkshire Waldorf School programs and students. For more information, visit berkshirewaldorfschool.org or call 413-528-4015.
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