Earth Machine composters will be on sale at less than half of the normal retail price on Saturday, October 3rd, at the West Town Mall parking lot, at the Morrel Rd. entrance, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., while supplies last.

The bins will be sold for $40.00, tax included (cash, checks, VISA, MC).

1,000 residents actively composting can divert 600,000 lbs of organic waste from going to local landfills per year.

"We are offering the Earth Machine at a discounted price to encourage residents to compost table scraps, grass and leaves so that we can reduce the volume of yard debris and trash that is picked up and taken to the landfill," said John Homa, City Solid Waste Project Manager.

With the application of compost to gardens, watering bills are reduced by up to 30 percent and the need for chemical fertilizers is lessened, Homa noted. The Earth Machine composter is a convenient, no turning required receptacle. The lid locks securely on top, and the compost is easily harvested though a sliding door at the bottom. The dimensions are 33 inches high and 33 inches in diameter, with a 10.5 cubic ft. capacity. The strong but light recycled plastic construction, and simple snap-together assembly, will ensure it fits into an automobile.

Sponsors and partners of the event are The City of Knoxville Public Service Department, Knox County Solid Waste Office, West Town Mall and, Norseman Plastics, and B97.5.