Dig this 🌱

The beginner’s guide to composting in Austin

One person’s organic trash is another person’s composting treasure. | Photo by ATXtoday

Ready to begin composting? We’ve got the dirt on how to get started, plus the best compost bin for your needs.

What is composting?

Composting is the process of decomposing organic matter — like leaves, food scraps, and yard trimmings. You reap what you sow: The result is a dark, nutrient-heavy material, like soil, that you can use to enrich your lawn or garden.

How do you get started?

Find a dry and shady spot in your backyard to build your compost pile. Be patient — composting can take several months.

If you don’t want a pile of decomposing waste in your backyard, try a compost bin. Here’s some options we’ve bin eyeing:

For beginners | Try it out before you commit. This bin is easy to clean and is perfect for collecting scraps on your counter.
For style icons | Composting, but make it cute. Just don’t mistake this odor-free bin for your cookie jar.
For the serious gardener | This 43-gallon container rotates — no more mixing compost by hand — and has two chambers so you can add fresh waste while the older batch finishes up.
For the landscaper | If you plan to compost mostly yard waste, this open-top bin is a good alternative to a pile.

Can you compost without a backyard?

If you’re an apartment-dweller or simply don’t have the backyard space, you might want to give worm composting a try. Simply purchase a special bin and some worms, and let your new squirmy pets feast on your scraps.

The City of Austin also offers curbside composting services — learn more about setting it up at your home.

WHAT CAN'T YOU COMPOST?

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Tuesday, Feb. 28

ATX Open | Now-Sunday, March 5 | Times vary | Westwood Country Club , 3808 W. 35th St., Austin | $20-$1,500 | Catch Austin’s only professional tour-level women’s tennis tournament.
Adam Rubin: “The Human Kaboom” | Tuesday, Feb. 28 | 6 p.m. | BookPeople, 603 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin | Free | Celebrate the release of “The Human Kaboom” with a discussion, reading, Q+A, and book signing.
John Mellencamp | Tuesday, Feb. 28 | 8 p.m. | Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Dr., Austin | $49.50-$299 | Dance to the “Jack and Diane” singer-songwriter live.

Wednesday, March 1

“Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” | Wednesday, Mar. 1 | 5 p.m. | Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 Congress Ave., Austin | $12-$15 | This new Marvel movie screening is sure to be a visual feast.

Thursday, March 2

Texas Independence Day Party | Thursday, Mar. 2 | 5-10 p.m. | The Volstead, 1502 E. 6th St., Austin | Free | Learn how to two step and take in performances from Rattlesnake Milk and Boi Orbison on the anniversary of Texas’ independence.
MANIA: The ABBA Tribute | Thursday, Mar. 2 | 8 p.m. | ACL Live, 310 W. Willie Nelson Blvd., Austin | $27-$49 | It’s all hits, all night at this tribute concert.

Friday, March 3

Jo’s Puppy Party with AHS | Friday, Mar. 3 | Times vary | 1000 E. 41st St., Austin | Free | Pet adoptable puppies and drink for a cause — 10% of sales will benefit the Austin Humane Society.
Buddy Guy Damn Right Farewell Tour | Friday, Mar. 3 | 7 p.m. | ACL Live, 310 W. Willie Nelson Blvd., Austin | $69-$109 | Grammy Award-winning blues artist Buddy Guy is celebrating his seventh No. 1 album, “The Blues Don’t Lie.”

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather

87º | Partly cloudy | 2% chance of rain

Civic

Austin City Council requested more crossings, fewer 18-wheeler routes, and limited frontage road speed limits in TxDOT’s plans to revamp I-35 through downtown, among other changes. Here’s a refresher on the plan as it currently stands. 🚧 (Austin Monitor)
Austin’s annual [RE]verse Pitch Competition returns this Wednesday, March 1. The competition, in which local businesses pitch innovative ideas for waste reduction, lasts several weeks and rewards four winners with $4,000 and additional resources. ♻️

Award

Sir Woman took home “Band of the Year” at the 2023 Austin Music Awards. Other notable wins include Adrian Quesada as “Musician of the Year” and Die Spitz as “Best New Act” — see the full list of winners. 🏆 (Austin Chronicle)

Edu

Students at South Austin’s Harmony School of Excellence will compete in a national drone flying championship in May. The school’s 14-member drone club is currently fundraising for $3,000 in travel expenses. (KXAN)

Festival

Eric André, Chelsea Handler, and Abbi Jacobson will headline the SXSW Comedy Festival next month, the organization announced yesterday. See the full lineup.

Coming Soon

Three words: vegan hot chicken. Nashville-based Hattie B’s has plans to pop up twice in Austin during SXSW — first, an all-vegan collaboration with Meati, and second, for a music showcase with Oh Boy Records. 🍗 (Eater Austin)

DYK

Did you know local stars Spoon, Shakey Graves, and Nanci Griffith have all performed at the Hole in the Wall? Since its opening in 1974, the bar has become a go-to live music venue for some of Austin’s biggest musicians. Learn more about its history. (Austin Monthly)

Ranked

Austin is the No. 19 best US city to retire in, according to a new ranking by rental analysis company Zumper. The 512 is the third-highest Texas city on the list, falling behind No. 6 San Antonio and No. 8 El Paso. 🏘

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Let’s get fiscal

Filing your taxes in Austin, TX

Don’t let tax season be a stressor — these resources can help. | Photo via Unsplash

For better or worse, it’s that time of year again — tax season. Before you stress, we’re here to share some guidance for filing.

First and foremost, see the IRS’s list of up-to-date tax tips. It covers frequently asked questions like understanding business travel deductions and how military members and their families can receive help with their taxes at no cost.

Austin is also home to these local tax resources:

Free tax prepping resources are available with the United Way of Greater Austin.
Schedule an appointment for free tax help with Foundation Communities.
The IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax assistance for those who qualify.

Ready to get started filing your taxes? File online with H&R Block’s four different filing options, from free to Premium. Or, file with a tax pro’s help. Don’t forget, the last day to file your taxes is Tuesday, April 18.*

GET FILING

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by London.

Editor’s pick: I’ve been listening to albums by Austin Music Awards winners, and I don’t know if y’all knew this, but we have great musicians in ATX. Who else should add to my playlist? 🎶

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Your guide to making the most of SXSW this year.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Laura Figi, London Gibson, Britt Thorson, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Camille McLeod | Advertise with us.

Content marked with an * was created in partnership with 6AM City’s advertising partners. Paid content helps keep this newsletter free. 6AM City may also receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter.

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