Ever wanted to compost at home, but been worried it will be messy — or worse, stinky?

Dispelling myths is just one of the topics that will be covered by the Green Action Centre during a series of free backyard composting workshops.

Centre staffer Sylvie Hébert said fears about odour or mess play a big role.

"That’s usually why people don’t start, because they don’t have enough information," she said.

Despite the myths, interest in composting has increased as people become more aware of environmental issues, she said.

"They want to make a difference," she said, adding composting is a lot easier than people think.

She added people also may be more interested in learning about composting as the city makes its switch to rolling garbage bins for residential waste.

"It makes people think about how much they throw out," she said.

Most of the workshops will be held after the city’s compost  bin sale on Sat., May 12.

Participants will learn about the benefits of composting, how to get started, some key factors to success, and how to use finished compost.

Workshops will be held:

• Tues., May 8 from noon to 1 p.m. at Millenium Library, 251 Donald St.

•  Mon., May 14 from 7 to 8 p.m. at Henderson Library, 1050 Henderson Hwy.

•  Tues., May 15 from 7 to 8 p.m. at EcoCentre, 303 Portage Ave.

•  Wed., May 16 from 7 to 8 p.m., St. Boniface Library, 131 Provencher Blvd. Session to be held in French.

•  Thurs., May 17 from 7 to 8 p.m., St. James Library, 1910 Portage Ave.

•  Tues., May 22 from 7 to 8 p.m., Louis Riel Library, 1168 Dakota St.

•  Thurs., May 24 from 7 to 8 p.m., Sir William Stephenson Library, 765 Keewatin Street

The Green Action Centre will also be holding a free vermicomposting workshop on the evening of Thurs., May 10. The workshop will take place at the Green Action Centre, located on the 3rd floor of the Mountain Equipment Co-op building, 303 Portage Ave.

Participants have the option of purchasing a worm bin kit for $64.

To register for any of the workshops, visit http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/compost-workshop-registration/

Visit  www.winnipeg.ca/waterandwaste/recycle/composting.stm to learn more about the city’s compost bin sale.

arielle.godbout@canstarnews.com