Composting and Organics

What is Composting?

Composting, nature's way of recycling, is the controlled decomposition of organic material such as leaves, twigs, grass clippings, and vegetable food scraps. Compost is the valuable, nutrient-rich soil product that results from proper composting. Composting helps to keep the high volume of organic material out of our landfills and turns that material into a useful product. Proper management of yard trimmings reduces the nutrient runoff to wetlands and the Bay, thereby promoting better water quality. Additionally, applying compost puts organic resources into the soil, providing a non-chemical alternative to fertilizers. Curbside yard trimming collection is available to residents, compost is made available at periodic events, and backyard and worm composting are also options.

Free Compost

Compost Giveaway

Foster City offers Compost Giveaway events multiple times each year. The compost is created from residents' yard trimmings collected and composted by Recology San Mateo County. Foster City residents can take up to one (1) cubic yard of compost (equivalent to six full garbage cans), free of charge. Bring shovels, gloves, and containers to the event. View our Green Events flyer for information about scheduled events.

Free Compost Year Round at Shoreway Environmental Center

Foster City residents can now get free compost year-round at the Shoreway Environmental Center by going to the scale house (accessible via Gate 1) and showing proof of residency in the form of a utility bill or identification card. Residents fill and load the bags themselves, and shovels are provided. Limits apply and compost is available while supplies last. The free compost is for residents only, not for commercial use.

Free Compost for Foster City Schools

Any school in Foster City that is planning a garden project or landscaping project is qualified to receive up to five 50-pound bags of compost or up to 20 cubic yards of compost per school year. Learn more about how to obtain free compost for your school here.

Free Composting Workshops

Learn how to compost or vermicompost (compost with worms) so that you can turn your yard and kitchen scraps into a valuable resource. Learn the magic of using the finished product in your garden, potted plants, or lawn. Free home composting workshops and discounted compost and worm bins are available through the Office of Sustainability, a program of the County of San Mateo. Click here to view the upcoming compost workshops. To learn more about discounted compost and worm bins, visit the City's Compost Bin Incentive Program page.

Mulch

Mulch is any material spread evenly over the surface of the soil to enhance the growth of plants and the appearance of the landscape. Learn how to save money, control weeds, and create healthy landscapes with mulch. Find out more about the benefits of mulch in the Guide to Mulch, at Rescape California's website www.rescapeca.org or in CalRecycle's Compost and Mulch Use Toolbox.