Need Compost? Here's Where To Get It For Free In San Mateo County

SAN MATEO, CA — The City of San Mateo is celebrating international compost week by informing the community and giving away free compost May 10 at Phoenix Gardens.

“We’re thrilled to provide residents with nutrient-rich compost, free plant starts, and hands-on sustainability tips all while cultivating community and environmental stewardship,” said Christina Horrisberger, San Mateo assistant city manager who oversees sustainability initiatives. “The city offers free compost throughout the year, and this event is a fun, engaging way to inspire more people to take advantage of this valuable resource.”

It will be first-come, first-served while supplies last at Phoenix Gardens located at 222 Paul Scannel Dr., and visitors are asked to bring their own compost containers and reusable bags or boxes for plants and seeds.

California wants the average resident to produce 5.8 pounds of garbage each day and the average employee to produce 13.3 pounds each day, according to a press release.

The City of San Mateo stated each of its residents currently produce an average of 3.9 pounds per day and employees produce 7.6 pounds. The City of San Mateo also claims that nearly three-quarter of all debris produced in San Mateo is sent to recycling, compost or alternative fuel instead of landfills.