Ever wonder what happens to everything you put in your green organic cart at home or work? For residents and businesses in the RethinkWaste service area, that compost is sent to two commercial composting facilities where it naturally biodegrades (breaks down) back into a soil-like product, which we call finished compost. Finished compost is a helpful soil amendment, jam-packed full of nutrients your plants need. See a video about this compost transformation here.
We close the loop by giving this compost back to our community at no cost. Happy gardening! Click one of the below items to find more information about our free compost program.
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Free Compost for Residents
Residents in the RethinkWaste service area can pick up free compost year-round from the Shoreway Environmental Center located at 333 Shoreway Road in San Carlos.
All Transfer Station visitors will be required to use masks/face coverings and observe all local mandated social distancing measures while on site.
Transfer Station hours of operation can be found here. Enter through Gate 1 and follow signs for the Transfer Station. Proof of residency is required in the form of an identification card or a utility bill. No appointment is needed.
Residents can take up to two 50-lb bags of finished compost each week. Limit two bags per visit. Bags and shovels are provided, but residents must load the compost themselves.
This service is for residents only, not for commercial use.
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Free Compost for Schools and Community Groups
Schools, gardens and community groups in the RethinkWaste service area can receive a large quantity of compost at no cost, either to be picked-up or delivered. Schools and community groups can pick-up as many as five 50-lb bags from the Shoreway Environmental Center or have between 10-20 cubic yards delivered, per school year.
A representative from your school or community group will need to fill out this School and Community Group Compost Giveaway Flyer and Request Form. Send the completed request form to tours@rethinkwaste.org for approval. Please note, delivery requests require two weeks’ notice.
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Community Giveaway Events
RethinkWaste, Recology San Mateo County and our Member Agencies team up to give away compost in your neighborhood! Residents in participating communities may pick up compost at no cost at select locations while supplies last (amount varies by community). Bring shovels, gloves, containers, and proof of residency to pick up your compost.
Find compost events on the main RethinkWaste.org website.