Compost Giveaway Events & Resources
Compost Giveaway Events
Have you ever wondered what happens after you toss yard trimmings and food scraps into your green bin? That organic waste is collected and brought to the Miramar Greenery (located at the Miramar Landfill) where it is turned into compost! This compost is available at no cost to residents of the City of San Diego and can be picked up during normal business hours. To increase opportunities for residents to pick up compost, the City of San Diego and I Love A Clean San Diego are partnering to host Compost Giveaways on select weekends.
Get your hands on some nutrient-rich compost for your garden at no cost. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this event is perfect for anyone looking to give their plants a boost. Swing by and grab some compost to help your garden thrive!
Compost Giveaway Event
Date: Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024
Time: 8 a.m. to noon
Location: Sun Runner Lot in Mission Bay
What is Compost and Why Do We Need It?
Compost is a beneficial soil amendment that:
- Adds Life to the Soil: Increases soil organisms that help plants and ecosystem grow strong and get the water and air they need.
- Reduces Erosion: Helps bind and stabilize the soil.
- Recycles Nutrients: Makes it easier for plants to get the nutrients they need from the soil.
- Stores Carbon: Provides energy and other benefits to plants and organisms. The carbon is absorbed in the soil and keeps it out of the atmosphere helping to reduce the effects of climate change.
- Saves Water: Helps soil hold more water and drain better, so plants can handle drier conditions and use less water.
- Cuts Down on Chemicals: Means you don’t need as much fertilizer, herbicides or pesticides - saving you money and helping the environment.
How Organic Waste Recycling, Compost and Climate Change Relates to You
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, organic waste accounts for a significant portion of California’s waste stream. Left to decompose in landfills, the organic waste releases methane and contributes to climate change. Organic waste in landfills also emits air pollutants such as fine particulate matter (PM 2.5), which contributes to health conditions like asthma. To address this issue, Senate Bill 1383 (SB 1383) was signed into law and targets the reduction of pollutants, including methane. Cities throughout California must meet the new reduction limits through organic waste reduction and recycling.
Term descriptions:
- Climate Change: Refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. Such shifts can be natural, due to changes in the sun’s activity or large volcanic eruptions. But since the 1800s, human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas.
- Climate Change Mitigation: Measures to reduce the severity of climate change impacts. For example, recycling organic waste reduces greenhouse gas emissions and the carbon in compost is stored in the soil.
- Resilience & Adaptation: Ways in which we adapt to current conditions already here due to climate change, such as rising temperatures, drought and more frequent and intense wildfires.
Mitigation | Resilience & Adaption |
Reduce climate change contributing methane gas. | Increase water conservation and plant nutrients. |
Sequester soil carbon. | Increase beneficial soil microbiology. |
Increase plant carbon. | Increase whole system resilience. |
The Soil Amendment Climate Change Connection
Instead of organic waste being turned into methane in landfills, it can be processed into a climate change combating soil amendment.
Infographic above from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Infographic above by the Community Environmental Council
How is Compost Made?
Compost is made by processing organic materials (living or once living materials), such as yard trimmings, food scraps and food-soiled paper. At the City’s Miramar Greenery composting facility, we process organic waste by adding air and water to help the microorganisms break down our organic material. The microorganisms release energy producing high heat which significantly reduces pathogens, weed seeds, pesticides and herbicides in the finished compost.
How and When Do You Use Compost?
Compost is most beneficial when used consistently over time – create a calendar or reminder to apply compost at least twice a year (such as in Spring and Fall).
- Raised Beds & Pots: Mix 1 part compost to 4 parts soil media (such as sand, perlite and potting mix).
- Top Dress: bushes and trees* with 1-2 inches of compost and water it in.
- Turf Top Dress: Apply up to ¼ inch of compost over grass and water it in.
- Seedings and Propagation: Mix 1 part compost to 6 parts soil media (such as sand, perlite and potting mix).
*Do not apply compost or mulch directly to the base or trunk of trees or plants.
Free Compost and Mulch at the Miramar Greenery
City of San Diego residents may self-load up to 2 cubic yards* of compost and 4-inch mulch from the Miramar Greenery for FREE with proof of residency. For more information on Miramar Greenery products and pick-up, visit the Miramar Greenery webpage.
*2 cubic yards are about 2 bathtubs full of material.
Backyard Composting
Guide & Supplies
Learn how to make your own compost by reading our helpful guide. A compost bin can be made from materials found around the house or by purchasing materials from a local supplier.
Compost bins and piles are high in nutrients that can cause bacteria to grow in our stormwater system. Be sure to protect compost piles and bins from runoff with berms or other preventive measures to stop contaminated water from reaching the storm drain system and local waterways.
Composting with Worms Videos
Composting with worms is one of several ways to compost your food scraps at home and can be an ideal method for those with limited space. Learn more about setting up your own worm bin and maintaining it with the following videos.
Composting Activities for Kids
Composting is a great place to start to engage little ones in learning more about the soil beneath our feet, how plants and the food we eat grows and how to prevent waste with proper sorting knowledge. Here are some fun activities for young environmental stewards!
- What Goes Where - Learn what goes into the compost, recycling or landfill bins by carefully cutting along the dotted outline of each of the cutouts.
- Wormy Ways Maze - Help the worm friend make their way to their compost bin home with this maze!
- Wormy Words - Learn about the process of composting and the various techniques and types with these three levels word searches.
Backyard Composting Hotline
Do you need help getting started composting at home or need troubleshooting assistance?
Contact our composting expert partner, Solana Center for Environmental Innovation, and get all your questions answered!
- Call the FREE Climate Solutions Hotline at 760-436-7986 Ext. 700, or
- Email info@solanacenter.org
Have Questions?
Get more information and assistance by contacting the Environmental Services Department at sdrecyclingworks@sandiego.gov or 858-694-7000.