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Environmental Services

Backyard Composting

We are committed to providing residents easy and affordable access to composting resources and education in order to achieve greater diversion of organics entering the landfill.

Compost Bin Voucher Program

The Compost Bin Voucher Program is year-round and provides City of San Diego residents with a discount on one of three styles of compost bins. One voucher per household, proof of residency required, while supplies last.

Applications can be picked up at a Dixieline Lumber and Home Center location within City limits or through this link Compost Bin Voucher Application (Online Form) or PDF icon Printable Compost Bin Voucher Application.

Review our PDF icon Compost Bin Feature Overview to help you decide which compost bin is a good fit for your home.

Soil-saver compost bin    composting bin for vermicomposting (worms)    Tumbling compost bin

Master Composter Course & FREE Workshops

Visit our Calendar of Events page to sign up for a FREE upcoming workshop, or find out when our annual Master Composter Course takes place. 

Guides & Supplies

Learn how to make your own compost by reading our helpful guides. A compost bin can be acquired through our compost bin voucher program, but can also 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 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!

Printable Activity Sheets

  • PDF icon 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.
  • PDF icon Wormy Ways Maze - Help the worm friend make their way to their compost bin home with this maze!
  • PDF icon Wormy Words - Learn about the process of composting and the various techniques and types with these three levels word searches.

Instructional Videos

Need Assistance

Do you need free help or have questions getting started with your new compost bin or have issues composting at home? Contact sdrecyclingworks@sandiego.gov.