Compost Giveaway Program

We are out of compost (bagged and loose). Please check back here in 2026.

New compost program

The program is a partnership with organic waste recycler, Agromin, to provide free compost to qualified residents within the City of Sacramento. The program is a way to give back to the community while meeting regulations required by Senate Bill 1383

The compost is made from organic material that would otherwise end up in landfills. By participating in this program, you are playing an important role in closing the recycling loop, allowing more room in landfills and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Plus, you’ll enjoy more vigorous and healthier plants and gardens.

Compost giveaway program open_in_full

Use compost in your garden or potted plants

How to get free compost (loose)

The giveaway program has ended for 2025. Please check back here in 2026.

How to get free compost (bagged)

The giveaway program has ended for 2025. Please check back here in 2026.

Organics life cycle open_in_full

Recycled food scraps become compost

What is compost used for?

Compost is an excellent way to provide essential nutrients for vegetables, flowers, and fruit trees and can reduce or eliminate the need for chemical fertilizers. Using compost can also reduce water use and help improve soil health.

See below for how to use it in your garden, lawn, or potted plants.

How do I use compost?

 Our bagged compost contains Mother Land® All Purpose Planting Mix which creates the perfect soil conditions to promote plant health and vigor in all outdoor planting applications. Mother Land® is great for many projects in the garden. It’s the perfect mix for large outdoor containers, use as an amendment for planting trees, shrubs, bare root planting, flowers & vegetables.

Compost can be used in the below ways:

  • Use it as a soil amendment: Mix compost into your garden soil to improve its structure, fertility, and water-holding capacity. For best results, add a layer of compost to your garden beds in the fall or early spring, and mix it in with a garden fork or tiller.
  • Use it as a top dressing: Spread a thin layer of compost over your lawn, garden beds, or potted plants to provide a slow-release source of nutrients. Be sure to avoid smothering the plants’ stems or crowns.
  • Make compost tea: Steep a handful of compost in a bucket of water for a few days, stirring occasionally, to create a nutrient-rich liquid fertilizer. Dilute the compost tea with water and use it to water your plants. Use it as a seed starting mix:
  • Mix compost with vermiculite or perlite to create a nutrient-rich seed starting mix that promotes healthy seedling growth.

 

From curbside to compost open_in_full

The cycle from curbside to compost

FAQs

How much product is 15 cubic yards? 1 cubic yard equals about 1 standard truck bed. 15 cubic yards will fill about 1 bobtail truck.

What kind of vehicle should I bring to pick-up at the yard? Trucks or trailers only. Staff will help load your truck or trailer using heavy equipment. (Cars will not be loaded)

15 cubic yards = 1 bobtail truck open_in_full
1 cubic yard = 1 truck bed open_in_full

1 truck bed

How much compost do I need? 

A half cubic yard covers about 50 square feet with a 3-inch depth.

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