Compost Giveaway - RethinkWaste

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 goes through a process where it 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.

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.

Free compost for residents

Free compost for schools & community groups

Community Giveaway Events

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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.

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 have a 15-minute window each week to take as much finished compost as desired. Bags and shovels may be available, but please bring your own shovels and buckets just in case. Residents are responsible for loading 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 get large amounts of compost at no cost, either by picking it up or having it delivered. Groups have a 15-minute weekly window to take as much finished compost as desired from the Shoreway Environmental Center, or they can request one delivery of 10–20 cubic yards 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. You may also request a PDF of the form to complete by hand and scan. Please email [email protected].

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.