The City of Sacramento now is offering free compost to residents to help enhance soil fertility and promote sustainable practices. This program aligns with California State Senate Bill 1383‘s mandate to lower greenhouse gas emissions by recycling organic waste.
The compost provided stems from the organic material collected weekly from homes through the City’s curbside container program, which includes food scraps and yard waste.
How to get compost
Residents seeking large quantities of compost can place an order through Agromin, one of the City’s compost processors, using a coupon code available on the compost program website.
The minimum order is half a cubic yard, equivalent to about one standard pickup truck bed. A truck or trailer is required for pickup. For those preferring delivery, the minimum amount is three cubic yards, with a delivery fee of $150 per order. Households are limited to two orders or up to six cubic yards per year, whether for pickup or delivery.
For those needing smaller quantities, bagged compost is available by appointment at a City facility in South Sacramento. Residents can pick up to 10 bags, each weighing approximately 37 pounds. Appointments are mandatory and can be made online. Residents must load the bags into their vehicles themselves.
Using the compost
Compost can be used in various ways to enhance soil quality and plant health:
- Soil amendment: Mix compost into garden soil to improve structure, fertility, and water retention.
- Top dressing: Spread a thin layer over lawns, garden beds, or potted plants to provide slow-release nutrients.
- Compost tea: Steep a handful of compost in water for a few days to create a nutrient-rich liquid fertilizer. Dilute and use it to water plants.
- Seed starting mix: Combine compost with vermiculite or perlite to create a mix that supports healthy seedling growth.
The compost is available while supplies last. For more information and to make appointments, visit SacRecycle.org.