Free compost is available for Sonoma County residents every year. Collaborating with the municipalities, community volunteers, and partner organizations, Zero Waste Sonoma organizes compost giveaway events throughout the County. The compost is certified USDA organic, OMRI listed, CDFA listed, and is produced from local facilities that process material collected from residential green carts. The compost does not contain biosolids or manure. Compost is usually delivered in bulk, and residents are asked to bring their own containers and shovels. Residents are welcome to attend any of the events around the County, but we encourage residents to go to the ones closest to them to reduce vehicular greenhouse gas emissions.
The compost will come from one of three facilities. For more information about the compost, including testing data sheets, refer to their websites below.
DISCLAIMER: The compost is available for free, on a first-come, first-served basis, “as is” and with all faults. Zero Waste Sonoma makes no warranty or guarantee, either express or implied, that the compost will be effective, useful, or safe in any manner. By attending the event, you are participating at your own risk. People will load compost into their vehicles using shovels and other equipment and cars will frequently stop. Please drive slowly and proceed with caution. Volunteers are available to assist you with loading compost.
Related topics:
Compost rebate
Compost for the Climate
Home Composting
SB 1383 Short-Lived Climate Pollutants Law
Starting in 2024, residents in Sonoma County are welcome to pick up compost from permanent hubs, which will be stocked year-round. Opening hours vary depending on location. More locations to come.
Children's Museum of Sonoma County
1835 W Steele Ln, Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Open Tuesdays 9a-12p
Cotati Veronda Falletti Ranch
175 W Sierra Ave, Cotati, CA 94931
No appointment necessary on the first weekend of every month, 10a-12p
Appointments on alternate days available through the Cotati Rec Desk. Filter by location, "Veronda-Falletti Ranch," and category, "General".
Healdsburg Badger Park (east of community gardens)
750 Heron Dr, Healdsburg, CA 95448
Open from dawn to dusk
Event in Petaluma
Event in Cloverdale
Event in Sebastopol
Compost donations are also available for non-profit farms, educational gardens (e.g., schools), or habitat restoration on a case by case basis. Please reach out to Xinci at xinci.tan@sonoma-county.org with an explanation of your need, how much compost you'd like, and where the compost should be delivered. Minimum 20 cubic yards required for delivery.
