Free Compost for Foster City Residents

For immediate release: September 8, 2022 

Contact: Public Works Department, (650) 286-3270, publicworks@fostercity.org

Back by popular demand and in appreciation of resident participation in the CartSMART yard trimmings and organics collection program, RethinkWaste, Recology, and the City of Foster City have teamed up to give away free compost on Saturday, October 1, 2022, from 8 AM to 5 PM, or as long as supplies last. The event will take place at Boat Park, which is located at the intersection of Foster City Boulevard and Bounty Drive.

Residents may take up to 1 cubic yard of compost at no charge (about six full garbage cans). Please bring shovels, gloves, and containers.

In addition to this giveaway event, Foster City residents are reminded that they can get free compost any time at Shoreway Environmental Center. Go to the scale house (accessible via Gate 1) and show proof of residency to be directed to the Transfer Station.  Up to two three-cubic feet empty paper bags will be provided to transport the compost. Residents need to fill and load the bags themselves. Shovels are provided. 

Close the recycling loop by using compost. The compost at this give-away event is made from organic material that is collected at the curb and composted at a local composting facility. Compost is the valuable, nutrient-rich soil product that results from the controlled decomposition of organic material. Compost is used as an amendment to enrich soil for lawns, gardens, ornamental plants, trees, and potted plants. 

To learn to compost at home, attend a free home composting workshop offered by San Mateo County.  Learn more here: www.smcsustainability.org/climate-change/sustainability-academy/home-compost-workshops.

The South Bayside Waste Management Authority/RethinkWaste is a regional agency, formed in 1982 to help local communities manage and reduce waste. To learn more about SBWMA RethinkWaste, please visit www.RethinkWaste.org.

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